Albert Howard Weeks

Christopher Rees
Albert Howard Weeks, 1982
Bronze, stainless steel, concrete, 275 x 121 x 121 centimetres

Albert Howard Weeks
July 1, 1917 - December 10, 1990

A native of Montreal, Bert Weeks moved with his wife Sheila and their young family to Windsor in 1946 and opened a watch repair business (later, Bert Weeks Jewellers). Concerned with the well being of his adopted city, Bert quickly initiated what would become forty years of community involvement.

During his many years as an elected official, including eight as mayor (1975-1982), Bert, a passionate gardener, promoted the benefits of urban green spaces. He championed the development of Windsor's waterfront into a connected chain of parklands. He also spearheaded the creation of nine Windsor parks, including the Ojibway Prairie Complex, Ganatchio Trail, and the Windsor Trail - a walk/cycle corridor, which will eventually encircle the city.

Part of Bert's vision for Windsor was a strong economy. One of his major accomplishments in this regard was lobbying the government to invest $65 million to bring the Ford Essex Plant to Windsor.

A humanitarian, Bert helped resettle Hungarian refugees escaping the Communist uprising in 1956, and continued through the decades to assist other displaced persons, including Vietnamese Boat People in 1976. He was also instrumental in coordinating social services for the unemployed.

Following his retirement as mayor, Bert actively served on various agencies and boards including the Windsor Housing Authority, the Windsor Utilities Commission, the Children's Aid Society, and the Windsor Harbour Commission.

This beautiful park serves as a fitting tribute to a man who believed in making the world a better place. Bert's loving children Carolyn, Barbara, Howard, Brenda, Elaine, and Douglas, grandchildren, great grandchildren, step-children, and his second wife Sheelagh, are honoured and proud to have these magnificent gardens as a monument to his memory and his life.

The bronze bust was sculpted by Christopher Rees to commemorate Bert's retirement from the Mayor's Office in 1982.