Allow us to introduce the Linklater family! Family members are Kristy and Ray, and their children Emma (7) and Logan (4).

“Always Stay Humble and Kind:" The Linklaters feel it’s important to teach their children kindness and acceptance towards everyone. They do their best to practice it at home with each other and extend it to their friends and classmates. Life may not always go the way you thought it would, but stay humble and kindness to others will always carry you through!

Ray and Kristy were set up by a family member who Kristy worked with at the time, and who thought they would be a great match. This friendly matchmaker held a BBQ for the May long weekend and invited Ray and Kristy to attend. Like most set-ups, it felt awkward at first, but that meeting was enough to spark an official date, and the rest, as they say, is history! Kristy and Ray were married at National Pines Golf Course on September 19, 2009, and are celebrating fourteen years together, nine as a married couple.

Both of their kids lead active lifestyles and enjoy a great balance between sports and arts. They both attend Minesing Elementary School and absolutely love the school, teachers and the many friends they have made already. In school, Emma loves and excels in math, drama and music. Kristy shares, “She is extremely lucky to have a teacher who encourages Emma’s musical interest by playing the piano and guitar as part of her daily lessons." Outside of school, Emma is enrolled in dance, taking both Acro and Tap this year. Emma also enjoys swimming and soccer in the summer.

“Logan is the comedian of the family,” says Kristy. He has the ability to make everyone laugh with his wacky sense of humour and physical comedy. Logan is in Junior Kindergarten and enjoys learning how to spell, count and arts and crafts. He is especially excited to show the family when he has met his goals at school and brought something home from the treasure chest as a reward! Because they just moved here last fall, they anticipated it might have been harder for Logan to adjust to elementary school, but he has fit in well with his new kindergarten family. Outside of school, Logan is very into sports. He loves to play ball hockey, soccer and ride his bike with his friends

The Linklaters have one pet, a Goldendoodle named Beau. Beau will be turning one in May 2018. They searched for a long time to find the right fur member to add to the family, and now they cannot imagine their life without Beau. He has the sweetest personality, he loves affection and to be with the family, and will be the first to steal their food! With lots of energy to burn, the Linklaters are often found at the park, throwing the ball for Beau or exploring a trail around the neighbourhood. Like Logan, Beau loves to play ball hockey. Kristy jokes, “Beau is the referee because whenever we play, it’s a task to try and get the ball around Beau and not have him steal it and take it to the net!”

Hockey and baseball top the list of the family’s favourite sports to watch and play. Ray is a true Toronto Maple Leafs fan, and in the summer they love to cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays. The Linklaters are also lucky enough to have a family cottage in Muskoka on Lake Rosseau and love to spend their time there in the summer swimming, tubing behind the boat or enjoying time on the dock.

For the past two years, they have been lucky enough to visit Florida to escape the cold winter weather. Both times they visited Walt Disney World. Kristy shared, “It’s such a magical place; you really need to go there a couple of times to get all the attractions in.”  This year they lucked out with amazing weather the whole time, and really got time to relax from their everyday busy lives and enjoy their time together.

The Linklaters live right in the village of Minesing on Foyston Park Circle. They just moved to the house last October (2017). They have always loved Springwater and Minesing in particular, so when they saw an opportunity to make it their home they jumped on it. Ray spent his childhood years in Minesing as his dad lived in a home on George Johnston Road in the village. Kristy’s teenage years were also spent in Minesing in the Snow Valley neighbourhood. Kristy worked at Snow Valley resort in the guest services department during that time as well. When Ray and Kristy first got together they both lived in Barrie and bought their first house together in southend Barrie. After having two kids, they decided they wanted to raise them in a quieter place, so it just seemed like fate to move back to a place they both love so much.

Both Ray and Kristy attended Georgian College in Barrie; Ray also attended Hi-Mark Trade College in Barrie. Kristy graduated from the Business Administrative, Marketing Program and Ray from the Gas Fitter G3 and G2 courses. Since graduating Kristy has held senior marketing positions with well-known brands such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Coty Cosmetics and The Source, and Ray has remained in the HVAC field working with well-known companies such as The Fireplace Stop, Napoleon Home Comfort, and Royal Victoria Regional Hospital.

Today Kristy and Ray own and run their own heating and cooling company, called “Gaslink Complete Home Services." The Linklaters started the company in 2013, as they recognized a need in the industry to simplify the home comfort experience. The combination of Ray's years of experience in the heating and cooling industry with top brands and providers, and Kristy's successful background in marketing with a focus on building major brands with consistent and rewarding customer experiences have helped them create a Home Comfort team, specializing in service and installation of Home Comfort equipment such as furnaces, air conditioners, fireplaces and water heaters. They also specialize in converting homes from oil or electrical heat to natural gas or propane.

As homeowners themselves, the Linklaters know people expect their home’s heating and cooling systems to be comfortable, and to work when they need it. When they don't, it is an inconvenience, a hassle, potentially an unanticipated expense, and often an overwhelming experience.

The Linklaters absolutely LOVE living in Minesing. They instantly relax as they drive into the village and feel at home. They moved from a very busy street in Barrie, so they find it refreshing to let their kids ride their bikes and walk to their friends’ homes without the fear of a busy road. They also love how many other younger families have moved into the neighbourhood. It feels wonderful to them to see the kids all play together after school. Their neighbours are also so friendly and helpful to one another. Many times over the winter, they have witnessed their neighbours clearing each other’s driveways and walkways. People are always waving and saying hi. It’s so friendly!

The Linklaters think Springwater Neighbours is great! They love to get it each month and see if they know the family who is featured. They thank the advertisers, as well, for supporting their local magazine.

Do you know a neighbour who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbour to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at slaycock@bestversionmedia.com.