Veteran Living in 200-year-old Ancestral Home Wins Free Roof

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.

South Glengarry veteran awarded much needed roof repair thanks to support from the community. 

John Bathurst lives alone in a 200-year-old ancestral home he inherited when his mother passed away in 2013. The barn, general store and house were built about seven generations ago, according to John. His home is so old, it was constructed with square nails, which were replaced with round nails in the late 1800s. 

The subject of a legal battle after his grandfather had passed away, the home sat for years without regular maintenance. The only repair completed within the past decade was to have the shingles replaced with salvaged ones before John moved in, which he says quickly lost their function.  

Warping and water damage can be seen from the side of the house and the inside of the roof was damaged in a fire. With water and daylight seeping into his home, John knew he needed a new roof. But as a veteran who relies on disability insurance to cover his daily expenses like food, fuel and utilities, he knew he couldn’t afford one.  

“It’s hard working alone,” John told the Standard Freeholder, recalling his misadventures in attempting to fix his roof. “I was trying to put up these metal pillars, and I turned around and it hit me in the back of the head and I was knocked out – I don’t even know how long for.” 

John entered the Beacon of Hope veteran roofing contest presented by Beacon Building Products knowing he needed to win the first-place prize of a brand-new roof.  

Now, thanks to the support of the community voting for John, he will receive a new roof in the spring. 

“It totally took me by surprise, I was totally knocked off my feet and had to lay down during the conversation,” John told the Standard Freeholder. “I am completely overwhelmed with such a huge response from many people whom I have never met.” 

“People from across the country rallied behind these deserving veterans to cast thousands of votes,” said vice-president of Beacon of Hope, Charles Michaud, in a press release. 

“I’m elated that I will have a secure roof over my head,” says John. “I can rest assured that my ancestral family home will be protected from nature’s elements for years to come. I would like to express how extremely grateful and humble this has made me. Thank you kindly to everyone involved.” 

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

Photo credit: Jordan Haworth