Pooler, Gary: - Gary Pooler was born and raised in the Ridgeway-Crystal Beach area. A life-long Crystal Beach resident, he attended Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School, Western University, and Brock University, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.

He worked at Crystal Beach Amusement Park as a brake operator, and later as a lifeguard on Crystal Beach. He also worked for the Bay Beach Corporation, and as a Social Services Caseworker responsible for the Crystal Beach area. His grandfather Carl Pooler was a carpenter at the amusement park in the 1920's.

Gary is a retired Ontario Provincial Police officer. He has been a Detective Constable in Organized Crime Enforcement and in Casino Enforcement. He has also held the positions of Intelligence Liaison Officer with the federal government, high school supply teacher, and part-time instructor at Niagara College.

Gary was a member of the Western Mustangs football team, and was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League in 1980. He has also competed in the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon World Championship. In 2010, he was inducted into the Greater Fort Erie Sports Wall of Fame. He has also coached high school football and track as a community volunteer.

Gary lives in Ridgeway with his wife and three teenage sons. Since retiring from the OPP, Gary plays with the Neil Young tribute band, Neo Young. (neoyoung.ca, follow Neo Young on Facebook & You Tube). "Crystal Beach: Out of the Park" is his first book.