Shortly after grad., and more importantly after receiving grades back from 3 dept. exams I had to write I decided to go to university – at least give it a try.
After five years, 1971 (yes my 1st yr. was an academic train wreck, went back to repeat everything with a vengeance!) I received my BA in the social sciences. Unfortunately same as I was after leaving HS I still hadn’t much idea what I wanted to do or what I wanted in life. I had been an avid track runner in school and had found this to be hugely successful for me, but for some reason quit this after finishing HS. But, two things; my father’s sudden untimely death, 1969. Heart attack, and watching the 1972 Munich Olympics and watching an American runner Frank Shorter run away with the marathon, I decided to give running marathons and track my priority to the exclusion of everything else. But I still needed a job. While working, 1971, at an evening shift as a caretaker for the Victoria Voc. School I was fascinated by the products in this one mapping class. And making some inquiries mapping did lead to jobs. Why not give this a try? 1973-74 after having to really persevere (never took any drafting or any shop courses back in school, still kicking myself for this) I became, even to my exacting map drafting instructor’s eyes, darn good at this craft. Found work back with the Prov. Govt. again whom with I had worked quite a few summers for this time as a full time employee with the Ministry of Highways as a tech assistant. Probably not what or where I ever thought I’d be butthey a job is a job. I have to laugh here. A Math 91 classmate of mine wrote in my grad annual, ‘may a career in math be yours’ Well both he & I were struggling students with this Gr. 12 discipline and I then thought no way this would happen. My new career did involve trigonometry etc as well as mathematical computations in general. Had covered math Gr. 12 level, in my mapping course as well. Tony Sahn, Your wish to me came true after all.
Twenty-eight years later, I was obliged, due to political machinations, to take an early retirement package offer. Not what I planned but, after the last 15 years or so of restructurings, threats of privatizations, and after getting my letter of redundancy, Jan. 17, 2002 I took what was offered, a chance for a better future – somewhere. I was then not quite 55. After a wonderful year off on pre retirement leave, few short lived small jobs, I felt I needed something to do, as well as extra money. Not too many people are willing to hire someone over 59 years old, so why not try a few Times-Colonist paper routes. Up early before crack of dawn, best time of day, fresh air and more importantly as well as the best way to maintain fitness & health. I am grateful to say I’m still runnin’ after all these years but a minimal amount, no more 75 – 100 miles per week. My knees as well as some arthritis resulting from a broken ankle, Gr. 9 limit this pursuit. Besides I’m now not too interested in races. I’m more of a fitness & health buff. Mainly the latter, after 2004-05 receiving a shocking diagnosis resulting from my many previous years of spending too much time out in the sun. But time has passed, I was so, so, fortunate there!!! Melanoma caught in time. But have become somewhat of a hypochondriac.
So, presently I am still distributing the early morning paper via bike & trailer and spend rest of time computing, hanging out, listening to music, etc.
I do intend to one day travel back to England where I’m from since 1957 to visit surviving relatives, cousins. I was back briefly summer, 1976 with my mother, now sadly deceased, to see London and the countryside.