Category Archives: People

Friends of Mennonite Centre Ukraine Updates, People

Friends of Mennonite Centre Ukraine Update #101

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When Russian forces crossed the border into Ukraine I felt it was clearly an unjustified invasion. I’ve been surprised to learn that several close friends disagree. They believe Russia had to make this move because it doesn’t want a NATO presence on its border. When the USSR folded they say, The West committed to not extend NATO to include Ukraine. Some of those following this reasoning seem to side with Russia in its destruction of Ukraine. I have several questions for those who present this argument.

Can we deny Ukrainians the right to defend their country? They have memories, or have been told of the ransacking of their country by the Red Army during Stalin’s brutal regime. Stalin took their grain and other foods in a deliberate strategy to starve the people. Many thousands of Ukrainians were killed for resisting. Others were sent to the Gulag and were never seen or heard from again.

In the current war Russian forces are targeting apartment buildings, malls, railway stations, etc. They have demolished villages and cities. Homes are being destroyed, leaving families without shelter. The land is being devastated, ensuring there will be less food production in the future. We’re also receiving reports of parents hiding their children because they fear the Russian army will abduct them and send them to Russia for adoption. Vladimer Putin seems to have taken a page from Stalin’s playbook.

My concern is for the Ukrainian and Russian men who are being slaughtered or maimed. My concern is also for families who are losing loved ones, homes, their sense of security and much more.

To this time I’ve posted a couple of updates provided by the Friends of Mennonite Centre Ukraine. They have for many years provided basic necessities and have a longstanding connection with people who already had serious needs before the war. Those are much greater now. We hope you will find time to read the update below.

Mennonite Centre in Molochansk, Ukraine Update #101 May 6, 2023

Here is what we are hearing this morning …

Near Melitopol, people are hiding their children from the occupying Russians.

The Russians are forcing the parents to take their children out of schools and kindergartens and send them to Berdiansk to the south on the Sea of Avoz coast. This will not be their final destination. Afterwards, the children are to be taken to Mariupol and then to Rostov in Russia.

The parents do not want to send the children away and hide them because they know it will be very hard to find them in Russia.

The Russians threaten the parents that if they don’t let the children go, then the government’s financial assistance will be withdrawn from them. The Russians are fierce and screaming that the Ukrainian offence starts tomorrow. This is the situation in Molochansk and all the Tokmak region. This is the message all parents received this morning: “Dear parents! EVACUATION has been announced at the school! Today, arrive at the school building with documents for the child and a minimum of things for a couple of weeks. The evacuation will be carried out in Berdiansk. Those who can leave on their own should do it. Due to the aggravation on the front line, there is a threat to the city and the citizens.”

I came from Dnipropetrovsk oblast. I experienced huge stress; we were bombed from the first day of the war. My sons are soldiers, I worry for them. I went to the hospital and from the hospital I was brought to Kolomyia. One of my sons is wounded, please pray for him. The food hampers, I receive, help me to live because I have no income. Thank you very much for your support.

If you wish to donate to help the needy, then please visit our website http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ and click on the donate tab. To donate by e-transfer please use the email address gtdyck@gmail.com and please include your postal address in a note accompanying the transfer so I can issue a tax receipt to you. Thank you!!

 

 

 

 

Friends of Mennonite Centre Ukraine Updates, People

Mennonite Centre in Ukraine Provides Assistance To Devastated Villages

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For almost a year Linda and I have been receiving updates on the efforts of the Mennonite Centre’s efforts to make life more bearable for Ukrainians seeking to survive in the midst of the devastation of their country. The accounts tell a story that the major media seem not to be interested in or aware of. Because the Centre has been active for many years in Ukraine, providing basic necessities impoverished people cannot afford, it has credibility and intimate relationships of trust. Their objective isn’t to help Ukraine militarily. Rather, it is to provide basics like shelter, food, fire wood to heat homes. medical advice and supplies, encouragement and friendship and much more. By sharing these reports we hope to give readers some understanding of what it means to live in apartments with no windows, doors, sometimes no roofs, and the constant fear of missile strikes, It’s a story of people courageously looking after each other, often in the most dire circumstances.

Below is a recent update written by George Dyck. (We also published a report on Feb, 23, 2023.)

Mennonite Centre in Molochansk, Ukraine Update #97 April 6, 2023

This is from Krasnogorivka, one of our Mennonite Centre partners. They are located at the very front line in the east in Donets. The pastor Radislav (in a checked jacket) received chaplains from the Western Ukraine. The key thought in their talks was that we can be different, but we are united (Western and Eastern Ukraine).

Four times the building of the church was hit. Most of the building is destroyed. But people still get together for services. Much needed food is also distributed here.

We have unconfirmed reports from Molochansk … The “occupied building” referred to is the former Mennonite hospital in Muntau right beside Halbstadt now collectively called Molochansk. In past years the Mennonite Centre has done much to help former Muntau hospital take care of patients including the purchase of an ambulance, etc.

Part of the facility was used as a dorm for recovering sick kids. Another part was used as a home for the aged. It is this part of the hospital that the report refers to as housing “peaceful grandparents”.

I have made no attempt to change translation …

“The occupiers of the Zaporizhzhia region are literally hiding behind the backs of peaceful grandparents in Molochansk, they have taken up residence in a 3-story hospital building. They [the occupiers] placed their 300s in the basement. So far, the Russian army survivors live in the wards on the 1st and 3rd floors.

And on the 2nd floor there are permanently lonely elderly civilians. According to local information, the soldiers themselves are panicking in anticipation of a counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Many are ready to lay down their arms, but the occupiers are scaring “their” panickers. Allegedly, so-called blocking squads have been set up around Molochansk, so everyone who runs will be shot.”

If you wish to donate to help the needy, then please visit our website http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ and click on the donate tab.

To donate by e-transfer please use the email address gtdyck@gmail.com and please include your postal address in a note accompanying the transfer so I can issue a tax receipt to you. Thank you!!

Friends of Mennonite Centre Ukraine Updates, People

Mennonite Centre – On The Ground In Ukraine

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When Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded Ukraine, mainstream media were keenly interested. With the war grinding on month after month, this interest has flagged. Now they largely report  missile strikes on major cities, especially Kyiv.  At times we also hear about an infusion of cash or donation of heavy tanks. They give only scant, occasional attention to the devastation of individual lives, families and communities.

Rarely do they provide an understanding of the misery caused when mothers and children flee, leaving fathers and husbands who are defending Ukraine. We are told little about the scarcity of wood for heat, warm clothes, dwindling  food supplies, or the fear endured by those hiding in dank, unheated basements or  apartment buildings with blown out windows, doors, or even walls.

For almost a year, Linda & I have received reports  from the Friends of the Mennonite Centre. Some years ago this small Canadian organization established The Mennonite Centre in Ukraine with the goal of providing essential necessities of life to impoverished Ukrainians. With the onset of the war, the needs have increased. Because the Mennonite Centre has Ukrainian people doing the day to day work, they have an intimate understanding of what people need. They have also developed relationships with local groups, providing them with financial and other assistance.

Below is a recent update written by George Dyck to help readers understand the plight of those directly impacted by the war.

Mennonite Centre in Molochansk, Ukraine

Update #90 February 9, 2023

Our partners from Uman Help Center go to the South, to the deoccupied villages of Kherson oblast on a regular basis. The last visit was to two villages Chervona Zorya and Tavriyske. These villages are almost destroyed. Still, most of the people are not planning to leave. They hope to restore their homes and continue to live in the area. Pastor Dmytro and his team are connected with the leadership of the community and coordinate their activities with them. Thus, they try to be as effective as possible. They know what the need is and bring the most necessary things. It’s a very wise approach and works very well.

This time besides flashlights and blankets they brought pots and kettles. It’s February. Spring is coming. And my guess seeds will be of great demand very soon. People in many villages live without electricity for seven months. So, flashlights and candles are in big demand.

Warm blankets, pillows are also very needed, because many villages are partially destroyed. It means that some people lost their houses with most of their belongings. After the de-occupation the head of the community got a generator from the government. This is the only place in the village where people can charge their cell phones and other equipment. We talked with the pastor Dmitriy from Uman, who delivered all those items to people.

We wanted to understand the atmosphere in the village, how people are going though all these hardships. The pastor said that people are different, and their attitudes are different, as everywhere in the world I guess, but people are very grateful and positive and they are strongly determined to rebuild their village. Life goes on.

If you wish to donate then please visit our website http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ and click on the donate tab. To donate by e-transfer please use the email address gtdyck@gmail.com and please include your postal address in a note accompanying the transfer so I can issue a tax receipt to you. Thank you!! Your support is appreciated!

 

 

Hedley Times, Indigenous People of Similkameen Valley, People

Hedley Fundraiser for Terry Wells

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photo by Terrence Wells

When Terry Wells woke early last Wednesday, he realized immediately his life was in danger. He had gone back to bed after loading his wood stove. Apparently it over heated and a thick cloud of smoke was hanging in the air, scarcely two feet above his head. His camper home had caught fire and he knew the place would quickly be engulfed in flames. “I crawled to the door,” he said later. “The smoke was so thick, I was sure if I took another breath I would die.” Scantily clad, he emerged into the cold winter air. On bare feet in the snow that still covered the ground, he watched his home explode into flames. Virtually everything he owned was quickly enveloped in fire and black smoke.

“My shed caught fire,” he said. “I had ammunition and propane tanks in there. They exploded and the force blew me across the yard. I was in shock. I couldn’t think.”

Fortunately his son Terrence lives on the same property and he quickly came to look for him. Seeing Terry’s dog still tethered to the shed, he released it, thereby saving it from certain death. Due to the intense heat, he wasn’t able to save the dog house.

Hedley Fire Chief Bill Rube arrived, but the fire was outside the department’s jurisdiction. He was there to ensure no one was in danger. The police also showed up, apparently at least in part to determine whether this was a case of arson. When a bullet exploded in the still burning shed, the officer decided he had all the information he needed.

photo by Dian McKusick

Later that day Terry visited our neighours Tap and Dian. Knowing Tap is skilled in working with wood, he asked him to build a new dog house. Dian offered to cook the meat that had survived in his freezer. Others in the community also wanted to help. The Upper Similkameen Indian Band immediately provided funds so Terry could buy new clothes. The Hedley Hall and the Hedley Community Centre joined forces to put on a fund raiser. Sixty five tickets were sold and many of us enjoyed a delicious spaghetti and meat balls dinner. The Hedley church has committed to a cash donation. Individuals have also promised to contribute, including some who live here only part time.

Watching this drama unfold, I’m again impressed by the way the people of our community often choose to stand by individuals in the midst of trauma and adversity. We seem to understand that to live here, somewhat removed from the rest of society, we cannot think only of our own needs. One day we may also hope our neighbours will stand by us.

photo by Terrence Wells

 

 

Hedley Times, People

TJ Bratt, A Mover And Shaker In Hedley

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Terri-Jo Bratt outside the Hedley Country Market

In the game of life, TJ (Terri-Jo) Bratt is not a bystander. Born in Edmonton and raised in St. Albert, she later migrated to Osoyoos. In 1991 she attended the Hedley Blast, a high calibre country and western music festival. Sitting at the round table in our sun room she said, “I quickly fell in love with Hedley, When I noticed that the small confectionery in the heart of the community was for sale, I saw potential.”

The single story structure that piqued her interest had limited space, but it was the only local source for staples like eggs, milk, bread and potatoes.

“My offer was accepted and the paperwork was signed,” she said. “Then there was an unanticipated wrinkle. The day I signed the papers I was told the building directly across the street had also been sold and the buyer planned to operate a corner type of grocery store. This building was considerably larger and would undoubtedly be a significant threat to my little venture.” Astonished and deeply chagrined at this unwelcome development, she was momentarily shaken. “I asked myself, what was I thinking?”

Fortunately TJ and her siblings had been shown an example of fortitude and resilience by their parents. “Mom was very active in the community,” TJ said. “She took us along to her curling club, softball games, and to whatever she had planned. Even with five children, she always forged ahead. Dad owned a lumberyard and he many times told us we could accomplish anything we set our minds to.”

TJ was an apt observer and gladly absorbed the lessons of her parents’ example. From them she learned to think clearly and resolutely in trying circumstances, traits that have enabled her to survive ups and downs in her personal life and also her business ventures.

An action person, she began developing her potential early. In grade 4 she won a public speaking award. She also tap danced, highland danced, did babysitting and became a high school cheerleader. In her later teens, she did her work experience at Scotia Bank. Upon graduating, she was given the Chamber of Commerce award based on the question, “Who would be a good representative for your community?” The bank management recognized her giftings and offered her full time employment. At age 19, she was appointed to the position of branch Loans Manager.

In her early twenties a terrifying incident tested her fortitude and quick wittedness. While driving her friend’s car late one evening, the vehicle suddenly became airborne and plunged into the rushing North Saskatchewan River. Fighting fear and panic, she managed to manually roll down the driver side window, extricate herself, and swim to the shore. Because the car had hurtled over the trees along the river bank, there was no indication of an accident and the police didn’t believe her story until the vehicle was discovered in the river several weeks later.

When TJ took over her store here, fierce competition from across the street compelled her to rely on her innate ingenuity, explosive energy, and the lessons of her parents. She quickly applied for licensing to sell lotto tickets and also liquor.

Wanting to make a positive difference, she joined the Hedley Community Club. Here she met Doug Bratt and they soon realized they were equally committed to making Hedley an exciting, safe community. They began investing time, money, and energy in club ventures, including the ball park and outdoor skating rink.

Working closely on various projects, they soon realized they were kindred spirits. “In 1996 we eloped to Nelson and got married,” TJ said smiling. “Some years later when our competition was put up for sale, the numbers made sense and we bought it.”

Over the ensuing years they built a thriving enterprise. Their son Jake and also Doug’s two daughters put in time at the cash register.

This year has been a time of transition, with Viktorya and her husband Mike taking over the business, thereby freeing TJ and Doug to pursue other interests and commitments. I often see TJ’s car at the home of Natalie, a single lady up in age. “I bring her meals three times a week,” TJ said. “Natalie is very talented and often we sit at her kitchen table and write poetry together. Until Roland and Ena moved to Penticton, Doug brought meals to them.”

Although they are now technically in retirement, we shouldn’t expect to see them reclining in easy chairs for some time.

My Story, People

My MEI Class Reunion

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This is the early MEI, which was located at the corner of Clearbrook & Peardonville Roads.

I came away from my high school class reunion in August with a profound sense of respect for my former classmates. The respect is for what they have accomplished, what they endured, and who they have become.

It’s been 62 years since we walked across the stage at the Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford to receive our diploma from the principal, Mr. Bill Wiebe. We were young, frisky and idealistic then. Over the intervening years the world has undergone radical change, and so have we. Now our hair is white or grey. In some cases there isn’t a lot of hair remaining. Several individuals walked with a cane or walker. Nineteen former classmates have already made the transition to what is often referred to as “a better place.”

Many of us have some common threads in our history. In most cases our ancestors fled from Ukraine. My early family, and also Linda’s, came to Canada in about 1874. There was a further substantial migration in the 1920’s. Then, when the German Wehrmacht was driven out by the Red Army in World War II, many Mennonites followed the retreating army to Germany. They feared the Bolsheviks even more than the Nazis. From Germany many emigrated to Canada or elsewhere. They spoke mostly German in their homes and churches, in some homes Low German was common. Inspite of this, they didn’t consider themselves German, but rather as Mennonites. Some of us, myself included, didn’t learn English until grade 1. For at least 30 years Linda and I have attended these gatherings every 5 years, although Covid delayed this one.

When we walked into the Azalea room at the Garden Park Tower in Abbotsford, I recognized virtually no one. As we passed a woman sitting alone at a table I stopped to introduce Linda and myself. She said, “I’m Anna.” She had been the class valedictorian. In 62 years I had not seen her at any of the previous reunions. Surprised I said, “Anna! I remember thinking you were one of the prettiest girls in our class.”

I looked around the crowded room, very aware of the excited buzz of conversation as former classmates became joyfully reacquainted. One of the individuals I especially wanted to see was Abe, a friend who had not attended MEI but had married Ann,  a girl from our grade. I asked one of the organizers if Abe was there and she said he wouldn’t be coming. I felt devastated when she added, “he has Parkinsons.”

Many years ago Abe, then well placed in the Provincial Probation Service, had recommended me for a position with the One Way Adventure Foundation, an organization working with young offenders in Surrey and Hedley. Except for his phone call asking me to apply, Linda and I likely would not be living in Hedley now. Fortunately Abe and Ann did show up briefly and I was able to have a short visit with them.

In snatches of conversation with these former classmates I learned that over the years many have experienced significant victories and also disheartening setbacks. My friend Alvin had lost his wife to illness. He has since married Flo. After a few minutes with them I turned to Alvin and said, “you found a good one.”

I was delighted to see Art, a valued friend in the upper grades. He and his wife Marlyce had both trained to become cardiologists and had made numerous trips to impoverished countries like the DCR, Tunisia, Romania, and Serbia. They lectured, consulted, and at times assisted with medical procedures. For about 20 years they have been deeply involved with the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine. In the present conflict the Centre is providing meals, refuge, transportation, hope and other needs.

MEI Grads of 1960
photo by permission of Paul Funk

Many of the classmates have volunteered in various places around the globe, usually in communities where food, clean water, and employment opportunities were scarce. A number served under the auspices of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Canada and abroad. During their working years some served in their church. In retirement they spread their wings, often to serve where it was uncomfortable and at times hazardous. I gathered from the joy in their voices that serving others has given them a great surge of satisfaction and fulfillment. Linda and I consider ourselves blessed to be part of this group of very special people.

 

 

 

My Story, People

Aunt Nettie’s Watermelon Event 2022

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Aunt Nettie, Uncle Abe, Aunt Ann,  August 2019

After some two years of covid induced societal panic and restraint, earlier this month my 91 year old Aunt Nettie again summoned her flock to a watermelon and roll kuchen gathering at her home in Kelowna. She’s been doing this each summer for at least a dozen years. I sense in her an understanding that family connections are vital to our well being and if no one makes the effort, this large family will fracture. Then we’ll all spin off in different directions. In each case, our parents are gone and we can no longer look to them to hold the family together. Aunt Nettie seems to grasp intuitively that there is a void and someone needs to lead the way. Like a mother hen calling her chicks to safety under her wings, once a year she stretches out her arms and beckons us to come home.

This is primarily a cousins event. She does another for her children and legions of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Because of the popularity of the gathering, we sit on lawn chairs in her spacious carport.

Some years ago at such an event I became conscious of the distinctive rumbling of an approaching Harley Davidson. I was surprised when the impressive machine turned into Aunt Nettie’s driveway and a young indigenous woman disembarked. She removed her helmet and we realized it was Andrea, one of Aunt Nettie’s foster daughters. She had come from Clearwater. Most of us had not seen her since she was a child. Then her sister Jean and her children also arrived. Being re-acquainted with them was a highlight. Linda and I arranged a further visit with Andrea at our home, which was in Abbotsford at that time.

When my sisters and I were young, special occasions like Christmas and Easter were celebrated in the home of our grandparents. After they passed on, we had smaller gatherings in the home of our parents. These times strengthened family relationships and enabled our children to understand they were part of a larger family.

Now our extended family is scattered across Canada and the U.S. Aunt Netties’s cousins gathering holds some of us together. In spite of her advanced age, many of us see her as the centre. Her hands no longer have the strength to roll out the dough for the roll kuchen (similar to dough boys), so several of the cousins come early to help.

Over the years we’ve been reminded that these gatherings are not to be taken for granted. We’ve already lost Aunt Mary, who used to arrive from Steinbach with a happy smile and sense of humour. To her this family was precious and important. We lost her a few years ago. Uncle Abe, whose voice and mobility had been taken by a stroke, passed on about two years ago. His warm handshake always conveyed his love for the family. Aunt Ann, who will turn 98 next month, used to come but now no longer ventures far from her home in Smithers. We miss her carefree laughter.

We sometimes wonder what will happen when our plucky, visionary aunt is no longer able to muster the will and stamina to hold this family together. One of us will need to call up the resolve to accept the torch she has carried for many years.

Inspiration, People

Adventuring On A Trike

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Rob & Catherine at Manning Park

I’ve long been fascinated by the sleek motor bikes that invariably streak by us on Highway #3 at this time of year. Sometimes they come alone. Sometimes in pairs. Occasionally there are half a dozen or more. Their riders remind me of intrepid Cree or Blackfoot warriors in the past, determinedly racing after a herd of buffalo. To me they seem a special breed. A breed that has thrown off many of the constraints that hold most mortals close to earth, where we feel relatively safe. I envy their sense of abandon. If they understand the hazards of their great adventure, they do not reveal it. Their powerful engines roaring, they seem engulfed in a shroud of mystique and charisma.

I recently met one of these fearless ones in the men’s room at Manning Park. His robust appearance and apparel suggested he owned one of the expensive bikes I’d noticed on the lodge’s vast parking area. A big man, I guessed him to be approaching age 50. “It’s a perfect day to be on a bike,” I ventured, wondering if he would deign to speak to a mere car traveller. “Yes,” he responded, “my wife and I are on our way back to New Westminster. It’s always a great day to be on a bike.”

We walked out to his bike together and I met Catherine. They were riding a Harley Davidson trike. “We bought it from the dealership in Chilliwack in December of 2019,” Catherine said. “It was the first one of this model sold in B.C.” It was truly an impressive machine and when Rob suggested I hop aboard, I didn’t hesitate. The comfort was superior to our 2004 Toyota Camry.

When Rob suggested I hop on, I didn’t hesitate.

“We traded in our two wheel bike for a trike because Catherine is losing her vision,” Rob explained. “She has only six percent left. She can’t see when a corner is coming so she doesn’t know when to lean. The three wheels make it much more stable and leaning isn’t an issue.”

“The passenger seat is raised,” Catherine said. “This gives me a better view. It also means I swallow more bugs.” She didn’t seem to consider this a high price for a comfortable ride and a great view. “We’ve travelled with it a lot,” Catherine continued. “We rode it to Vegas to get married. We actually ran away to escape the hoopla.” They both appeared to be in their forties, somewhat beyond the usual age for eloping, but certainly fitting for two individuals looking for a life of adventure.

I’ve talked with trike riders at Manning Lodge in the past. A couple of years ago two men well past age 60 stopped there for a coffee break. Their gleaming bikes were nearly new, a Harley and a Bombardier. According to a sales person in the Chilliwack dealership, trikes are ideal for seniors who want to continue riding. Because of their much greater stability, they’re a good option for someone with compromised hips or knees. Being larger, they are more visible in traffic. Also, the third wheel and additional weight makes them more difficult to tip. These and other features provide an increased sense of safety.

For anyone wanting all the bells and whistles, and there are many, the price tag on a trike can be intimidating. Rob and Catherine wanted it all and apparently were able to pay the $60,000. Their bike tells them if a tire is low or if they need to add petrol. It warms the seats and hand grips. It also permits Catherine to adjust the foot rests up or down, plus much more.

My friend Terry mentioned to me recently he plans to ride as much as possible this summer. “I’m in my late sixties and I still feel strong,” he said. “My bike is 600 pounds though and that’s a lot of weight to pick up if it goes down.” He acquired the bike in New Brunswick some years ago and rode it to Hedley, BC. I’m sure he’d be grateful for a trike if he needed to do that again.

For seniors who still retain a dream of cruising the highways on a motorcycle, have a strong body and a robust bank account, a trike seems a good fit. Just because we’re past our “best before date,” doesn’t mean we can no longer enjoy adventures. We just need to search for other options.

Inspiration, People

The Eulogy

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“Candace had received permission to use the small church she attended.”
(Pinterest photo, landmarkhunter.com)

I’ve come to understand that an audience appreciates a eulogy that at least alludes to the foibles of the departed loved one. If only the individual’s positive attributes and accomplishments are mentioned, people tend to feel cheated. For this reason I experienced an uneasy queasiness when Candace asked me to write and deliver the eulogy for her boyfriend’s memorial service. He had lost a difficult battle with an aggressive prostate cancer.

I had known Randy for about eight years and talking about his successes would be the easy part. An entrepreneur, he had developed several lucrative enterprises in the Okanagan Valley. He drove a new Lexus and owned a four seater airplane. He had enjoyed exotic holidays, sometimes in places I didn’t know existed. In marriage relationships though, he had stumbled several times.

It was these failings that stirred up my inner unease. Although he’d never divulged the intimate details to me, I knew he’d left behind an abundance of marital clutter. Most in the audience would be at least somewhat aware of this. He had hidden his inner thoughts fairly successfully, but his lifestyle he could not keep a secret. If I glossed over his marital history, people might think I was a coward. I called each of his two ex-wives, his current estranged wife, his brother, two sisters and Candace. Even for those closest to him, Randy had been an enigma. They all planned to attend the service.

Candace had obtained permission to use the small church she attended in Vernon. On a cool afternoon in late October, Linda and I arrived early to talk with her. “It was Randy’s wish that you do the eulogy,” she reminded me. “He never talked much about the things that were important to him, but he said you’d figure it out.” There were a few tears.

The door of the church opened and Beatrice, Randy’s estranged wife entered, wearing a purple party dress. Astonished, Candace stared at her for a moment, then whispered, “Randy’s will leaves a lot to me. There’s going to be a whopper of a legal battle.”

People were arriving and I noticed a short elderly man with a grey moustache, walking with a cane. He was accompanied by two middle aged women. “That’s Randy’s father and sisters,” Candace said. “I’m surprised they brought him. There isn’t much communication between any of them. They’re not a happy family. Randy had little contact with them.” Observing the two women and their father, I sensed a deep disconsolation.

The small church filled rapidly and the pastor spoke briefly about Randy’s time as a congregant, then introduced me. l began by speaking about my relationship with Randy. I touched on the exotic holidays, his involvement in the local community, the speeches at the Toastmasters club we both attended, his considerable success in business and the numerous young people he had given their first job. I talked about his generosity to a local organization striving to steer youths away from drugs and alcohol.

I then addressed the matter of his failed marriages. “We all know Randy enjoyed a full, successful life,” I said, “Most of us are also aware not everything went as he hoped. Preparing for today, I spoke by phone with each of his former wives. Even though the relationships didn’t survive, none expressed animosity toward him. For the last two years he had a girlfriend, Candace, and he told me he hoped he’d learned enough so this relationship would last.” Wanting the women to feel acknowledged, I named them. I noticed smiles when I inadvertently attached the children to the wrong mother.

Then I detached the mike from its stand and walked to the front pew where Randy’s family was seated. Looking directly at the old, grieving father, I said, “Mr Carson, the last time I talked with your son, he said, ‘I should have spent more time with my father. I knew he was lonely after our mother died. I could have taken him for lunch now and then. I didn’t give him the time I’m sure he wanted. Tell him I’m proud to be his son and I love him dearly.’” The lines on the old man’s forehead softened and a single tear trickled down one cheek.

I had wanted to give this old father a message that would penetrate into his heart. An almost imperceptible nod suggested he embraced it.

Hedley Times, People, Uncategorized

Rod Moncrieff, Making His Mark In Hedley

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Rod Moncrieff with his 1929 Plymouth.

When Rod Moncrieff stopped in Hedley for coffee 27 years ago, it was the low rumble of his Harley Davidson and the red beard extending well down his chest that people noticed. Doug Smith, then a local resident, saw him looking at a large two story building with a ‘for sale’ sign at the corner of Scott & Haynes streets. Scrutinizing the beard and powerful bike, he said, “you’ll fit in fine here.” There was still at least a whiff of the town’s earlier gold mining atmosphere, and Rod was captivated. He bought the building, a combination of home, shop and storage facility. When he displayed a biker gang flag, people wondered what to expect from this new neighbour. Since then Rod has put his stamp on the property and is well accepted in the community. He was subsequently joined by Valerie and her daughter Alison.

Over the years, Rod has assembled an eclectic assortment of items, inside and out. Until he gave Linda and me a tour last week, I thought he was just one more hoarder of worthless junk, a man with both feet mired in the past. Pointing to a number of items lying together on the ground he said, “there’s a car in there.” Then, “Most of what you see is for sale. This morning I sold a car part.” Picking up a miniature pitcher, he said, “I bought this for fifty dollars from Mike Orlowski. It came out of the Similkameen Hotel which burned down in 1916.”

I had long been curious about the elderly dishevelled Plymouth standing close to the building, seemingly abandoned. A sedan, it still exudes character and personality that is unmatched in current vehicles.

I knew his building had once been an automotive garage operated by Gerald Burr. When I mentioned this Rod said, “At one time it was actually a Plymouth dealership. The town was a bustling centre then, with a much greater population.” He considered for a moment, then said, “the first Plymouth was produced in 1928 to compete with Ford’s low cost Model A. It was introduced to the public at Madison Square Garden with aviator Amelia Earhart at the wheel. She and her plane disappeared in 1937 while flying across the Pacific Ocean.”

Rod’s building at one time was a Plymouth dealership.

Rod’s Plymouth came out in 1929. There were several other models, including a stylish coupe with a rumble seat. “My car was owned by a man living in Hedley,” Rod explained. “I bought it because of the dealership having been here. It’s a 4 cylinder, with 45 horsepower. The motor won’t start but I can turn it over with a hand crank. A guy offered me $4,000 for it just this morning. If he gets serious I’ll sell it.”

Rod probably could restore the car if he chose to. He’s familiar with machinery and knows how to weld. At one time he worked for a company that built trucks using sheet metal. Later he owned “Patches”, a backyard motorcycle shop in O.K. Falls. “I got to know a lot of Hell’s Angels,” he said. “I fixed plenty of Harley’s for them.” This conjured up another memory. “My cousin married a member of the Grim Reapers in Alberta. Some years ago he was involved in a shooting and is on parole for life. He’s changed his ways and is now a Seventh Day Adventist minister.

Placing a hand on the Plymouth, he said, “this car was driven from Saskatoon to Keremeos. Two years ago I talked with the driver’s son. He told me he has three boxes of parts and will drop them off when he comes to Hedley again.”

Rod’s 74 years have been interspersed with a number of adventures, some he might prefer to forget. A barefoot water skiing episode went wrong, leaving him with a crushed vertebrae. While in the navy he was trained in weapons and demolitions. Later, working with explosives at a gold mine near Yellowknife a defective blasting cap fired and he lost part of his face. He spent 4 months in the hospital undergoing surgeries to his face and hand.

Rod’s face was nicely restored and his beard has shrunk

At this time he seems done with adventures. He sold the Harley to pay taxes, the flag has been taken down, his face was nicely restored, and the beard has shrunk. He’s devoted to Valerie and speaks with admiration of Alison’s accomplishments. Like the aging Plymouth, Rod’s life has taken on an aura of character.