Long term friends
John and I had a lot in common. We were both born in London in the same year, survived the blitz, joined the RAF to do our National service and trained as Navigators. We emigrated to Canada and joined Canadian Pacific Airlines at different times, where we were colleagues until 1971 when automated navigation systems caused our layoffs. In the late 1950s we both wound up at 2648 East 6th ave in Vancouver renting accomodation from a fellow navigator, Harry Beardsell. Across the street was the Jones' family residence where an attractive long legged girl wearing shorts used to used to sit on the front steps - John's future wife Lorraine. When Harry's wife decided to return, John and I rented a house in the Oakridge area at 168 West 39th where we were known for our home brewed beer and one great party where a dozen or so consumed 99 bottles of the potent brew. We vowed to do it again and make the century, but never did!
We were also both involved in running a couple of mortgage companies where John was the secretary treasurer and kept the books. I'm sure that this led to him getting his CGA accreditation and a post flying career in accountancy.
When John and Lorraine decided to get married they took over the house and I got the consolation prize of being best man at their wedding. Fifty years later I had the honour of toasting them again at their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
I am proud to have had such a great friendship over such a long period and I'm sad to see you go old buddy. In cricket terms you will always be 81 and "Not Out" in my memory, after a long and wonderful innings.
May you rest in peace.
Posted by Tony Grist
Saturday June 7, 2014 at 3:23 pm
