Bowen Island Undercurrent November 5 2020

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OUR SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE DAY EDITION

Thursday, November 5, 2020 • A1

$1.50

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020 REMEMBERING ROGER ARNDT

VOL. 46 NO. 44

BIUndercurrent

The islander and Vietnam vet died in August PAGES 89

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Please, ask for help MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AVAILABLE THROUGH BICF

NEIL BOYD

Bowen Island Community Foundation

HELEN PLATTS PHOTO

FIRST CUSTOMERS: Chris Duncan and a friend visit the new pop-up boutique at 492 Craig’s End that’ll run

every Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The boutique houses islander Helen Platts’ three ventures: Bowen Island Soap Company (handmade artisan soap & skincare), Bowen Island Candle Company (hand-poured, soy, wood wick candles with sassy names) and Oaktree and Maple (handmade, nature inspired jewellery).

Bowen’s winter market kicks off BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Fairs and markets will find a way on Bowen Island.

Despite a pandemic and a couple of weeks delays, the first Bowen Island Winter Fair kicked off last Saturday

morning. “We had lots of people come along to join us (almost everyone came along in their masks as we asked),” said organizer Helen Platts.

Running every Saturday between now and Christmas from 10 a.m. to noon, the socially-distanced but indoor fair at Collins’ Hall features artisans,

crafters, food, produce, home baking, jewellery and more.

The health inspector dropped in for the inaugural event and Platts said he was very happy with the setup. “He didn’t ask for any changes and told us to carry on as we were,” she wrote. “So that’s wonderful!”

The pandemic has changed our lives. Yes, for now, not forever, as Dr. Bonnie Henry has so often told us.

COVID-19 has made our little island more insular.

And with that change come stresses of various shapes and sizes. Some of us have either lost our jobs or had our incomes severely diminished. Some of us have been at home for months with children underfoot and with few options for socializing. And, quite understandably, some of us may experience anxiety, depression, family conflict, or a tendency to drink a little (or a lot) more than we should.

What are the kinds of problems that typically arise on Bowen? Two local counsellors, Dr. Gayle Goldstein and Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt, both noted a lack of connectedness in recent months, made more difficult by the spreadout nature of Bowen and the necessary limits on social gathering.

Goldstein spoke of the range of issues––from young people going through depression, difficulties with substances and family conflicts to the more adult population sometimes dealing with similar issues as well as financial concerns and young children at home. Both doctors pointed to signs that might indicate a need for help: using alcohol or other drugs as a coping mechanism, experiencing emotional upset on a regular basis, not sleeping well, not working and having no sense of purpose, not having connections with people on or off island.

CONTINUED ON P. 5

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A2 • Thursday, November 5, 2020

Events November 9, 2020 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

We’re hiring:

Seeking Public Comment

Ice & Snow Removal Contractors Bowen Island Municipality seeks applications for interest in the following: Ice Patrol - Temperature Dependent Snow Removal - Weather Dependent

TUP-03-2020 (2095 CAPE DRIVE)

Regular Council Meeting via Zoom 6:15 am on Monday, November 9, 2020 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Council will be considering an application at its November 9, 2020 meeting for a Temporary Use Permit for 2095 Cape Drive.

Allan Saugstad on behalf of the Island Discovery Learning Community (IDLC) has applied for a Temporary Use Permit.

This application is to permit school use as a principal use on the property, and as proposed the permit would run for a three-year term, expiring in 2023.

Please provide a written response expressing interest in the On-Call position(s) by email before 4:00 PM on Friday, November 13, 2020 to: Public Works Department EMAIL: publicworks@bimbc.ca Phone: 604-947-2255 Please contact ICBC (1-800-663-3051) to request a driver’s license abstract and ask ICBC to forward it directly to BIM by fax at 604-947-0193.

Seeking Public Comment TUP-02-2019 (1034 MILLER ROAD) Regular Council Meeting via Zoom 6:15 on Monday, November 9, 2020

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Temporary Use Permit application has been submitted for 1034 Miller Road (shown on map) to allow for office use. The existing insurance offices on the premises have been onsite as a home occupation and are now seeking to continue onsite as a general services use.

Help slow the spread of COVID-19:

Stay home if you’re sick

MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: The applications may be viewed at Municipal Hall between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding statutory holidays) or on the Municipal website at

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning.

2 m or 6 feet

Keep a safe physical distance

Wear a mask in spaces where you can’t safely distance

For instructions on how to submit comment, go to:

604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings To ensure a fair process, submissions cannot be accepted once the meeting is underway and the Public Comment section of the meeting has concluded.

Questions? Please contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development, at 604-947-4255 or dmartin@bimbc.ca

Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:

MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: The applications may be viewed at Municipal Hall between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding statutory holidays) or on the Municipal website at

6:15 PM on Monday November 9, 2020 Online via Zoom

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall (contact information below) in person, by mail, by fax, or by email to bim@bimbc.ca. Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting held via Zoom at 6:15 PM on Monday November 9, 2020.

For instructions on how to submit comment, go to: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meeting Questions? Please contact Jennifer Rae Pierce, Planner 1, at 604947-4255 or by email at jpierce@bimbc.ca

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays November 5, 2020

Bowen Island Municipality

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Clean your hands frequently

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall (contact information below) in person, by mail, by fax, or by email to bim@bimbc.ca. Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting held:

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

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Thursday, November 5, 2020 • A3

Seeking Public Comment

Residential Guest Accomodations now permitted

Council will be considering the following development variance permit applications at the Regular Council meeting via Zoom at 6:15 pm on Monday, November 9, 2020

Virtual Open House Thursday, November 12, 2020 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

DVP-09-2020 1710 Whitesails Dr

Residential Guest Accommodations (RGAs), a type of Short Term Rental, are now permitted to operate on Bowen Island. RGA use allows rental of an entire dwelling for periods of less than 30 consecutive days.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 1710 Whitesails Dr, Lot 156 (shown below) to reduce sea setback for construction of a house. The application includes an offer of a restrictive covenant to protect approximately half the lot from future development.

The new use resulting from the Short Term Rental Policy, adopted in 2019, is intended to protect neighbourhoods and long term housing while contributing to the accommodation sector, facilitating community economic development and ensuring operator accountability.

What does this mean for you? Join us in a Virtual Open House to learn more about new regulations for Residential Guest Accommodations and how to apply for your RGA business licence.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/rga

We’re hiring: Utility Operator

DVP-08-2020 361 Cardena Dr

Bowen Island Municipality seeks a Permanent Full-Time Utility Operator to fill an existing position that has just become vacant.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 361 Cardena Dr (shown on map) to reduce sea setback for construction of a house addition.

This position will primarily be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Municipality’s Utility Systems (water and sewer). Additional labour tasks may include roads maintenance and assisting other staff within the Municipality.

The Operator must be comfortable working outside under varying weather conditions and hold a valid class 5 driver’s license. Related experience will be considered an asset.

This position is for 35 hours per week, including Saturday and Sundays, (two days off during weekdays to be determined).

Submit your application by 4:00 pm on Friday, November 13, 2020.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall (contact information below) in person, by mail, by fax, or by email to bim@bimbc.ca. Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting/ For instructions on how to submit comment, go to:

Municipal Water Main Flushing Flushing of municipal water systems will start Saturday, November 14, 2020 for approximately 6 – 8 weeks. Most areas will be flushed Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, as crews rotate through each neighbourhood. This procedure is necessary to remove sediment that gradually deposits in pipes, and does not pose a health hazard.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/water-main-flushing

Have your say on making Bowen’s roads safer

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings

Are speeding cars making the road unsafe? What can we do about it?

To ensure a fair process, submissions cannot be accepted once the meeting is underway and the Public Comment section of the meeting has concluded.

Council will be considering adoption of a Traffic Calming Policy at its meeting on November 23, 2020, and we’d like to know what you think.

Questions? Please contact Emma Chow, Island Community Planner, at 604-947-4255 or echow@bimbc.ca

Head over to Citizenlab to have your say on making Bowen’s roads safer!

https://bowenisland.citizenlab.co/en/ideas/draft-traffic-calming-policy

Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:

604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays November 5, 2020

Bowen Island Municipality

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MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: The applications may be viewed at Municipal Hall between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding statutory holidays) or on the Municipal website at www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning.

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

A4 • Thursday, November 5, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

A busy week

We can’t gather as we normally do for Remembrance Day but I’m sure many across the island will mark 11 a.m. Nov. 11 with two minutes of silence from their homes.

While the Legion is asking people not to show up at the cenotaph, it will have a virtual ceremony to share. The Undercurrent will share the Legion’s video on Facebook, so if you can’t find it elsewhere, you can find it there.

However, as I compose this paper, I find it hard to focus on Remembrance Day. Perhaps by the time these words reach your eyes we’ll know the results of the American election (maybe even the B.C. election and the 6,958 votes to be counted in the Sea to Sky riding!) but right now, there is a whole lot of uncertainty. Submissions in this very edition demonstrate how closely we’re tied to the U.S. and the decisions of its electorate. There’s not a small amount of anxiety in the air. Remember to take a break from the news cycle and to get some exercise!

Other tidbits of news from around the island: Flu shots:

The pharmacy has a very limited supply of flu shots left. It will be administering shots Friday (Nov. 6) on a first-come, first-serve basis from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or as long as supplies last). It is out of FluAd for seniors so the remaining vaccines are for people under 65.

Light Up Bowen

Light Up Bowen is looking for help. It won’t look like other years (with a giant community celebration in the Cove) but perennial organizer Basia Lieske and head elf Jewal Maxwell have a plan.

They hope to decorate and light up the entire Cove and keep the lights up for several weeks (and for this need volunteers to help put up the decorations).

They also hope to hold a travelling mini Santa Claus parade. The parade would visit each neighbourhood and Santa would visit with the folks for about 20 minutes in each neighbourhood. For this they need: • To build a number of floats and therefore need several flatbed trucks with pickup trucks to pull them.

• A number of handy people with saws and tools who can build props, plus painters.

If you would like to help please text 778-957-0947 or email lightupbowen@gmail.com. Lieske will also be starting a GoFundMe for funds to pull off a season of cheer.

Now online

The documentary from this summer’s Nexwlélexwm Sign Blessing Ceremony is now available from B.I. Public Library and the Hearth.

The 12-minute recap of and reflection on the historic event is available at facebook.com/bowenislandpubliclibrary.

Howe Sound stars in the documentary Moonlees Oasis, now available on CBC Gem. The 44-minute film follows the “rag tag team of passionate people” dedicated to protecting Howe Sound’s very rare “living dinosaurs,” glass sponge reefs.

Bronwyn Beairsto, Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘Green gold’could stay in our backyards

DEAR EDITOR: If BIM would make compost bins available through the Public Works department they would allow residents to keep this “green gold” right at home for reuse on the garden. My three bins take all the leaves

and kitchen scraps and produce rich soil additive or mulch yearly.

We could all save some money and help the environment with very little effort.

THE WRITE STUFF. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words.

HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication.

The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs.

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m.

Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST

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Bill Granger

National NewsMedia Council.

EDITOR BronwynBeairsto editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

PUBLISHER Peter Kvarnstrom publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com 2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@bowenislandundercurrent. com or call 604-947-2442.

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

Islanders turning to alcohol, cannabis, other substances ISLANDERS CAN ACCESS UP TO FIVE SESSIONS WITH APPROPRIATELY REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

Both pointed to the use of alcohol and cannabis as a problem for some islanders – not the use in itself – but using habitually as a way of coping. Dr. Goldstein also indicated that there is a relatively longstanding subculture of cocaine use on the island, typically among young or middle-aged adults, that is combined with alcohol. The use of cocaine allows drinking to continue – a drink of a depressant, followed by the inhalation of a stimulant. And on it goes. The concern with cocaine and other pills and powders – and with virtually any drug outside of alcohol or cannabis – is the risk of a toxic supply and death by overdose.

Many users on Bowen and elsewhere are taking some precautions, using test kits and/ or carrying Narcan, in order to reverse an overdose when needed. But with the pandemic, more are using alone, and the risks of a toxic supply and hence, overdose, have increased.

Bowen Island is not immune from the problems we read about on the streets of Vancouver. And good mental health is also not just about the issue of the use of alcohol and other drugs. We are very fortunate to live in this caring community, and to have an organization like the Caring Circle Health and Wellness Society.

B.I. Community Foundation, working in

collaboration with Caring Circle and B.I. Health Centre Foundation, is now able to provide support for those in need, and most important, without any barriers to access.

We have two sources of aid available, the Youth at Risk Fund, for those between the ages of 15 and 29 and the Adult Support Fund, for those over 29.

To access the program, send an email to info@caringcircle.ca and indicate that you would like support. The two funds can provide each applicant with up to five sessions with an appropriately registered counsellor, social worker or psychologist. You don’t have to specify the nature of your concern, and the only person who will see your request is Colleen O’Neil of Caring Circle.

“We’re not giving away gift certificates,” O’Neil noted recently, dispelling the suggestion that this process could lack accountability. “Making the decision to seek help can be difficult and the process of counselling – coming to terms with your problems – is hard work.”

Adding to the anonymity of the request – and our desire to eliminate any barrier to access – is our policy that the applicant may select a counsellor from either Bowen or the mainland. In these pandemic days, the counselling is typically offered virtually, with meetings online via Zoom or another similar platform.

And we now have funding, without barriers, for those who would like help.

In 2020, we’ve already provided support for nearly two dozen islanders. Please don’t be afraid to ask for assistance; anonymity and confidentiality are guaranteed.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, November 5, 2020 • A5

PHOTO COURTESY OF DI IZDEBSKI

The sharp angles of rock in Di Izdebski’s “Forage” aren’t her classic flowing seascape but they’re no less rooted in the beauty of the West Coast.

The painting of ursus arctos horribilis foraging along a B.C. shoreline of mussels, barnacles, starfish and seaweeds is at the Robert Bateman Gallery in Victoria as part of its Grizzly Bears: Teachers of the Land exhibit.

Though it’s an education-based exhibition, the show does raise funds through entrance fees, donations, print sales and the gift shop. Di said she’s also running print sales and 100 per cent of the proceeds from those will go to the Grizzly Bear Foundation, a national charity dedicated to the welfare of grizzly bears.

When the Bateman Foundation got in touch with Di about this show, she’d already had the idea of the painting in her head for a while. This was the opportunity to get it out.

“I really wanted to do something that speaks a little bit about the relationship of grizzlies and coastal ecosystems,” said Di. “That’s why I have him foraging along the shoreline.”

The show runs Oct. 3 to Jan. 23 in Victoria but if islanders aren’t comfortable travelling these days, they will have the chance to see the painting when it returns to Bowen next year for Di’s summer show at the Hearth Gallery.

Keep an eye out for the results of the mail-in ballot count for the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding in the provincial election (remember that?): bowenislandundercurrent.com.

Express the very best of what it means to be human.

D I SC O V ER US A SMALL BY DESIGN

MIDDLE SCHOOL

ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL Apply now for 2021-22 and Beyond

islandpacific.org

A6 • Thursday, November 5, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

BOWEN REMEMBERS

We asked islanders for thoughts and memories of loved ones who served, here’s what they had to say Julie Vik sent in this photo of her uncle Ludger Roussy who served in the Second World War. The following is a letter to the editor Ludger sent to the services paper, the Maple Leaf, in 1945:

Unity is strength

As a Canadian member of the First North American Special Service Force, I do not like to hear the Americans criticized as soldiers. Having seen both sides of the picture, I must say that the Yanks are real friends and most of their units have a grand esprit de corps.

Our paratroop unit was composed of 900 Canadians and 900 Americans – volunteers all. In 10 months of training in the U.S. a genuine comradeship was formed.

We were all in American uniform. One could not distinguish between Canadians and Americans after we were there a short time. This unit proved that an international boundary is no barrier to friendship.

The Stars and Stripes was our newspaper for 20 months. Now we are back with the Canadian Army after serving with the Americans from Aug. 42 to Dec. 44. Our paper is now the Maple Leaf. Reading it, I find that the troubles, arguments and complaints are identical with the ones we heard

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE VIK

Ludger Roussy in 1941.

not so long ago in Yank uniform.

The greatest lesson of this war was that our unity is strength. To acquire unity, one must be unselfish and forgiving. Only then can true friendship materialize. Reunited on civvy street, I display the same understanding and tolerance that the gang in “The North Americans” did. It is a big order. But so was the order that started this thing and it has been filled.

My Grandfather’s Song

Eyes as blue as the shores of Normandy he told us only one story of a field near Omaha Beach when the moon was bright and a quiet stillness hovered like a rare songbird about to vanish forever.

There was a boy no more than ten with his head spilling into the earth.

A beautiful boy, eyes still open and lips in the shape of a kiss.

He spoke of sitting beside the boy through the night, taking his hand under a perfect sky bleeding stars and dust and perpetuity and waiting, waiting for something that would never come.

He did not attend any ceremonies nor speak of the friends he lost. No words for the scars. He carried on like nothing was wrong except for those far away eyes that sometimes swelled when he thought no one was looking.

Somewhere in a field there is a boy my grandfather never left.

The one thing he allowed us to carry with him.

And we did and still do and see the boy everywhere and offer small fragments of songs found in the rain.

Lisa Shatzky From The Bells that Ring, published by Black Moss Press, 2017 and published in Canadian Women’s Studies 2013.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EDWARD WACHTMAN

Edward Wachtman Sr.

During the Second World War, my father, Edward Wachtman, Sr. served as a 1st lieutenant in the 508th Combat Engineers Company of the U.S. Army. He was commanding officer of the 1st platoon: “the lucky 1st” Why lucky? The 1st was the only platoon in the company without a combat fatality.

Landing in Normandy on D-Day plus 20, the 508th delivered and built 35 Bailey bridges during the European Campaign; several under heavy enemy fire.

After the war Dad remained in the U.S. Army reserves, resigning as a major in 1956.

In 2001, Dad moved from North Carolina to Vancouver. He was 82 years old. In his first year in Canada he attended Bowen’s Remembrance Day ceremony and was deeply moved. He asked if, in the following year, he might lay a wreath in memory of the officers and men of the 508th. Dad did so every year until 2006, when failing health forced him to return to the U.S. Remembrance Day on Bowen was a highlight of his year. Since his death in 2007, our family has honoured his wishes and every year lays a wreath in memory of the 508th.

Edward Wachtman

PATRICK WEILER MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR WEST VANCOUVER-SUNSHINE COAST-SEA TO SKY COUNTRY

@PatrickBWeiler

Remembrance Day LEST WE FORGET

patrick.weiler@parl.gc.ca Tel.: 604-913-2660 Fax.: 604-913-2664 RON WOODALL

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, November 5, 2020 • A7

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2020

Wearing white poppies to remember civilians who died ENDER TANRIKUT

Contributor

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOWEN ISLAND MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

In the middle is late islander Mallory Smith.

MONICA NOTARO PHOTO

Aspects of war exhibit at the museum.

Museum reopens for special exhibit this week MONICA NOTARO

B.I. Museum and Archives

COVID-19 upended the year we had planned. Scheduled exhibits and programming were cancelled and we restricted access to the archives (which is now available to researchers by appointment).

But behind the scenes, we’ve been busy. The museum has shifted its focus inward, to collection maintenance. While not as stimulating and engaging as exhibits, programs and mentoring of a usual summer, focussing on collection maintenance has allowed for more than 1,000 artefacts to be found, cared for and reset for future access and exhibits. It’s also allowed us to adapt the donation procedure, which has shifted from dropin to appointment-only and now sees the curator examining potential collections with the help and expertise of archivist Cathy Bayly.

To this end, in recent months, when the museum could view its pandemic experience as bleak, there were two significant Bowen family donations. Both families provided much sought-after intimate and historically valuable items.

One collection centres on the farming equipment of the Collins Family Farm, gifted to the museum from the family of the late Jean Jamieson. This donation comes at a time when the museum is looking to open for the summer of 2021 as a pandemic-informed exhibit and space.

But more relevant to this week, are the donations from the family of Mary Ann and the late Mallory Smith. This year’s

Bowen Remembers exhibit will feature a couple of items from this collection.

While the museum and archives won’t be issuing the traditional invitation for community members to lend objects for the exhibit, this recent donation reminds us of the remarkable lives of veterans and their families.

Mallory Smith at one point was a trained fighter jet pilot stationed on an aircraft carrier overseas during the Korean War (1950 – 1953); a respected member of the business community; of Bowen Island Realty with business partner Wolfgang Duntz; one of the founders of Cate’s Chapel; and was a cherished and loved family member.

For Nov. 11, the museum will remember Mallory Smith with all of Bowen’s known veterans, and their loved ones through items available in the collection. The exhibit will feature a cherished item of Mallory’s, a framed copy of the poem, “Come With Me To Macedonia” by General Lucius A, Poulus, Rome, 168 B.C. According to Mary Ann Smith, Mallory’s spouse, this poem meant a lot to him as a pilot serving the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as it was a controversial conflict that both Canada and United States participated in. Mary Ann explained that Mallory would recall this poem as a reminder and inspiration of the dedication and duty of a solider.

This year’s COVID-modified Bowen Remembers Exhibit will be on display between the Higgins Cottage and the museum, Monday through Friday November 2 to 11, between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Archival images will be posted on the Museum and Archives Facebook page.

While the pandemic has denied us marking Remembrance Day by way of a community gathering at the cenotaph, that will not lessen our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives and fought in many wars for our freedom.

May we never forget these war heroes and while we remember them let us not lose sight of the fact the vast majority of us are indeed so fortunate to have been spared the challenges,

Remembering the service and sacrice of the Danish Resistance members and their families.

Every year on Nov. 11, we celebrate Remembrance Day to honour those military members who have died serving Canada since the beginning of the First World War. We proudly wear bright red poppies on our hats or jackets to show our respect to the veterans and to support them.

White peace poppies were introduced in Britain by the Women’s Co-operative Guild to remember civilian family members who had died in war and as a lasting symbol of peace and to end all wars. In Canada it is a relatively new tradition for white peace poppies to accompany red poppies on Remembrance Day. Since 2008, the Vancouver Peace Poppies (VPP) organization, (run by two volunteers) distributes white poppies to Canadian communities to help us remember and honour civilian war victims. More than 90 per cent of people who are killed during a war are civilians, including children.

The VPP uses any donations given in excess of covering the cost of the white peace poppies to support peace education for Canadian school children.

VPP offers subsidies to provide white peace poppies to schools below cost and provides free teaching ideas and materials. Thus, anyone who purchases a white peace poppy is also making a valuable contribution to building a secure and peaceful world for our children and for future generations. For more information about the VPP and its work in Canada, please visit www.peacepoppies.ca.

Please support remembering both the deaths of military personnel and civilians by wearing a poppy or poppies of your choice on Remembrance Day. Many people wear both: a red poppy to remember the military victims and honour war veterans, a white poppy to remember the civilians who died in wars. White poppies also indicate a commitment to taking action to create a world of peace.

This year, the following Bowen stores are kindly offering White Peace Poppies: Cates Medicine Centre Pharmacy, Bowen Pet Supplies and the Hearth Gallery.

hardships, injuries and fatalities of war.

By comparison, what is expected of each and every one of us in our battle against the Covid-19 pandemic pales substantially so let’s take up the challenge and do our small but so important part by masking up, physically distancing, washing our hands frequently and keeping our bubbles small. Lest we forget.

Bruce & Dorene Russell

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.

Without them humanity cannot survive. ~ Dalai Lama Remembering those who paid the ultimate price

With loving respect from Pernille Nielsen and family .

A8 • Thursday, November 5, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

They gave the eir tomorrow For our today y

Lest we forget

This Canadian’s war: remembering Vietnam veteran Roger Arndt FROM VANCOUVER, ARNDT WASN’T SUPPOSED TO GO TO VIETNAM. HE WENT ANYWAY BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

We will remember them.

RHODES ON BOWEN

Timothy Rhodes REALTOR®

604.341.9488

For Th Thee Fallen Laurence Binyon

“He went to war to prove he was a man, reality made the shit hit the fan.”

-The Ballad of Don Rogelio.

Six feet separated each member of Mariachi Tobasko as they sidled up to Roger Arndt’s North Shore Hospice window. In the warm summer breeze, the four-piece group (one of two Mariachi groups to visit Arndt that week) serenaded their friend with his favourite songs. Though Arndt’s energy was waning, the islander sang along with the rising chorus of Volver Volver, laughing as he dropped an octave to harmonize with the last note.

The Vietnam veteran, Mariachi band co-founder, father of four and islander of nearly 30 years died a few days later, on Aug. 3.

In January 1968, the Vietnam War

was reaching its height and watching it on TV, Arndt couldn’t help but feel he was watching history. Coming from an less than happy childhood in Vancouver, fascinated by the jungle warfare of the Second World War and looking for purpose, the 18-yearold Arndt headed across the border to the military recruiting centre in Bellingham.

Never mind that it was illegal for Canadians to serve the foreign war, the Americans were accepting anyone who walked through the door; all he needed was a visa.

“Was it adventure, escape or just wanting to prove something to myself – I don’t know. I just felt it was something I had to do,” Arndt wrote In My Year in The Company of Heroes, a compendium of stories from men of the 159th Medical Company, Dustoff, in Vietnam.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN HILLMAN

Roger Arndt in his ‘doc’ whites in Vietnam in 1969.

Arndt became one of between 20,000 and 40,000 Canadians to serve in the Vietnam War. With eight weeks of basic training and eight weeks of combat medic training, the young Canuck headed from Texas to Germany and then to Phu Loi in 1969. In Vietnam, he was a medic with the 11th Combat Aviation Battalion, 128th Assault Helicopter Co. and volunteered as a gunner with other companies.

Though the best buddy he had enlisted with was killed overseas––one

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bowenislandundercurrent.com of at least 134 Canadians who died or were declared missing in action in the war––Arndt returned and was honourably discharged in December, 1970.

“It was a bad time to come back from fighting in Vietnam in 1970,” said Arndt’s longtime partner Susan Hillman. “It was not popular. But those who were over there fighting, they were doing their best to win, be soldiers and not get killed themselves.”

“It was a very different thing from the people who were making the political decisions,” she said.

As an art student and later professor of visual art, Hillman had a very different take on the world from Arndt. “And I probably would never have gotten involved with anybody who was fighting in the war when I was a student,” she mused. “But that was all behind both of us by the time we met.”

Arndt met Hillman when he moved to the island in 1992. She was an associate dean at Emily Carr University, he was her banjo teacher.

By that time, Arndt had had a career with Brink’s––first on the trucks, later qualifying as a firearms instructor, and then becoming the Western area manager––before moving onto being a professional musician and teaching at Rufus Guitar Store. “He could play anything with strings on it,” said Hillman.

Both had children from previous marriages––Arndt had two girls, Kendra and Aleysha, and a boy, Wyatt. Hillman had a four-year-old boy, Victor.

In the early days of their relationship, Arndt was just going to stay at Hillman’s house for a couple of weeks and sort some things out. “Then we extended the two weeks and it became 28 years,” she said.

Music became central to their shared life.

Hillman quickly switched from the banjo that had incited their romance to the bass and got more comfortable playing and performing with musicians. In 2005, the couple (along with Richard Baker of Blue Northern and Doug & The Slugs fame) recorded an American Roots album, The Texicanos: Southern Exposure, in the home studio Arndt assembled. Though Arndt had never recorded an album before, The Texicanos sold in 10 countries, was written up in French fanzines and was played by radio stations in the American South.

But it was when Arndt met Mariachi musicians that he found his great musical passion, became a co-founder of Mariachi Los Dorado’s in Vancouver and Don Rogelio was born. (Rogelio is Spanish for Roger.)

He would go on to be master of ceremonies for the International Mariachi Festival at the Vogue and host of Mariachi Festival Canada.

A friendship with Mariachi player Rich Ochoa (Ricardo) inspired the Ballad of Don Rogelio, the story of Arndt’s time overseas (it is on YouTube).

But that wasn’t the only story delving into Arndt’s wartime past.

Though Arndt was assigned to the 128th Assault Helicopter Co. in Vietnam, for a time he volunteered to fly with the 159th Medical Company (air ambulance). Looking to add a 159th patch to his flight jacket and wanting permission before doing so, Arndt found a website dedicated to the company and the contact information for one Randy Millican.

Unbeknownst to Arndt, there’d been some mystery around the Canadian. Some in Millican’s unit said there had been no

Canadian, others said they remembered a “crazy Canuck.” “[They] thought he was a ghost because nobody else knew about him,” Hillman recounted. It was quite the surprise when Arndt contacted them of his own accord.

Millican and another war buddy of Arndt’s assured him that it was all right if he wore the 159th patch and asked their long-ago fellow to contribute a chapter to the book Millican was editing, In My Year in The Company of Heroes.

As Canada wasn’t officially part of the Vietnam War, the Royal Canadian Legion didn’t recognize Vietnam veterans as members until 1994.

“Canada says it was not their war,” wrote Arndt in the 159th’s book. “While this may be true, Vietnam was definitely this Canadian’s war.”

“It was a very important part of his life,” said Hillman.

Remembrance Day was very important to Arndt. “November the 11th, he always put his uniform on,” she said.

And on Bowen, Arndt was a staple at the massive Remembrance Day community ceremonies, marching in behind the bagpiper, though there was some controversy over carrying a flag. “He wouldn’t carry the British flag…he didn’t fight for Britain,” recalled Hillman. “They wouldn’t let him carry the American flag, which is what he fought for and when you’ve had your life on the line the flag is very important.”

Earlier this year, Arndt had been losing weight and generally was feeling unwell but had put it down to stress. The country was well into the grips of COVID-19 and virtual appointments had replaced in-person doctor’s visits. When he finally saw the doctor, Arndt was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer. Six and a half weeks later, he was gone.

“He was a fabulous person,” said Hillman.

“He was very straightforward and honest.

He’d tell you exactly what he thought.

“But he was always very kind and wanted everybody to be happy.”

“Old soldiers never die, they soldier on. But he’ll be here forever in this song” -The Ballad of Don Rogelio.

Thursday, November 5, 2020 • A9

Did you, by chance, pick up a very heavy rock in the shape of a Lion at the entrance of Fairway Lane? If you did, please return it; it was to mark our entrance.

Please e-mail Shyam to barrondeapodaca24@gmail.com

Patient of the Week GUINNESS & BUFFY Guinness and his boxer sister Buffy are regular clients at Bowen Vet and Guinness was in recently to investigate a lump that had materialized. Dogs can develop many different types of lumps and bumps so always a good idea to get them checked over by a Veterinarian.

REGULAR HOURS Tuesday to Friday 9- 5 Saturday 9- 1 Closed Sunday and Monday

To schedule appointments, please call

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or email reception@bowenvet.com PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN HILLMAN

Roger Arndt in his Mariachi attire at the Vogue theatre.

A10 • Thursday, November 5, 2020

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Thursday, November 5, 2020 • A11

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH

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A12 • Thursday, November 5, 2020

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Though Deep Bay wasn’t its usual Halloween central, the neighbourhood still made Oct. 31 a special night while creatively keeping distanced.

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