West Vancouver Beacon | July/August 2021 | Edition 45 by The Beacon

THE No. 45

BEACON Shedding light on the communities from Lions Bay to Dundarave

July/August 2021

The Beacon has been shedding light on the communities between Lions Bay and West Bay. We are delighted to now welcome Dundarave, recognized for its friendly village charm and its inclusive waterfront community. Circa 1940

Photo: Chris Stringer

TWENTY YEARS

YOUR NEIGHBOURS

We are grateful to live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples.

The Penny Mitchell Group Penny & Stephanie Mitchell 604-816 -7825 • 604 -812-7158 • www.pennymitchell.com TM

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LOOKING BACK

CAULFEILD’S MR. STONE

IN THIS ISSUE 3

OPINION

Now.

Photo: WVan archives

Then.

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July/August 2021

LINDY PFEIL OPINION TEAM

Planes, trains and bumper stickers

Chris Stringer Publisher

chrisstringer @westvanbeacon.ca

Lindy Pfeil Editor

lindypfeil @westvanbeacon.ca

Penny Mitchell Advertising

pennymitchell @westvanbeacon.ca

Melissa Baker Creative Director

melissabaker @westvanbeacon.ca Please note that all contributing writers for The Beacon retain full rights and that the full or partial reproduction of feature articles is unauthorized without the consent of the author. Personal opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed are solely those of the respective contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Beacon, the publisher or the editorial and creative staff.

Submissions for The Beacon The Beacon is delivered bi-monthly to 5000+ households between Lions Bay and Dundarave. For submission guidelines and queries, please e-mail the Editor: lindypfeil@ westvanbeacon.ca Please note that all submissions are subject to space constraints and editing. For advertising queries, please e-mail the Director of Marketing: pennymitchell@westvanbeacon.ca For all other queries, please e-mail the Publisher: chrisstringer@westvanbeacon.ca All editions of The Beacon (beginning in September 2013), can also be read online at: www.westvanbeacon.ca.

once saw a bumper sticker that said, “There is magic in the unexpected.” Or something like that. It was long ago. The ‘80s. Before social media. When the only way of regurgitating wisdom was on the back of a car. I don’t recall the car’s make, or even its colour. Nor do I remember the driver. But it seemed a pretty good way of traveling through life. Optimistic. Flexible. Rolling with the punches. I admired the sentiment. Agreed with it. Until I got stranded at an airport during a global pandemic. I was on my way back to Canada, after spending six weeks in South Africa with my mum. She had gone into cardiac arrest during what should have been a routine medical procedure. But of course, there has been very little that has been routine since COVID began. I had completed the first leg of my journey, from Gqebergha, in the Eastern Cape to Oliver Tambo International in Johannesburg. I had two negative COVID tests in hand, my ArriveCAN certificate, the reference number for my three-day mandatory hotel quarantine, and just in case, my AstraZeneca vaccination record. I was prepared. All I needed was a book from the airport bookstore to keep me occupied for the next two flights. And some liquorice. Two hours after arriving at the check-in desk, it opened. The man behind the counter took my passport and, without even opening it, told me that I would not be allowed

to board the plane. The Dutch authorities had apparently banned all Canadians, South Africans and Americans from entering the Netherlands. Even though the flight was still scheduled. And even though my transit time in Amsterdam would be only 55 minutes. “It still says I can check in on my app,” I whimpered, showing him my iPhone. “I don’t know why it says that.” Not helpful. “What will happen if you just let me on the plane?” I whispered. This was Africa after all. I knew, from being there all those weeks, that stopping at a stop street is optional, red traffic lights are purely ornamental and rules, in general, are simply suggestions. So it was worth a try. “We will get fined.” Oh. Realising I was not going to board this flight, I asked “How do I get home, then?” Four days later, via Paris, was the only option. Four days! “Where will I stay?” I hyperventilated. “I don’t know,” he said, looking over my shoulder. “Can I sleep in the airport?” Apparently not. I collapsed on the floor, in a little heap. Right there in the middle of International Departures at O.R. Tambo. I. Just. Sat. I had not been to Johannesburg in decades. I had been warned to never take an Uber in the city. To hide all valuables when in public. And to Be Vigilant At All Times. It

was 9:30 at night. There was no magic in this kind of unexpected. Stupid bumper sticker. Sitting cross-legged, still on the floor, between my little red suitcase and my bright pink backpack, I did what one does in emergencies – started scrolling through Facebook.

“

“There is something unbreakable in the bonds formed at high school.” I clicked on Friends. And found Brenda (with a B, she was at the top of my list). Brenda and I attended the same Catholic high school. We were not close friends. She was good at sport and therefore, cool. I was not good at sport, and also just sort of weird. We last saw each other 40 years ago and have not spoken since, except for connecting on the odd occasion on Facebook. My plan (if it could be called that) was to ask Brenda where a good (i.e. safe) place would be to stay. And how I could get there in one piece. I started texting her my garbled message and then I saw the little purple phone icon. I pressed it and suddenly I heard Brenda on the other side. Technology! She sounded exactly the same as when she was

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July/August 2021

17. She was at pottery class. “I’m coming to get you,” she said. She cleaned up her pottery station, hopped in her car, sped along the highway, at night, in Johannesburg, to collect me – someone she had not seen since 1981. And right there the magic began. I spent the next four days with her. We stopped talking only long enough to dunk rusks in our coffee. And so that I could reconnect with old friends from elementary school. The day before my flight to Paris, on her way to a meeting, Brenda dropped me outside our old high school. I wanted to go to church. Old habits are hard to kill. The high walls and electric fence around the church and the school befuddled me for a moment. I walked by the gates three times before spotting the little buzzer. A guard appeared. He opened the gate for me only once I’d assured him that I only wanted to pray. Now, of course, I wish I had asked him what the other options were. But then, I was so excited just to be allowed in. There was no one in the church. No holy water. No choir. No nuns. No priest. No communion line-up. Just me and Mary and the fantastic stained glass window behind Je-

sus on the cross. And just like that I was 17 again. Despite the creaky knees. And I missed this place. That time. Those girls. It is our fortieth high school reunion this year. The pandemic has destroyed all the long-made plans to reunite in person. Which is a pity, since a fortieth anniversary only comes around once. But, since my unplanned stay, we have created a Facebook group for the class of ’81, and we have started gathering. We are scattered far and wide. Many of us have not been in touch in decades. We have loved. Lost. Some have married. Given birth. Divorced. Emigrated. Made new friends. Homes in new countries. Some of us have died. But there is something unbreakable in the bonds formed at high school. When you are filled with hopes and dreams. Invincibility. Before real life gets its hands on you. We are meeting on Zoom, getting to know each other all over again. Instead of a live celebration, we are writing a book of memories. Each of us sharing stories of then and now. We are creating an anniversary anthology. A legacy. And all because of a cancelled flight. Magic in the unexpected indeed.

PAGE 3

Photo: L. Pfeil Rosebank Catholic Church, Johannesburg, South Africa. Part of the unexpected magic of a cancelled flight.

Part of the community since

1931

British Pacific Properties is a proud long-time sponsor of the Harmony Arts Festival and we are excited to once again host the 6th Annual Paint on the Mountain plein air competition during the Festival. Visit www.cypressvillage.com/events for more details.

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July/August 2021

BRIAN POMFRET

JOE GARDENER

In summer it’s all about conserving water In July, pay attention to water regulations. • Water conservation is most important. Be aware of municipal water restrictions now and forthcoming. Mulching is very important. Use bark mulch or chips but don’t dig in as it robs nitrogen. • Water plants wisely by watering deeply in the morning. • Keep lawn at about 2.5 inches to protect it from the heat of the sun. I don’t fertilize in July or August. • Stop cutting rhubarb so the plant can store energy. Keep it watered though. • When delphiniums fade, cut them to the ground to get a second flush.

• Regularly deadhead or pinch back those annuals and flowering shrubs, especially roses, to keep them producing. • Roses could use an addition of well-rotted steer manure dug into the first inch or two of soil. Fertilize with rose food after each bloom flush. August is for pruning. • Continue deadheading roses, shrubs and perennials for that final show of the season. • The rambling roses should have their final pruning. •M ake sure to clip off the final flowering stems of the lavender to keep the plant tidy, but don’t prune back foliage just yet. • This is the time of the first hard pruning of wisteria. All

those ‘wispy bits’ should be pruned back to 3 to 5 nodes from the main stem. • Cut older raspberry canes that have finished fruiting to the ground and tie new canes to a bamboo support. That’s where next year’s fruit will be. • Feed your hanging baskets, tubs and window boxes with fish fertilizer for continued flower flush. • Plant some crocus now to have them poke through the fallen leaves in autumn.

IAN MACPHERSON

PSYCHED OUT

Are you doing the demon dance?

o almost everyone who knows them, Jan and Irv seem to have been happily married for the past 17 years. Yet there have been changes in their relationship - at first small and slow - that have created an emotional gulf. And Jan and Irv have now reached the point where they seriously doubt their compatibility and wonder why they got together in the first place. Many couples start off attending carefully to each other and managing their disagreements at least satisfactorily. There are many reasons why bonds begin to loosen over time. But these are less important than what happens when they find themselves disconnected. By the time couples reach a crisis stage,

where they do not feel safe and secure with their partner, they are often involved in ongoing conflict. The subject of their clashes can be almost anything but it decides for them what their basic, and apparently unsolvable, problem is. Jan insists that Irv is a selfish cheapskate and he sees her as an unbridled spendthrift. He claims she is a neurotic “neat freak” while she calls him an “unkempt slob.” Jan’s desire for adventure earns her the label of chronically restless and dissatisfied. Irv, more of a homebody, to Jan is a bore. The list of grievances and counter grievances goes on. The mutually blaming focus has escalated into an increasingly hopeless and destructive pattern.

It is not that the seeds of these conflicts were never there before. Even the best of marriages can have these clashes and survive. It is the intensification of the complaints that becomes the problem, because of the dire meaning attributed to them. Whatever the content of the couple’s battles, the underlying panic of disconnection is what drives the increasingly negative “dance.” Prof. Susan Johnson, leading researcher and developer of attachment-based couples therapy, identifies three such “demon” dances. “Find the bad guy” is the dance Jan and Irv are now doing, but it will soon degenerate into the more desperate “attack-defend” scheme that can end with both partners in the emotionally exhausted “standoff ”

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dance. When this pattern becomes automatic and habitual, only about 20% of these couples can avoid separation without help. It is important that Irv and Jan show appreciation for the characteristics of each other that they initially found attractive. Their therapist fans this spark by coaching them to get emotionally in touch with their underlying desire to recover a secure bond. This helps them to see that their conflicts are workable. But this can happen only after first recognizing that the enemy of their intimacy is not each other, but the “demon dance.” Ian Macpherson is a psychologist who lives and practices in West Vancouver. More at www.westvancouvertherapist.com

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PAGE 5

(Not) growing up in West Vancouver BY

John Moonen

any residents of West Van have enjoyed the beach at Sandy Cove. But who remembers the general store that clung precariously to the top of the stairs? I spent a lot of summer days at Sandy Cove Beach, a hangout for most kids in Bayridge. We dared each other to climb the washroom building (all ten feet) and to prove we could withstand the frigid waters of English Bay (for all of ten minutes). We collected a lot of beer and pop bottles. Yes, pop came in glass and beer came in stubbies. We cashed them in at the store and spent the proceeds on penny candy. If it was a particularly profitable day we’d splurge on a ten-cent chocolate bar. That usually provided the energy needed to make the hot climb up Sharon Drive or Burkehill to the lofty heights of Viewridge Place. In the ‘60s and ‘70s there were as many as 30 school-aged kids in the 13 homes on Viewridge. One of them (Gregor Robertson) went on to become mayor of Vancouver – but we forgave him. Kevin Falcon was our paperboy. Most kids walked to West Bay Elementary (yes, walked) or took the bus to Hillside. Some of us went to St. Anthony’s School in faraway Cedardale. That meant sometimes catching the bus from Park Royal, back when the entire mall was north of Marine Drive and there was a Woodward’s at each end. As we grew older, some of us ventured beyond these cozy boundaries into the great unknown, “over-the-bridge.” Stephen Bourke and I started riding our bikes to Granville Mall to catch Saturday matinees when we were in grade 7. We pedaled home

through Stanley Park in the dark. Sometimes we had to settle for the Odeon at 16th or the Park Royal Theatre (three whole screens). Dining out meant the buffet at Frank Baker’s with its naughty statue. Or Peppi’s, with red and white tablecloths and great views of Dundarave pier. We sometimes ventured west. One year, my brother Peter and I joined cubs at St. Francis-in-the-Wood. I didn’t get a single badge and after a few weeks it was suggested I might find something more suitable to do on Tuesday nights. Even now when I attend church I feel the need to earn a badge before somebody throws me out. My sister Alida swam competitively but the vast majority of kids growing up in West Van in the ‘60s and ‘70s played soccer. Hockey was limited because there was only one sheet of public ice. Saturday mornings meant mud, Yorkshire-accented coaches, bruised shins and half-eaten oranges. My most enduring memory of Saturday afternoons is Hollyburn Mountain covered with wood smoke. Autumn weekends were for burning leaves and anything else we could find before being told to drop it by somebody’s dad. Usually mine. Growing up in West Van was so much fun that I never left (or grew up?). Marie and I raised our sons Peter and Rob here. Peter married Dawn Stephens, a Caulfeild girl. They haven’t left either. Peter manages the Troller Pub and they’re partners in the Tuscany on Bowen. We’re not on Viewridge anymore but my mom Elaine is still in the same house after 60 years. She says she has the best neighbours in Canada. We’re in distant Caulfeild, only two miles from Sandy Cove. John Moonen is a lobbyist, political consultant and community volunteer.

Sherman store, Sandy Cove, circa 1965.

Peppi’s, 1984.

Photo: courtesy of West Vancouver Memorial Library

Photo: courtesy of West Vancouver Archives

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July/August 2021

ROSE LEPIN

TALKATIVE TEEN

On music, memoirs and being a twin

egan and Sara Quin are arguably two of the biggest female music stars Canada has produced. From releasing their nine studio albums, to composing their joint memoir, High School, to performing at the Academy Awards and everything in between, the twin sister duo has had limitless success. After reading High School this past winter, I became intrigued with their life stories. The sisters erased their adolescent drug habits, replacing them with music. The memoir details their journeys in self-growth and sexual orientation, ultimately leading to the creation of the Tegan and Sara Foundation, a non-profit that raises funds for LGBTQ girls and women. To my indescribable honour, Tegan agreed to sit down with me and chat about the Canadian music industry, making a name in the ‘90s, LGBTQ advocacy, and sharing a career with a twin. As a twin myself, this is something about which I was really curious. “Sara and I have definitely worked hard to develop boundaries,” Tegan explains. “We make sure to really respect the other person’s privacy. Sara is welcome to share anything about herself but she wouldn’t get into my personal business publicly.” She adds: “There have been moments that we have taken our banter on stage a little too far. But, generally speaking, we try to treat each other with the respect of someone you are not related to.” In addition to music production and their undeniable success in the music industry, they are also making serious change in the lives of LGBTQ women through their foundation. Over the years, the twins engaged in

various charity initiatives for LGBTQ+ organizations, and were contacted with requests 24/7. The duo saw the lack of support for the various intersections of LGBTQ+ women, specifically, and decided to donate $1 from each ticket to their 2015 Love You to Death tour towards these initiatives, and the Tegan and Sara Foundation was born. Following two back-to-back records, their creative energies were still strong as ever, but the sisters craved diverting their attention to non-musical outlets. After receiving an offer from a book agent, the twins knew that they wanted to tell their “origin story.” Their 384-page memoir, High School, released in September 2019, was a massive success. But Tegan says, “the first couple months were sort of a disaster. It was as if I had forgotten how to write.” Once published, the pair presented before the National Librarian’s Association in New York, where many secondary school librarians were concerned about adding the book to their school shelves, because of the mature content. “We underestimate what teenagers are exposed to,” Tegan explains. “This isn’t a book that says, ‘Don’t do drugs.’ This is a book that says, ‘Hey! We got lost, we needed to figure it out and then we found music.’ Music helped us find our way. It helped us correct our past and brought us closer together. Music became our central focus and it replaced the bad behaviours.” A message that most can get behind. Their career path has been unique. “I was not a traditional learner,” Tegan says. “I did not do well at our massive public school with thousands of kids. I really struggled.”

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The duo’s career was already taking off by the time their friends were going to university, so they decided not to go. “Sara and I are devoted to education,” she explains. “We learned to be learners, and we could probably go back to university now. However, I don’t know. I don’t like being told what to do.” Tegan talks about the uniqueness of the Canadian music industry. “There is so much love, support, and respect for art in Canada and so many organizations that give money to the arts. The first years of our career were very much funded by the Canadian government. We had grants to tour, make music videos, and produce records.” Tegan and Sara continue to redefine the barriers of the music industry, both in Canada, as well as globally. It was such a joy to talk to Tegan about her career and advocacy, and I look forward to their future ventures! Rose Lepin is a grade 11 student at WVSS. A Beacon contributor since 2018, she adores having this vessel to tell community stories. Rose spends her free time writing, singing in the District Honour Choir, taking excessive photos of her cat, and performing her duties as Miss Teen Greater Vancouver 2019-2022 and Miss Personality 2021. Tegan Quin photographed by Trevor Brady. Photo: courtesy of Dave Stelling at Warner Music Canada

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PAGE 7

Congratulations Rockridge Class of ‘21 BY

Tracy Smith

English Teacher & English Dept Coordinator Rockridge Secondary School

distinctly remember the fresh smell of pungent portables in the morning as many of this year’s grads walked into their first English class five years ago. Back then you were grade 8s. You were all so short, which totally worked to my advantage, trying to come across as a tough, mean high school teacher. But now I walk down the hallway and have to look up to make eye contact with some of you. You would fidget in your chairs, get up at any chance you could, shout across the room. It was like trying to teach a room full of bear cubs. But now you lean back in your chairs, all mature and sophisticated, pretending to listen while hiding your earbuds or shopping online when you’re supposed to be taking notes.

You’ve all changed so much and yet you are still those wonderful kids that were so nervous walking into school that day, wondering if you were the only one feeling out of place and a little lost. Now, the school seems so small to you. Granted you are much bigger, but you’re ready to go and do something new. I will miss those moments with you. The moments when your eyes lit up when something finally clicked and you turned to the person next to you and shouted the answer. Moments when the whole class got lost in a discussion and it took up the lesson. I’ve watched you go from grade 8s, worried that the grade 12s would be mean to you, like in the movies, to being grade 12s yourselves. So many of you are going off into the world to learn and work and be adventurers, artists and professionals. I will probably be seeing some of you soon enough as my dentist or contractor or lawyer, adviser, trainer and I’ll comment on how much you’ve changed and how proud I am of you.

Photo provided On the steps at Kay Meek, from L to R: Zack Nicklin, Finn Meiklejohn and Fiona Averill. Front row from L to R: Simon Mattern, Lucy Jeffrey, teacher Tracy Smith, Madeline Duncan and Aidan Scott

English teachers have a privilege that most other disciplines don’t. I get to ask you questions about your thoughts, your feelings and you write back and tell me things that in high school could never be said out loud

in class. Through your writing, you have all been so courageous and have let me into your hearts and I hope that is where I – and Rockridge – will stay. Congratulations graduates!

The role of social media in modern day activism BY

Mia Jakobsen

Rockridge Secondary 2021 Graduate

ocial media. We use it to share photos and create connections with people on the other side of the world. But there’s more to it - it has the power to amplify voices and instantaneously spread information. Social media allows marginalized people, whose voices aren’t prioritized by society, to create their own platform to share their stories. If you’re active on any social platforms,

you’ll notice that when some social injustice happens, your timeline will likely have a flood of posts and reposts. The simplicity of retweeting or sharing a post to your story calling for change has prompted individuals to do so. Before, you had to get physically involved, but now you can do so virtually. This accessibility has allowed more people to get involved with social justice and educate themselves about current events, rather than stay out of it. While it has definitely encouraged a rise in public awareness, it has also caused some activism to become increasingly facile. Per-

formative activism is done with the intention to increase one’s social capital (gain more followers or likes) rather than genuine support to a cause. An example of this was when 20 million people on Instagram posted a black square to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter, but then did nothing else. It’s also becoming common for people to use social media as their only source of information. Rather than using that informative but digestible post to start their research, they view it as the end of their learning process. It’s important to understand the value of activism on social media and the reach

we’re able to achieve because of it, but it is also necessary to reflect on our intentions when doing so. There is nothing wrong with simply sharing a post, but it becomes an issue if it’s the only thing you do virtually or physically. Activism should go beyond our screens, so ask yourself: Are you supporting the causes you care about in ways that go beyond social media trends? Are you signing petitions, having conversations with those around you, getting involved locally, donating (if you can), or researching beyond a post and educating yourself? Are you using your privilege for good?

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July/August 2021

Caulfeild’s Mr. Stone BY

Chris Stringer

n 1910, when Francis Caulfeild was in the early stages of developing Caulfeild Village, the records indicate that E.C. Kilby, H.P. Clubb and Henry A. Stone were the initial purchasers of property. Eight years later Henry and his wife, Beatrice, built their

family home, Stonehaven, at 4648 Piccadilly Road. Thus began a love affair with Caulfeild that led to them being major benefactors and community leaders as the village developed. It was here that the family roots were laid and today, among their descendants are Tammy Khorran, former WV police officer, brothers Hans and Rolf Brandvold and community leader, Nora Gambioli.

In the late 1930s Henry was prevailed upon to write the annals of the village and to relate incidents in the life of its founder which he did, in A Short History of Caulfeild Village, circa 1939. In the book’s foreword Jean Kilby Rorison wrote: “It is fitting Mr. Stone should do so. He had a great admiration for Mr. Caulfeild, that fine gentleman, who carved this special spot out of the wilderness. Mr. Stone loved and gave of his best to Caulfeild. St. Francis-in-the-Wood church, the Lychgate and the new beautiful extension of the chancel, as a memorial gift, were designed and planned by him.” In the book, Henry relates how, as a resident of Vancouver at the turn of the cenp a ny. tury, he was drawn to this area that was be- Gault Brothers, the ing pioneered for development: “Campers leading textile manufacturer in Canada at from Vancouver pitched their tents for the the time, offered Henry a transfer to Vanfamily summer holidays on those inviting couver to establish the company operations in Vancouver north shores. The writer as managing direcand family did so for tor. The Stone family two seasons, camping moved to Vancouver behind the little beach in 1901 and the Gault now called Sandy Cove, business grew exadjacent to the cantensively as it dominery. They were glorinated the Canadian ous for healthy holidays, textile marketplace a freshwater stream at through the early hand and spring salmon part of the century. to be bought at the canHis business success nery for 25 cents each. afforded Henry the I only hope my readers opportunity to invest have known the joys in his passion for the and pleasures of expearts. riencing camping on a Henry and Beasecluded spot of similar trice were foundbeautiful and friendly ing members of the shores, where nature is Vancouver Art Galso generous to the eflery and launched it forts of the pioneer.” Word of the pioneer, by raising funds for Francis Caulfeild, and a civic art collection - Jean Kilby Rorison his nearby development in 1925 with a startwas the talk at the cannery and neighbour- ing gift of $50,000. Henry was appointed its ing cottagers. Henry’s curiosity was piqued. first president and remained on the board He checked it out and the rest is history. for many years. The Beatrice Stone Medal Born in London in 1862, Henry Ath- remains part of the Vancouver Art Galelstan Stone’s father was a draper and lery’s annual awards to BC artists. Stonehaven remained the principal famHenry grew up working in the family business. At age 20 he immigrated to Toronto, ily residence. Over the years Henry added continuing his work as a draper. In 1887 he the Summer Home at 4441 Piccadilly Road returned to London to marry his childhood North and the Caretaker’s Cottage at 4453 sweetheart, Beatrice, and they raised their Piccadilly Road North. The family legacy family of three children, Horace, Frances remains in Caulfeild with Stone Crescent. Beatrice died in 1933 and Henry ten and Elsie in Toronto. Over the next 17 years, Henry Stone years later, at age 81, in Caulfeild. Both were progressed to managing the Toronto com- laid to rest at Capilano View Cemetery.

“

“He had a great admiration for Mr. Caulfeild, that fine gentleman, who carved this special spot out of the wilderness.”

Henry Stone circa 1937.

Photo: courtesy of Nora Gambioli

July/August 2021

PAGE 9

Harmony in memory of Horace Stone BY

Carl Hunter

ing posted to HMS Hermione, Stone was sent to the Royal Naval College at Greenwich. Shortly after joining the Hermione from Greenwich, Lt. Stone was assigned as second officer to Motor Launch (ML) 328 effective September 1916, and in November to ML427. He was appointed Temporary Lieutenant on June 22, 1917 and moved to the Patrol vessel in August of that year. The HMS Hermione was an Astraea-class cruiser that served as a guard ship off Southampton until the war’s end. She served as the headquarters, or mother ship, for motor launches and coastal motorboats protecting the English Channel. Following the armistice on November 11, 1918, Lt. Stone travelled to Paris where he contracted Spanish influenza that was rampant at this time. The casualty lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies reported that: “MS Hermione, Officer, STONE, Horace G, Temporary/Lieutenant, RNVR; telephone message from officer 13.12.18. Seriously ill at Station Hospital, Paris. Influenza”. His death, at age 27, is reported in his Service Record on

orace G. Stone, Lieutenant, RNVR (Royal Naval Voluntary Reserve) is commemorated in the bold, stained glass window in the main foyer of the West Vancouver Memorial Library. Titled Harmony, this magnificent window was created by John Henry Dearle in 1931. The window is a reproduction of Sir Frank Dicksee’s painting of the same name, currently housed at the Tate Gallery in London. Dearle, a master craftsman for Morris & Co. in England, designed the nine-foot-tall window as a commission piece for Henry Athelstan Stone as a memorial to his son. Mr. Stone was a founder of the Vancouver Art Gallery where the window was installed and displayed for 19 years before being presented to the West Vancouver Memorial Library in 1950 by his daughter, Elsie. The inscription reads: “To the memory of Lieut. Horace Gordon Stone, only son of Henry A. and Beatrice H. Stone of the city, who died in active service December 15, 1918.” Horace was born in Toronto in 1891 to Henry and Beatrice Stone (née Hetty) and had two sisters, Frances (Mathews) and Elsie (Gentles). He was a bright and active youth. At the age of 17 he built an 18 foot sailboat, the Adanac, and successfully raced his boat in many Royal Vancouver Yacht Club events. Horace attended McGill University Vancouver campus in 1911 and 1912 before moving to Montreal to complete his degree in Applied Science. He is listed as a member of the McGill 1915 graduating class. During the Great War, many young English/Canadian men had a strong sense of obligation to serve and Horace Stone was likely no exception. He enlisted in the Royal Navy Voluntary Reserve in Canada and was appointed Temporary Sub-Lieutenant on May 22, 1916 before arriving by boat in Liverpool on June 5, 1916. Prior to be- Horace Stone 1891-1918. Photo: courtesy of Lafayette Limited, London, U.K.

15 December 1918. Lt. Stone was buried at Cimetière parisien de Pantin, in the Seine-SaintDenis department, Île-deFrance.

Harmony 1931.

Photo: courtesy of WVan Memorial Library

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July/August 2021

ANNE BAIRD

ANNE’S CORNER

It’s that time of year

t’s silly season again! The birds are pursuing mates as if their lives depend on it. As they do. This morning, outside the Community Center, a lonely woodpecker disturbed the peace. He pounded on a nearby tree like legendary jazz-drummer, Gene Krupa. When this didn’t entice a female, he began drumming on metal on the side of the building. This produced the kind of din you hear on demolition sites. Still no lady! Where is the one who will answer his call? On our patio, it was more of the same. The Busbys are an old couple. But even they joined the mating madness. Busby flaunted his inner Valentino by stomping around the plastic roof like a flamenco dancer in gumboots. Mrs. Busby encouraged him with appreciative squawks. Busby Junior has vanished. This is no time for adolescents to be hanging around, scrounging for handouts. New chicks are the reason for the season.

No relief in Ambleside Park. A pair of Canada geese strutted across the grass. The male pursued the female, uttering guttural grunts. The female sashayed ahead, playing hard to get. She had a melodic, seductive call. Soprano. Had she been human, I’d have recruited her for the choir. Ambleside Pond? No swans since the female lost her mate. But a passel of pigeons performed a scurrying courtship dance, with coos and seductive weaving and bobbing. A bald eagle flew by, solitary and imperious. He’s not indifferent to the call of Eros. His disinterest just means it’s not his time. Wait until September! What about us? Spring has traditionally been the silly season for humans too. “In the Spring, a young man’s fancy, lightly turns to thoughts of love,” declared Alfred Lord Tennyson in 1842. But that was before the advent of iPhones, laptops and social media. A 2014 article in the journal Psychology

of Popular Media Culture, notes that 70% of 143 married or cohabiting women interviewed, claimed that “smartphones were interfering in their romantic relationship.” And COVID-19 has made it even more difficult: face to face billing and cooing, unless in your family pod, is strictly forbidden. For

MICHAEL BERTON

good reason. But this won’t last forever. When it’s safe to open up again, let’s copy the birds! Let’s do them one better. Let’s practice silly season all year long. It’s never silly to love and look for it!

DOLLARS AND SENSE

Is a reverse mortgage for you?

ith ever-increasing home valuations these days there is renewed interest in the use of reverse mortgages as an attractive method to enhance retirement income. Alluring TV and print ads herald amazing benefits with seemingly no risk or cost. Once a loan

for the house poor, the reverse mortgage is now attracting the interest of the wealthy. A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows senior homeowners (55+) to borrow up to 55% of the value of their home. They are secured by the home’s equity, and, unlike a home equity line of credit (HELOC), they

August 5 Community art project 6 - 8 pm Exhibitions! Public Art! Weekends in august help create Events! temporary public art!

www.westvanartscouncil.ca

do not require any income verification. The proceeds can be used to pay for anything, including day-to-day spending, care costs, home repairs, bills or travel. You do not have to pay back the loan and interest until you either sell your home or pass away. As with all financial instruments, there

are both pros and cons: The pros: • You continue to own your home. • The money can be spent on whatever you want. • There are no regular mortgage repayments.

See page 11

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July/August 2021

PAGE 11

Safeway recognizes Kent’s twenty “awesome” years Walk through Caulfeild Village and you are bound to hear someone shout “Hi Kent!” or “How are you doing Kent?” and the reply, with a smile and thumbs up is always “Awesome!” Even though walking is difficult for him, Kent travels long distances each day, retrieving Safeway carts in the parking lot, in rain or sun. Kent’s father, David, tells how an errant car veered across the road years ago, and hit Kent’s car head on. What followed was more than four months in a coma and then years of rehab as Kent learned to regain mobility, to eat and to speak. Thanks to Safeway’s extraordinary programs that assist young people who would have

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• You do not have to prove your income in order to qualify. • You may be able to cash in on some value of your home without selling. • The mortgage proceeds are not taxable. • The mortgage proceeds do not affect Old Age Security (OAS) or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits. • Lump sum or periodic income payment options are available. • You or your family will never owe more than the value of the house. The cons: • Interest rates are somewhat higher than other loans.

difficulty finding work, Kent has been a contributing employee at our Caulfeild Safeway for the past 20 years. Chat with Kent and you will think he wrote a chapter of Dale Carnegie’s Power of Positive Thinking. He will tell you why things are awesome: “I have a job. I’m outside and I get to meet some terrific people.” If you are having a bad day and need uplifting, buy your groceries and during checkout watch Kent bag them. Then follow alongside as he takes you to your car where he will insist on loading them into your trunk. Your bad day will definitely improve and you, too, may start feeling “Awesome.”

• Additional setup costs (home appraisal fee, application fee, closing costs, etc.) are deducted from the amount you will receive. • You will be subject to a penalty if you sell the home or pass away within three years of taking out the reverse mortgage. • The accumulating interest charges gradually erode the owner’s equity in their home. • The borrower’s estate must repay the mortgage with interest at death. • There could be conflict between time needed to settle an estate and the time given to repay the loan. • There may be less money in the borrower’s estate to leave to their beneficiaries, or far less than they may expect to receive.

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Kent and Safeway manager, Lindsay Goodrich.

Depending on the client’s estate planning, this may also result in an unintended and inequitable estate division. • Losing the equity in your home increases your financial risk if the housing market were to crash, or if something were to happen that forces you to sell, like having to go into care. A reverse mortgage may be a perfect solution in some cases, but it is certainly not the only, or necessarily the best, tool available to retirees who wish to enhance their incomes. Depending on the need, alternative solutions might include: • another type of loan, such as a HELOC • a line of credit or credit card

• renting out a portion of your home • selling your home and buying a smaller one or renting an apartment while investing the proceeds for income If you are considering a reverse mortgage, get advice first. Although you are required to obtain independent legal advice, you should contact your financial planner, accountant and your estate professional to review the idea and how it will fit with your existing plans. Michael Berton is a Senior Financial Planner with Assante Financial Management Ltd. mberton@assante.com

West Vancouver Presbyterian Church SERVICE

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July/August 2021

YOUR NEIGHBOURS NEXT DOOR

Tom and Sue: Living life to the fullest BY

James Slaney

walk through the Dundarave home of Sue Daniel and Tom Dodd is a tour through a creative partnership that may be unique in West Vancouver. Sue’s big, bold abstract oil paintings cover the walls (not to mention the walls of many other West Van homes, as well as homes and offices much farther away). And Tom’s unique woodwork art – part sculpture, part furniture, all creative – completes the picture of a home that doubles as a gallery/museum, topped off with work from many other BC artists.

It wasn’t always like this. The art collecting, yes. For both Sue and Tom this has been a lifetime pleasure. But when they got together, 30-some years ago, they were both in the throes of active and demanding careers while putting together their blended family, each bringing a young daughter to the mix. Both had travelled and worked around the world. At the time, Sue was launching a successful real estate career, mostly selling in North Van. Tom was building a career in technology marketing for a local company with a revolutionary niche product for factory automation. As Sue was riding one of our real estate curves skyward, Tom was riding a curve of

Sue in her studio.

Planning the Upper Lands: Creating a sustainable urban community in Cypress Village and protecting lands in Eagleridge

Photos provided

his own, and not the first for him. During his time in the tech world, Tom was at the forefront of many tectonic shifts – as a systems analyst and applications engineer when the publishing world was starting to embrace computers; later helping to introduce computer interfaces and touch screens to replace push buttons and knobs in factories around the world; next, at the forefront of the Internet and e-commerce tsunami; and finally managing a company pushing the boundaries of wireless technology just as cell phone networks were changing the world. Through all of that, he maintained his hobby woodshop and honed his skills. When Sue early-retired from active sales and Tom from tech, they created a real estate training program that was picked up by a major real estate company. Between presenting courses and seminars, the dynamic couple put their creative juices together to reno or

Tom and Sue in Sorrento with their daughters, Kelsey and Tasi, in 2012.

build several houses – doing much of the design, building and finishing themselves. Along with an extended retirement came an opportunity to get more involved in the community. First, Sue volunteered at Pumpkinfest, then together they co-chaired the event, helping to raise over $50,000 for the community. Sue is currently a member of the West Vancouver and North Vancouver Arts Councils, and the Federation of Canadian Artists. Tom’s first run for a council seat was unsuccessful, but he found other ways to contribute. He was chair of the district’s Neighbourhood Character Working Group and part of the Navvy Jack Citizen Group working to save an important part of our heritage. When they finally settled in Dundarave, ten years ago, in the home they consider their final project, new creative outlets were needed. Sue had always wanted to paint. Tom had long wanted to make wood into things more beautiful than functional. Pretty soon there was a beautiful art studio and a functioning cabinet shop, both built by Tom, in the backyard. Sue’s work is represented locally by Art Works Gallery in Vancouver, and internationally by Saatchi Art. Her pieces have been recognized in international juried shows and publications and her work can be found in private, public and corporate collections throughout Canada and the US. Sue’s work, always bold and complex, has been growing in size. Her largest piece to date, is an 11-foot behemoth bursting with bold colours and allegorical references. This will be on display at their coming pop-up sale on Granville Island, along with more housesized abstracts from her most recent series.

Phase 2 of the planning work for the future of the Upper Lands is underway. Visit the project webpage at www.westvancouverite.ca/upperlands to learn more and have your say.

July/August 2021

Tom will be showing a and Sorrento. Tom says, “It would series of whimsical art appear that the family vote for the chairs, along with architecpandemic-ending celebratural benches and fun tion is for Tuscany.” And, who wooden books. knows, this may be the beginUnbelievably, the ning of another chapter in the dynamic duo do take ongoing adventure of life with vacations. Over the years Sue Daniel and Tom Dodd. these have included sumTom and Sue’s work can Photo provided mers in the Okanagan be viewed at suedaniel.com Another example of Tom’s artistry. with their growing famand tomdodd.ca or in person A wooden hat, carved maple brim, ily that now includes two on Granville Island July 31 to layered maple veneer over a wood grandsons, ages 13 and 16, Aug 2, 10 am - 5 pm (at the frame crown, finished with maple and two granddaughters, sawdust glued on and spray painted. eastern end of the Island, just 3 and 5. In recent years, behind the Federation of Cathey have discovered a passion for Italy with nadian Artists Gallery). Or book a private stuvacations in Rome, Puglia, the Amalfi coast dio visit anytime.

PAGE 13

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Tom with some of his creations.

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July/August 2021

CHRIS ADSHEAD

Recreation and research in Fisherman’s Cove

nce a log booming ground, Eagle Harbour is now where you’ll find some of the province’s most elegant homes. It’s also a very busy marine zone. Fisherman’s Cove Marine Fuels gas dock has been serving its customers for years and since 1983, Race Rock Yacht Services has called it home, followed by SV Business Group in 2016.

Work in progress.

LOOKING BACK

West Vancouver Marina is located within the water lot leased by the District of West Vancouver (DWV) to the upland property owner. Like many older marinas up and down the coast it was showing its age and by the end of 2017 it was in need of major remediation work. In January 2018 it was closed to the public. In September that year an addendum to

Photo: courtesy of SV Business Group

the lease was signed, with the upland owner undertaking remediation work and retaining one of its tenants, SV Business Group, to oversee the project and manage the marina upon completion. The marina was reopened in February 2020, fulfilling the commitment to bring it back to the boaters and the community. SV Business Group’s owners, David Siradze and Fedor Vasilchikov, explain the intricacies of the remediation process: design work was followed by obtaining permits from various government departments including Transport Canada, DFO and WVD before construction could start. The goal was to align with Streamkeepers ideals. So the old creosoted wooden pilings were removed and replaced with steel pilings, which are more “fish friendly.” Fedor’s hope is to see herring return to local waters. SV Business Group is focused on environmentally friendly and sustainable products and innovations. Marine sales and services are a major part of their business. They represent an impressive lineup of products and in keep-

Photo: courtesy of SV Business Group

Greenline 39 Hybrid.

PETTIT

ing with their mandate, the products they sell promote environmentally friendly boating. For example, Greenline Hybrid Yachts, which are the only serial production hybrid yachts in the world, are powered by solar power and diesel-electric motors. SV Business Group is the first authorised warranty centre on the West Coast for Torqeedo electric boat motors servicing both Canadian and US customers. Torqeedo builds electric propulsion drive systems for boats from dinghies to yachts up to 50 feet in length. Torqeedo is the global market leader in electric mobility on the water, thus fitting in perfectly with SV Business Group’s goals. The company also sells XO Boats, Vicem Yachts and Victory Boats and recently became a Mercury dealer and service centre. Other aspects of their business are the research and development of new materials and technologies. They recently received a federal grant and their naval architect is working on the design of their own boat with an emphasis on safety, reliability and affordability. To meet their ambitious goals, the company continues to grow its research and development operations and retains research teams from UBC. David and Fedor are on a mission to promote and develop recreational boating in British Columbia. They are advocates for the development of additional moorage space in our region. So it is logical that another aspect of their business is marine and foreshore construction and development. With the work now completed in Eagle Harbour, they have established their own construction team and are well placed to take on any job. You can find more information at www.svbg.ca

AND COMPANY* TRIAL LAWYERS

July/August 2021

$679,000

PAGE 15

$549,900

$339,000

758 Gerussi Lane

27 - 535 Shaw Road

104 - 1413 Sunshine Coast Highway

Sunshine Coast | 1,341 Sqft, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

Sunshine Coast | 1,250 Sqft, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

Sunshine Coast | 824 Sqft, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

Great little updated 3 bed 2 bath bungalow in the popular Parkland Development. Parkland is the envy of most Gibsons subdivisions with proximity to amenities being ideal. These newly built homes with nicely landscaped yards, well maintained roads and mature trees only enhance it making it ideal for walking and biking. Just past the tennis court you’ll find trails that lead to the medical clinic, grocery stores, and both the elementary and high school. So many great things about this place. Come have a look!

Country Living at its finest. This lovely little community is just down the street, from all of Gibsons finest amenities. Surrounded by trails and bike paths, it keeps activity high on the list. Here you can enjoy this adorable 2 bed 2 bath stand alone rancher and its bright beautiful private backyard. Safety and comfort make living in here effortless and so desirable. One of our greatest complexes around. Come have a look!

Looking for a lovely and spacious park like setting? welcome to The Poplars. Oversize green space and tucked in nicely at the back, is this new 2 bed 2 bath mobile. Upgraded and oversized windows, gas range and fireplace, oversize pantry and sprawling deck are only some of the additions that make this home cozy. Situated in the 50+ area of the park and a quick walk to Bonniebrook beach and minutes from upper Gibsons. Finally, affordable living in this crazy market. Don’t wait.

$2,099,000

$2,199,000

$799,000

SOLD

546 Marine Drive

566 Marine Drive

6453 Norvan Road

Sunshine Coast | 3,660 Sqft, 6 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms

Sunshine Coast | 2,904 Sqft, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

Sunshine Coast | 1,116 Sqft, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

Wake up to the waves of the stunning waterfront, Marina House. This heritage style home in the heart of lower Gibsons started construction in 1919. What once was a successfully run B&B, where guests would wander to coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries and quaint little shops, is now a private family estate. An excellent waterfront investment with a separate 3 bedroom living area, ideal for families to share a dream getaway on the Sunshine Coast. Beautiful outdoor living space surround the easily accessible walkout waterfront trail only seconds to sandy beaches and harbour marina.

This Armours beach house on picturesque Marine Drive. The iconic, historic house was formally the old Gibsons Rugby Club- house. Sunrises and sunsets don’t get much better than these. This 3 level 3 legal suite beach house is zoned and ready for stratifying. The bottom floor is a spacious 2 bedroom 2 bathroom suite with level entry to the beach and walking path. Upstairs are 2 additional suites. Both are plumbed and have electrical installed, sprinkler system throughout and large reinforced metal beams and metal roof. High quality building just waiting for your finishing touches.

This lovely West Sechelt rancher includes a detached fenced 200 amp powered workshop, with separate driveway. On the bus route with the school and store 2 blocks away. Sunny extra large fenced yard surrounds this adorable family home or downsizers delight. Updates include a new kitchen, both bathrooms, a gas fireplace, lighting and new floors with in floor heating. A large deck off of the kitchen adds to the gardens with in ground sprinkler system. Comes with ample parking for both boats or RV’s along with a separate hook up with a 30 amp service.

The best the Sunshine Coast has to offer

Personal Real Estate Corporation | RE/MAX City Realty - Sunshine Coast Medallion Club Member - Top 10% in Greater Vancouver

604.740.2050

www.kristadempster.com / Facebook / Instagram

PAGE

320 Bayview Road, Lions Bay

July/August 2021

233 Bayview Road, Lions Bay

$1,499,000

300 Bayview Place, Lions Bay

$3,988,000

$1,999,000

This charming 2 bedroom plus loft / 3 bathroom / 2,583 SF A-frame boasts gorgeous westerly views of Howe Sound, stunning vaulted ceilings and natural light bursting through tall windows. The generous, flat outdoor area offers plenty of room for entertaining while enjoying Lions Bay’s spectacular views and sunsets. Walk to 3 beaches, trails, marina, school, café, store & transit.

This extraordinary residence will leave you breathless at every turn. Panoramic ocean views present themselves from every room, while large picturesque windows and nearly 400 SF of skylights flood the home with natural light. Completely Renovated in 2019, this 4 bedroom / 5 bathroom / 4,749 SF / 3-level masterpiece displays exquisite details and superb craftsmanship designed to provide the ultimate in comfort & luxury.

A rare gem tucked away at the end of the quiet cul-de-sac with panoramic ocean and mountain views. This beautiful 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom / 2,820 SF West Coast Contemporary home sits on a private 17,382 SF lot surrounded by mature lush forests. Imagine sipping your coffee and enjoying the views from your sun-soaked balcony while listening to the local forest sounds of Lions Bay.

6526 Wellington Place, Horseshoe Bay

20 Seaview Place, Lions Bay

5616 Westport Place, Eagle Harbour

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$1,399,000 This one of a kind 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom / 1386 SF partially renovated home was designed by Dino Raponish and featured in Western Living Magazine. The main features 18’ high vaulted ceilings supported by a dramatic pillar and an open plan with a wood fireplace and views up Howe Sound. Off the kitchen is a large sun deck for entertaining & enjoying the beautiful surroundings of this private 10,345 SF property.

$2,440,000 This stunning 4 bedroom / 4 bathroom / 2,848 SF ocean view home sits on a 10,072 SF private flat lot on one of the most desirable cul-de-sacs in Lions Bay. Imagine kids on bikes, communal ball hockey nets, table tennis and Halloween central. 1 min walk to beach and marina, 5 min walk to store and 10 min walk to school. Substantially rebuilt in 2016 with the most exquisite finishings.

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$2,488,000 “The Sykes House”– a true West Coast Contemporary masterpiece designed by well renowned local architect, Peter Kaffka. Featuring natural materials and modern finishes throughout for those who truly appreciate architecture and design. Enjoy panoramic ocean views from large entertaining decks and all principal rooms in this completely renovated 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom luxury cul-de-sac home.

Your Realtor for Life.

60 4. 315 . 2645 | K imTaylo rHo mes . c o m

In the 11 years that I’ve helped my clients buy and sell homes here, I’ve always felt that I’m not just selling a home, I’m selling a lifestyle. When I move someone into a new home, the process doesn’t end with me handing them the keys; I’m involved in connecting them with their new community - my community. I was fortunate to grow up in Eagle Harbour and my husband, in Horseshoe Bay. Our son is in the same classroom at Gleneagles that we were in - it doesn’t get more local than that. Since childhood I’ve been familiar with the trails, parks and beaches that my family enjoys today. I feel very fortunate to have fashioned a successful career doing what I love to do in this beautiful area I call home and I would love to help your family buy or sell the West Coast dream… because I believe it is. Cheers,