In a world filled with overpaid athletes, selfish and corrupt officials, and arrogant, overbearing executives, I would like to point out, and give very special thanks to a few shining lights who still understand the true meaning of selflessness and compassion. Recently, I have been ambushed by a variety of very serious ailments/illnesses and my young family has been left in a state of turmoil and upheaval. Through this, some very special people have stepped forward to help our family along. The family of Angus and Erin Richter who stopped at nothing to help us however we needed help. Maj. Andrew McCorquodale, his wife Claire and family, who also made themselves available at a moment’s notice to help. Capt. Gordon Nettleton and family, longtime friends who have always been there for us in times of need. Our dear friend Calvin Westbrook. Most of you know him as the local basketball star who almost won a national championship this past year with the Trinity Western Spartans. We know him as the most special, selfless young man we have ever known. If any young athletes out there are looking for a role model, there is no need to look further than Calvin. I would also like to forward special thanks to Coun. Russ Arnott and the staff at Comox MCTS for their compassion and offers of assistance, and to the families and staff at Brooklyn Elementary School for their well-wishes and support. Thank you to all from a very appreciative family.
Canada Day celebrations in Courtenay could not happen without the support of the community. The hard-working, dedicated volunteer July 1 Committee has the support of so many people that make the day a success. These people and organizations donate their time and resources as a gift to the Comox Valley. The committee thanks all who helped make Canada Day 2011 a great day and hopes that we have not forgotten to list you in this long list of great Canadians! You are all wished dozens of virtual red roses: 97.3 The Eagle FM in Courtenay; 98.9 Jet FM in Courtenay who supports and promotes the Battle of the Bands; 5th Street Florist; 4 H Club; Aquatec Seafoods Ltd.; Bike Donors: Canadian Daughters, Royal Order of Purple, Comox District Consumer Co-Op, Pythian Sisters, Monarch Lions, Kinsmen, Knights of Columbus, IODE, Canadian Tire, the four entertainers at the Beer Garden: Mary Murphy, Sue Donaldson and Barrie Donaldson, Bruce and Judy, and Helen Austin; the Bike Squad First Aid Unit; Bounce Mania; Budget Car and Truck Rental who donates a truck for all deliveries; Brenda Dean-tennis pro; Canadian Daughters, organizers of the Tea Dance; CFB Comox; HMCS Quadra; 19 Wing; Chris Yuill and his magic; Chevy Ray and the Fins; Classic Cruisers; COPS; Costco; Courtenay Legion Branch 17; the 17 talented groups who performed at the Celebrate Canada Concert; Dairy Queen; Dove Creek Studios; CV Clown Club; Chucks Trucks; Courtenay Parks employees; Eye Wizard Video; all four of the community fire departments; First Insurance and Gary Brown; Flying Fox Circus; Heritage Canada; Home Depot who organizes and sponsors the Ladies Nail Driving and donations of water; Joe’s Garage; Kal Tire providing Go Kart rides in Kids Zone in Lewis Park; Long and McQuade; Lots of Laughs; Old English Car Club; All in one Party Rentals; Antique Tractor Club; Patties Porta Potties; Quality Foods; The RCMP; The Record who very generously promotes Canada Day; ReMax; Comox Valley Roadrunners who organize the 5th Street Mile; Comox Rotary Club and the Ducky 500; Kim Sedjwick- photographer; Shaw TV; Sid Williams Theatre; Subway; Safeway who donates the huge Canada Cake; Slegg Lumber; Sound Advice; Sunnydale Golf Course; Superstore; Surgenor Brewery; Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry & Doris Weislein; Vintage Car Club; Water Pure and Simple who donates water for all the entertainers; What’s On Digest.com. Thank you so much for helping us celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday in such a happy, generous way and thank you too to all of the Comox Valley who came and enjoyed the day. The July 1st Committee for the City of Courtenay has their website at www.comoxvalleycanadaday.ca for information on the activities. Photos of the day will have a link from this site. For those willing to volunteer for Canada Day 2012 you will be most welcome to join the committee.
A huge bouquet to Marlene Oloo and the Sid Williams Theatre for another fabulous Canada Day show. What a variety and quality of talent, truly a wonderful production played to a full house. Every year it gets better and better, keep up the great work.
Would like to thank my favourite restaurant, Martine’s Bistro, for a very special and memorable celebration evening for my parents; 65th wedding anniversary. The food and service was outstanding as usual. Thank you to the chef for taking time out of your evening to come and personally acknowledge this special day for them. As well, your offering to take the family picture outside by your beautiful garden. Those extra special touches were greatly appreciated. You and your staff made this truly special day one my parents and siblings, will never forget. P.S. The flourless chocolate cake was exquisite.
To each and every one of my past and present; teachers, coaches, co-workers, family and friends that have made a positive impact on my life and have shown me that a smile goes a long way, I sincerely thank you. To my elementary teachers; Ms. Rogers (kindergarten), Ms. Game (Gr. 1), Ms. Bucher (Gr. 2), Ms. Reis (Gr. 3), Ms. Hopkins (Gr. 4), Mr. Pitman (Gr. 5), Mr. Craigon (Gr. 6) and to Mr. Berry. To my high school teachers and coaches; Ms. Corman, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Holland, Mr. Collins, Mr. Alyward, Ms. Raymond, Mr. Pridy, Mr. Young, Mr. Village, Mr. Reilly, Ms. Parsons, Ms. Jones, Mr. Walker, Mr. Fussell, Ms. Clements, Ms. Chase, Ms. Grill, Ms. Long, Mr. English, Rod Pick, Jay Campbell, Rob Webb, Alannah MacIntyre, and to Brenda Hunt. To my family and friends; the Potters, the Corfields, the MacIsaacs, the Madeiros, the Priors, the Komadowskis, the Porchettas, the Simpkins, the Naddons, the Leblancs, the Collins, the Fosters, the Epps, the Kutyns, to all my Comox Tim Hortons co-workers and to my loving and supportive family, thank you for making me a better person and for making me realize that life isn’t about finding yourself but creating yourself instead.
Do you have somebody to praise or something you have to get off your chest? Have your say by submitting to editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com. You can also fax to 250-338-5568 or get a written submission to 765 McPhee Ave., Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2Z7.
