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A ROLL CALL OF FIRSTS

On October 27, 1952, Sharanjit Kaur was born in Calcutta, India and came with her family to Canada when she was six years old. A bright and determined little girl, she excelled at elementary and high school, graduating from U.B.C. with a degree in education.

But while she loved teaching, she also had other plans and dreams.

On March 10, 1975, Sharan became the first female non-white police officer to be hired by the Vancouver Police department. She worked on patrol and at the first Community Policing office on Fraser Street. Sharan overcame the initial negative treatments, like a classmate telling her that she had three strikes against her – she was female, she was a police officer and she was South Asian.

Despite those “disadvantages”, she excelled at the job she loved. Her first partner, Larry Young, said, ”Her courage is second to none. In fact, during one particularly hairy situation, we were somewhat outnumbered but we came out of it unscathed. Her left hook needs polishing but her guts cannot be denied!” Sharan went on to be the first woman to work in the Identification Squad-Scenes of the Crime Unit.

Sharanjit Kaur Carroll retired in 1988 to spend more time with her family, husband and former V.P.D. St. Sgt. Tom Carroll and their two daughters, Stephanie and Cassandra and two grandchildren in Langley …

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Speaking of love and dreams, it seems hard to believe that Amanda Reid Hansen and the famed “Man in Motion” Rick Hansen celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on Saturday, October 10! And their romance did begin with Rick’s dream of creating an inclusive world for people with disabilities, such as himself.

As a young man, Rick and his pal Don Alder had been on a fishing trip when they were thrown from the back of a pick-up truck, an accident that caused Rick to be paralyzed from the waist down.

But he didn’t give up. His creed was always “collaboration is the key to success.” So he gathered the best of the best, including Amanda, and decided to show the world what could be done. Rick’s team gathered at the entrance to Oakridge Shopping Centre on March 21, 1985, to begin their awareness and fund-raising journey around the entire world. It would take a rigorous, exhausting and triumphant 26 months to do just that. He couldn’t have been more successful!

Every time you see a dip in the sidewalk for walkers and wheelchairs, bikes and carriages, say a Thank You prayer to Rick Hansen and his dedicated Man in Motion team.

And how did Amanda and Rick mark their special 33rd wedding anniversary? Their daughters surprised them with breakfast in bed first thing in the morning which was followed in the evening by a romantic tête-à-tête on the patio of an Indian restaurant in Steveston…Awesome!…

ANOTHER SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY

Speaking of special anniversaries and long engagements, Linda Primeau met her dream man through friends who thought that they would make a perfect pair. Their first date was drinks at The Sylvia Hotel, followed by a James Bond movie and dinner at Mulvaney’s. That was in the summer of 1977.

After a “whirlwind” courtship of 24 years, without ever having lived together and with no previous nuptials, Linda and Bill were wed at The Teahouse in Stanley Park on Sept. 29, 2001. They honeymooned in Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and London. While Linda had been there four times as a fragrance specialist for a major French perfumery, it was the first time in Europe for Bill and he was dazzled.

When they returned home. Linda continued to live in Beach Towers while Bill flew over on weekends from Chemainus where he was supervisor in a planer mill. Four years later, they finally moved in together! Nothing too rushed, mind you!

So every year they go back to The Teahouse, which Bill affectionately calls “the scene of the crime” — this year to celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary. It was such a beautiful dry evening, a gorgeous sunset, marvellous cuisine and martinis, topped with a romantic full moon. Kudos Linda and Bill!..

Joy and Bill Metcalfe. Sorry about the overexposed image, but that glorious sunset in the background wanted to be in the photo!

AND NOW YOU NOW THE THEME OF THIS MONTH’S COLUMN!

And yes that was the same night, Sept. 29, that Bill and I were also celebrating our special day at Brent Davies’ spectacular Teahouse. Hard to believe but this was our 69th wedding anniversary!

Over the years we have often enjoyed doing the same thing, sipping and supping at The Ferguson Point restaurant. The Teahouse is irresistible with an air of tranquility and romance abounding, the rose garden blossoms heavy with sweet perfume and the south-west view busy with yachts and sailboats, freighters and seaplanes.

Inside, all the necessary Covid 19 precautions are in effect with a warm welcome from maître d’ Kelly Rosie and helpful server Jade, whose beaming smile lights up the whole room.

Contemplating the past 69 years while scooping up every bit of the rich and creamy Teahouse Stuffed Mushrooms with crab and shrimp, we felt very fortunate.

Sixty-nine years ago our families lived at Boundary Bay, so everyone was invited to the wedding in Ladner at the Sacred Heart Church. The celebration continued at a huge luncheon at the brand new and very swanky Ladner Hotel.

Our reception was their inaugural gala-gala do!

As to our not-so-glamorous honeymoon – no Paris here! – three days in Seattle, which took an amazingly long four hours of driving to get to! And it couldn’t have poured harder! Bill had to be back at his post at Vancouver Fire Hall No. 2 on Monday.

Over those 69 years, we had six children (daughter, Liz, died from a cancerous brain tumour in 2016), six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren ranging in age from 2 years to 16 years.

Lots and lots of memories and precious time to unwind and enjoy and appreciate how lucky we are. Must add that Bill had the mouth-watering halibut, which was so tasty, while I enjoyed the flavorful and fork-tender filet.

And their lemon tart is scrumptious!

With fingers crossed, I can’t wait for our 70th wedding anniversary…

FOND FAREWELLS

You might recall the story I wrote about my cousin, John Hopkins and his luncheon visits with his dad, Len, to the long-gone East Hastings eatery, The Only.

Len Hopkins had been the bandleader of the elite orchestra at the Chateau Laurier for eons when CN executives sent him west to Vancouver to officially open the Hotel Vancouver in grand style in 1939. Len was tall, quiet, intelligent and handsome. John could have been his twin!

John graduated from Burnaby South in 1958 and attended U.B.C. and it was during those years that he met, wooed, won and wed his bride, Helen in 1963. They shared a love and special bond that continued long after Helen’s passing in 2012.

John was always focused on helping those in need and dedicated his career to working for non-profit agencies like the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Cancer Foundation. He was a member of the Canadian Association of Executives and retired in 2004 from Hostelling International. He was so involved with the Olympics and the famed Oval that in 2018, he was honoured for his contribution and service to his community with the coveted Richmond Nova Star volunteer award.

Five years ago John was diagnosed with and overcame trachea cancer. A few months ago, the dreaded disease returned and John died on Sept. 30th in the Richmond Hospice.

Charismatic, compassionate, caring, calm and kind are words that his son John, daughter-in-law Dovelle, and his two grandsons, Aiden and Liam, can cherish. Blessings on you, John. Rest in peace …

We also want to express our deepest condolences to Red Robinson and his two daughters and two grandchildren on the passing of Red’s wife and the girls’ mother, Carole Robinson. Carole was a joy to be around, calm, collected and really with it. She’ll be greatly missed.

Donations to the CHILD Foundation would be appreciated …

STAY TUNED

Next month I’ll tell you all the highlights of the annual Splash fund-raiser for Arts Umbrella, chaired by the stunning Christie Garofalo and Bruce Munro Wright. And don’t forget that the annual glittery Lumiere is going to light up the night sky and spirits of everybody in the West End and all of Vancouver for the next few weeks.

Cheers!