I started with the CPR in 1938, right from high school to the Drake St. roundhouse as a Locomotive Wiper (grease monkey), earning nine cents an hour for a sixteen hour (and sometimes more) day. I finally was promoted to Engine Watchman at Beavermouth, just east of the Connaught Tunnel, for an increase to 11 cents an hour. I wrote to my mom in Vancouver and she was so proud of me!

In 1942, they were calling up people for the Army, but having no love for the Army I went to Vancouver and joined the Navy. I was exempt service time as a railroad man, but anybody who was anybody was joining up for the war effort. At this point I can say that I have done just about everything one can think of, but railroading is what I have always loved the most.

While my real railroading days are long gone, they often come to mind when I think about the day I joined West Coast Rail. It is probably the best thing I have ever done. From day one I have met real down to earth people who not only volunteer their time and their money, but take time to make friends. And these days I get the comfort of my 'own' caboose!

The main theme of the group is to bring back to life old railway artifacts and make them show pieces for the public to remember and enjoy. My best time was when I was on duty in Cloverdale, where we were small but did attract a lot of visitors. I loved every day of it! Much earlier when we were at New Westminster, most of the volunteers were younger and I guess I was an old codger when they looked at me. But an awful lot of work was done there.

I want to tell you about the first real big thing I did with West Coast Rail. I don't remember the number of the steam engine, but the papers read 'Old Steam Brought Cheers from Youngsters'. Thousands of people thronged the railway line between New Westminster and Sumas to watch this old steam engine and all her passengers travel over the old BC Electric interurban tracks. Hundreds of youngsters shouted with wonder at seeing their first 'live' steam engine on August 25, 1962.

Being a member of West Coast Railway Association has led to many great things, such as the opening of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish in 1994. We have never looked back. Our leadership is able to work both with the original members and the new, and maintain the nostalgia for railroading as well. One of the real highlights for me was the ARM Convention in 1999, I am so glad I was invited to attend and participate.

The dynamic progress of West Coast Rail has led to the development of one of the best railway museums in Canada. We are associated with many others who are also of the best, such as the BC Society of Model Engineers who have helped us with our mini rail. We also have great connections with the railways, including BC Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer.

One of my great moments with WCRA was my meeting Max Jacquiard. Since 1982 he has been the painter of steam trains, and I love his painting of the Royal Hudson Under Lions Gate Bridge. It is on the cover of BC Rail Traveller magazine. I took my student trips firing on #2860 in the 1940's'I only hope that the government helps get her back in service.

Changing the topic a little bit, I'm proud to say that I also was in on the inaugural run of the Downtown Historic Railway, on July 29, 1998. My ticket to ride was #016, on vintage interurban car #1207 with motorman Don Bellamy at the controls. Don and I both served in the Royal Canadian Naval reserve during World War II.

Remembering back a few years, I often think about Union Station in Vancouver, at 1060 Station Street. It was built in 1916'1917, and when it opened it was one of the most beautiful stations in the west. This was where West Coast Rail did a lot of their work in the early days. I used to watch them from my window in the CNR station'they were as dedicated then as they are now. The beautiful Union Station served into the 1960's, then was offered to the City of Vancouver as a possible replacement for the Carnegie Library. They declined, and the building was torn down by the Great Northern RR, who no longer needed it. What a loss that was.

Well, as you see from these ramblings, my active days with West Coast Rail are the best. It is number one of all the organizations I belong to. There are too many good people to name here, but I am always impressed with the results of the leadership and the volunteers. Old and new members alike can be proud of our Heritage Park. If you take the time to look closely, there is something there for everybody. That's what it is really all about.