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RBC PENSIONERS’ NETWORK

BRITISH COLUMBIA CELL

Email RBCPENSIONERSNETWORK@SHAW.CA VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1 – JANUARY, 2011

EDITORIAL

Those Pensioners who enjoy the Newsletter often ask “How isthis publication funded? Even though it is distributedelectronically, there must be certain costs such as paper, ink,and computer programs etc. etc. that have to be met. Oftenthe question is followed by: how much money should I send in,or why not charge a subscription fee?We have resisted these questions by saying that those whoproduce the Newsletter enjoy doing it and are able and willingto support the venture financially. In any event, collecting smallamounts of money in this way is not practical.

The RBC Lower Mainland Pensioners’ Association has noticedthat the distribution list continues to grow and recognizedthere are certain costs involved that are increasing. Becauseour primary focus is to inform and entertain Pensioners, theyasked us to present them with a request for funding, supportedby a cost analysis, covering the next four years, starting April 1,2010, which we have done. This analysis includes only hardcosts and does not cover any time or effort donated by thePublisher or Editor of the Newsletter.This application was recently approved by the Directors of theLower Mainland Pensioners’ Association and we thank DonaldGraham, the President and the Directors for their carefulconsideration of this application. The annual payment is notlarge but ensures the continuation of this publication for thenext few years with complete editorial freedom.**************************************************Because of the massive reader response to the dilemma of theLotto Max winners, we want to tell you how the matter wasresolved.The six winners each contributed $26,000 from their winningsand bought two BMW Z4, 335 HP, Convertible Roadsters (RED)and presented them to the two co-workers, who did notparticipate in the winning ticket. Everyone is now back to workand happy.It later was discovered that Hamish McNeill, the Union ShopSteward, had converted Union funds to purchase a block ofLottery tickets. He was terminated and has returned toScotland.

Life goes on at Phantom Publishers.

Barbara Reynolds seen at the RBC Christmas Pensioners’Luncheon in Vancouver, B.C.

SUNDRY INFORMATIONLeo Fornari was the first to recognize the signature of DonReed.The first to identify Hazelton, B.C. as the mystery branch wasGrant Snow.

You should be able to recognize this mystery signature.

This mysterybranch was locatedin the FraserValley. Thephotograph wastaken in 1953. Whocan guess itslocation?

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SHERAZ BHESANIA

Sheraz has volunteered with “Meals on Wheels” for the last 8years and has been successful in receiving $500, for the pastthree years, from the RBC Volunteer Grants Program forretirees, as a donation to this charity. The picture recordsSharaz making the presentation to The Health and Home Care

Society of B.C.

This is not the onlyorganization that benefitsfrom Sharaz’svolunteerism. At both theVancouver GeneralHospital and St Paul’sHospital, she distributeslittle red heart shapedpillows, given by Telus, tohold on your chest whencoughing after recoveringfrom heart surgery. Sheknows all about this as shehad heart by-pass surgeryin June 2010.

Sharaz started in the Bank as a Secretary in April 1974 in theConsumer Credit and Mortgage Department, with Bob Corlett,Don Morris and Dave Pauliuk.

She retired in 1997 as a Loans Officer Trainee at Vancouver,Robson & Granville and was one of the first few lucky ones whowere able to obtain early retirement and not just the Pink Slipfor which she is eternally grateful to the RBC. Sheraz now has awonderful life and remembers RBC in her morning prayersevery day.

OVERTIME in the VAULTBy Garry Vallance

Every time we drive by the old Bankbuilding at five corners in downtownChilliwack, I can’t help but reflect back tothe three years I spent there at thebeginning of my Banking career. Thebuilding is now occupied by a Pub named“THE VAULT.” The word vault especiallystirs memories of a little incident thathappened to me some 56 years ago.I had at least a mild obsession with findingsavings ledger differences and didn’t mindspending a little overtime on occasion doingthat. I had arranged for another staffmember to leave his combination on themain vault door open, so that I could gainaccess myself to the ledgers in the vault onan early Sunday afternoon and took my twoyear old Son Jim with me for company. Theidea was to look for the ledger difference as

long as he behaved himself and wasn’t toobig a distraction.I was in the vault getting another tray ofsavings cards when Jim accidentally closedthe grill door on me-which was a disasterbecause for some reason or other you couldnot open the grill door from inside thevault. So there I was, locked in the vaultwith my two-year-old Son the only occupantof the remaining premises. No cell phonesin those days and no phone in the vault.I talked Jim into finding some paper and apencil and encouraged him to draw mepictures to occupy his time. I just continuedchecking the ledger cards available to me,even though things were a little crowded.After a couple of hours the Janitor luckilyshowed up and released me from my cell.Jim had drawn lots and lots of pictures forhis Dad. Between conversations with him Ichecked a ton of ledger cards in the vault-although I would rather have done thatunder more comfortable and relaxingconditions.

Editor’s note: Son Jim went on to become amusician/song writer and gainedinternational fame, within the industry,highlighted by being awarded The Order ofCanada for his contributions to theCanadian Music scene.******************************************************

Lee Bajer attended the RBC Pensioners’ Christmas Luncheon inVancouver.

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RBC LOWER MAINLAND PENSIONERS’ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON –DECEMBER 7, 2010

This year’s Gala Luncheon was presided over by the Presidentof the Association – Donald Graham.

The event was attended by well over 300 Pensioners and theirguests at the Four Seasons Hotel, in downtown Vancouver.

Graham MacLachlan, Regional President of the Bank spokebriefly about the financial results of our Bank for the thirdquarter, emphasizing the strong results for the Bank in Canada.He pointed out that in British Columbia we have over 4,000employees working in some 160 branches, serving about1, 600,000 customers and B.C contributes significantly to theoverall Bank earnings, second only to Ontario.

Don Graham asked for a moment of silence for those Pensionerswho have departed our midst during the year. VariousPensioners who have been retired the longest were recognizedand rewarded with a gift.

He also encouraged Pensioners to take a more active part in thePensioners’ Association, pointing out that the Annual GeneralMeeting will be held on Wednesday March 16th 2011 at 10:30 amon the 34th floor RBC tower, 1055 W Georgia Street inVancouver.

Richard Fuller again organized the draw for the bottles of winelocated at each table. Doug Bell, Don Bradwell & LenHuber(who organize the Spring & Fall RBC Golf Tournaments)were in charge of the various prize draws-further assisted byKay Jiles who makes sure all is in order. Lots of great prizes andmany happy winners.

KELOWNA ANNUAL PENSIONERS’ DINNER

Doug Williamson and Don Steele, from Vancouver, attended theAnnual Pensioners’ Dinner held in Kelowna, B.C on ThursdayOctober 21st, 2010.

The organizers, WayneWaters and Bill Anderson,reported the largestattendance (150) since theevent started some 39 yearsago. Incidentally Bill wascelebrating his 85th

birthday.The Kelowna Golf andCountry Club is a veryprestigious venue, with anattractive dining area and agreat view of the pond andthe course.

Following an outstandingmeal, beautifully presentedand served, the master of

ceremonies (Gary Turner) introduced some special guests andthanked the committee for again arranging such a prestigiousevent.The microphone was then circulated among those in attendanceto allow each to introduce themselves and to make anycomments they liked.

Alfonse Duboise, representing Phantom Publications ofKelowna, was introduced by Kaye Bleackley. He was there torecord the event for the RBC Pensioners’ Newsletter andthanked the committee for the invitation.

Norm Meadows mentioned that several of the staff at“Phantom”, who had won the Lotto Max, were in attendanceand were noticeable by the number of wine bottles on their table.Door prize winners were presented with their booty. DougWilliamson was the first to win a prize (an RBC umbrella) whichwas particularly appropriate for a Vancouverite.

The cocktail hour prior to the dinner presented a greatopportunity for Pensioners to renew acquaintances and tosocialize with each other. The bar remained open after thedinner but few remained because, after all, it was bed time.**************************************************

Barry Anderson and wife Alana attended the RBCChristmas Luncheon in Vancouver.

Jim Graff seen golfing at the fall, RBC Pensioner’s Tournament.

He also attended the Lower Mainland Christmas Luncheon.Verne Tompkins seen in Kelowna.

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DENNIS BECKER

My Journey from Roblin to Richmond

I was raised on a small farm in Saskatchewan and most of my highschool education was by correspondence. I decided on being aBanker on a Saturday afternoon in 1951 after graduating fromYorkton Collegiate. I went to the home of Jim McConnell, theManager in Roblin, Manitoba and asked him for a job with theRoyal Bank. He suggested I come to the branch next week andafter an interview and a few tests, I was hired to join Jim and hisstaff as Junior Clerk. Clem Busby was the Accountant and TomScott the only other male in the branch. I delivered drafts,balanced ledgers and did the caretakers job when he went onvacation. Eventually I worked my way up to Teller.

Jim McConnell was transferred to Terrace, B.C in late 1951 andreplaced in Roblin by Ken Riley. In June 1952 I was asked totransfer to Terrace, B.C and given two hoursto decide. I accepted the transfer primarilybecause the McConnell’s were there. I hadno idea where Terrace was.

I joined the Terrace staff as a Teller, with KenColeman as Accountant. Also on staff wereTerry McDermid, Robert Koch and BarbReynolds. Later Bob Craig, Larry Mathews,Millie Davies and Joyce Reynolds were hired.

In 1954 I was transferred to Vancouver,Dunbar and 17

thAvenue. Eric Alexander was

the Manager. Jim McConnell decided to havesome fun and arranged with the TerraceStation Master to send me a telegramcancelling my transfer. I was an unhappy individual until threedays later when I was told the truth. I replaced Jock Peddie atDunbar and 17

thand Wally MacKay replaced me in Terrace.

In 1955 I joined the Inspection Department. Bill Arthur was SeniorInspector, Bill MacLean and Ross Campbell Assistant Inspectors. Itwas during this period that I met my soul mate, Jean, and we weremarried in early 1957.

I transferred to Vancouver, Granville and Davie early in 1957.Ernie Tierney was Manager, Dave Lattimer was Accountant. TerryMerrick was also on staff.

In October 1957 I was off to Victoria, BC. replacing Doug Brown.Lorne Synder was Manager, John Clarke the Accountant and LloydEdwards the Assistant Manager. I worked with Doug Newell, LenDebield, Jim Duncan and John Cummings to name a few.

In 1958 I was moved to Vancouver, Broadway and Cambiereplacing Dave Christie. Harold Nelson was Manager, RonCompston was Assistant Manager and Jack Dow was also on staff.

In 1961 I was transferred to the Credit Floor working with BrianGregson and reporting to Jack Hilts.

In 1962 I was appointed Third Assistant Manager at Vancouver,685 West Hastings. Art hur Ross was the Manager, Ned BurgessSenior Assistant Manager and Laurie Hainsworth was second AM.Changes brought Al Channell, Bill Baird, Dave Pollock, as well asGrant Stewart replacing Arthur Ross and then quickly replaced byGreg McKeown.

In 1966 I was transferred back to Vancouver, Granville and Davieas Manager replacing Ralph Burns. Don Mayers, Dan Moran, HerbMitchell and Roger Burns were Accountants. Bob Strong wasAssistant Manager. Rob Russell was also on staff. A sub- branchwas set up at Vancouver, Davie and Bute and one afternoon Ireceived a call that the branch had been robbed and the Managershot. I arrived at the branch as the stretcher was being wheeledout the door and learned that the Manager’s life had been savedas the bullet hit a large leather belt he was wearing. I don’tbelieve he stayed with the Bank. While I was at Vancouver,

Granville and Davie the Bank asked me to transfer toPrince Rupert, B.C, however, I declined a move forthe first and only time.

In 1972 I was transferred to the B.C District Office asa Credit Inspector, reporting to Harvey Botham andEd Lovick. Moving the Main Office to Vancouver,Royal Center saw many changes and I was appointedManager, Retail Marketing in the Vancouver WestRegional Office, reporting to Earl Archibald, RegionalManager.

In 1977 my next assignment was Vancouver, Penderand Bute as Manager, replacing Frank Siesling. BobIrlam and Gerry White were on staff. Peter Young,

(later Dr. Peter) worked at the branch during the summer months.

In 1981 I went to Richmond #3 and Park as Manager, replacingChuck Linton who informed me that lunch was a bowl of soup andthree martinis. John Fries and Dave Pauliuk were also on staff.

A new Main Office was planned for Richmond and I was veryinvolved in all aspects. The branch created a new structure and Iwas appointed Area Manager, Richmond South Delta. Nick Lanewas Manager Administration and Barry Anderson Managed loans,replaced by Leo Fornari. A Commercial Section was also structuredand Managed by John King.

In April 1989 I retired after 38 very enjoyable years with the Bank.My wife Jean and I enjoy living in Richmond and keep busy withour two sons, grandchildren and many relatives and friends,including some clients who we continue to see from time to time. Istill work part- time for two companies which keeps me in themix. We particularly like the odd trip to Las Vegas but mostlyenjoy our summer cabin in Point Roberts, Washington where welike to garden and relax while we enjoy the countrysideatmosphere.

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