Ke rom {ime to time I run into someone who, quite unintentionally, provides an inspira- tion, Wilf retired today. Wilf is a man with whom I have been sharing a morning bus ride and conversation for months. He gets on the bus a stop or two before I do and he is always in the same place, on the right hand side in the first row. I sit across from him and we chat until the bus becomes so crowded our con- versation becomes difficult. Wilf is in a wheel chair. From what I can gather he used to be a car- penter. He built houses. I don’t know the de- tails but he apparently had an accident, a fall 1 believe, and one of his legs is paralyzed. . ~ He refocused his life, learned to use a com- puter and got a job with the provincial gov- ernment in the area of forestry. If he is bitter about his lot he keeps it well hidden. . ; On the bus each morning he is cheerful, always up on the news and a pleasure to talk with. Many of those who got on the bus sub- sequently sit up front to chat with him. B «». He tells us about the adventures whom he keeps in touch using electronic mail. - ~-. He speaks of the partially completed boat which another son started but hasn't yet finished and which W: ilf may tackle now thai. of one of his sons who is trav- * eling the world, currently somewhere in South America, and with. COMMUNITY it “het » he has the time. - Another thing Wilf plans to do is swim. He says being confined to the chair makes it difficult to keep his weight down, so he will be heading to ‘one of the local recreation centers on a regular ba- sis for some exercise, just to stay in fighting trim. a lift. I'm sure he has his blacker moments — who wouldn't under the circumstances? — but to all outward appearances he is enjoying life and looking forward. My guess is that he will be a little embar- rassed if he sees this. I doubt if he thinks of himself as inspirational, even though his pres- ence on the bus each morning set the bar just alittle higher for those of us who had the plea- sure of his company. ~ _— Today was Wilf’s last day at the office and _- they had a luncheon for him. His wife went and afterwards they packed up his things and headed home to the “next phase in their life. , We're going to miss Wilf on the bus. i tis difficult to look at Wilf and not feel a bit of “T expect to see him around town. His electric chair is capable of respectable speed and he'll probably be moving quickly head- ing somewhere, but I hope he'll slow down and chat from time to time. eos » Wilf stands pretty tallin that chair. ! hope he thoroughly enjoys his retirement... WATERFRONT CAFE Casual Waterside Dining ; ato Van Isle Marina . 2820 HARROUR RD. 44; — 656-0828 : — ° >—_—- BA an 40" 31" NORTH OT 20 24" 30 WEST Cy i seat wei Po ain chdamern anys anoayotantnene riper tt ose ‘Maple — Maple + cagunemerivenenguepacaninmenienientin Senamanmctemmimacnt wenn emotes DF peuauneynenmnmenaniniinueevenaersne vine rroanienepreanoasnanisinnnmne min wat memainn hen nee i : Maple f Palace” en erent er trcem nem cane ner - Panoramic ocean view, patio and great selection of beverages. Children: Welcome in our Non-Smoking Restaurant. “Hours: 11:00 © 11:00 Sun. + Thurs. 17:00 - 12:00 Fri, & Sat. - | 655-1844 “Line Asian, Authentic j My Ste Dining Chinese Food” : OTT NGw olfering |. Buffet DIMSUM =| Sea - Hie Paget eae me nee 2 a8 OLD FASHIONED FOOD ._. Hong Kong Che co 8 oe AT OLD FASHIONED PRICES 9839 Sth St. 7816 £. Saanich Rd. - 10025 Galaran Ra, ata: -. Sidney © Pioneer Square Sidney: en gS 656-8682 ons 652-8628 | 655-1844 OPEN 7 DAYS A 4 Palace Gardens 2: Coenen = gan AIAN manent | red (Meg Seed i YOUR Se ; ile Dining: oh Chinese Food: di WM Raa Cap ee Bete t ig) ‘ : oy on het : way . ; 7 Np ae. : " i -) ae 7 now olfering. fo Buffet: “¢ Olas oe Festaurant Ne a sg eer DI SUM We JUG Mg ale ng ee thisfeature, 3 ay | ong Kong Chol MPR] | OLD FASHIONED FOOD ee OS ad hg OO EAT OLD. FASHIONED PRICES “please call 9830 StH St. 7846.E, Saanich Md.) yoG96 Gitaran Rel yg pmanyupomy — [RL] Aiseaetseaan © Sidney longer Square | sidney AMERY 6-115). + 656-8682 52-8628 heh ale toot AC laan Hyland’s — Te Y Ay ns Sy 1 ia INT TV 2 o : FUG oe: i ot i a A 1 : : tt a. , me ; bet SB fl ) REK: “The best fish ‘n chips in town” ~ LUNCH-ERIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS | 656-4435 10153 Resthaven Dr. eayeecirsenennmes see Sa el nn ent Raa emmy te me ___ Wednesday, September 30, 1998 Volunteers and awdliary members of the Capital Health Region .. Saanich Peninsula Hospital will be honored at a garden party on ‘Thursday, Oct. 8, 2:30 p.m., in the extended care dining room and Graham Garden. For more information call Kathy Nies, 652-7519. Help Wanted! The Victoria Riding for the Disabled Association needs volunteers to work with children and adults with various disabilities. If you enjoy horses and people, this will appeal to you. Riding classes commence Sept. 29 and 30. Class times range be- tween 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Experience new friendships and social contacts by volunteer- ing. Working with electronics, sorting through donated house- hold items, clothing, books, etc., or selling merchandise. All funds generated go to the Peninsula Community Association. Call the _ office at 655-5319 formore information or to volunteer. The NEED Crisis and Information Line, Victoria, needs volun- teers. Learn "The Fine Heart Of Listening" being offered throughout August and September at the Fairfield Community Place, 1330 Fairfield Road. For information, call 386-6328. The Peninsula Community Association's Youth Employment program needs volunteers to work with teens and adults. This is not a large commitment of time and ‘can be flexible with your ~ schedule. This program goes on all year. Come and join a group. : of committed and caring volunteers. Call 656-977 Le Victoria Arthritis Society needs caring volunteers for general | help, fund-raising, speakers and workshop and group leaders. Free training and orientation. All ages welcome. Call 598-2278. - AP Unique — West Coast _ Flavour... — brought to you by” : new chef Mark Maynard. OAK NEARED, RESTAURANT 7172 Brentwood Drive / 652-9515 iv ac neeh cecn rer gdh tong bec wate emt a ee Se iN EYE man samme meme era aN we Hm ne ne LN a