Burma Star Association - B.C. Chapter
Norman with his wife on his left and visiting sister
from
England, on his right.
Until just a month ago Norman was our Branch Secretary, a job he he performed with excellence for many years. With advancing years, now hitting the big 90 mark he felt (as we already knew) that he had served long and well and deserved to 'retire', but not to armchair, pipe and slippers. Oh no! Norman is much too active for that.
In the past, and even now, he is most active and holds responsible positions in many leisure groups. Chief of these are the Lower Mainland Yacht Co-op, the Langley Chess Club, the Langley Lawn Bowls Association, the Brookwood Senior's Center and of course our branch of the Burma Star Association. How many of us can relate to that kind of life style - even being the 'youngsters' we are, only in our eighties?
Always a generous man, he arranged for a large gathering of his friends from all of the above associations to attend a dinner party followed by songs and merriment. He asked nothing in return - no gifts, no cards, no bottles etc. saying at his age he doesn't need another thing and in any case would have no place to put it. His only thought was to introduce all his friends, from all his activities to meet, mix and mingle. And all he requested of us in return was a hug of comradeship, a firm handshake and a word of goodwill - though he would never refuse a kiss from the fair sex if it was proffered! At times, Norman has been known to encourage this!
About 120 of Norman's friends gathered at the Brookswood Centre for Seniors in Langley and seating was arranged so that no more than any two persons from each of the above associations would be sitting together. This was to allow us to better get to know each group's interest and activities. We were treated to a terrific dinner catered by Coast Caterers. We had huge servings of several types of salads, peas and corn, mashed and roasted potatoes, mountains of roast beef plus grilled breast of chicken topped with glazed pineapple slices along with assorted buns and butter. Desserts included a giant bowl of mixed fresh fruits plus assorted pastries. Because it was buffet 'affair' and tables were called by number, but typically of Norman he requested that table numbers be called randomly and no preference given to the head table.
Several short speeches were given by leaders of his various associated group leaders, then Norman paid tribute and gave thanks to all for attending. He then recounted one of his well know monologues titled "Ode to the Mini-skirt'. It consists of many verses, all humorous and a few ribald - but it showed that Norman is still 'with it'. He recited it all without a glance at notes, with perfect diction and without pause. At 90 years of age he is still a remarkable man.
Following the meal we were entertained for about two hours by a Pearly King and his three Pearly Queens with jokes, music and sing-a-long. They were very talented and kept us in stitches for most of that time. Our only wish is that we will be able to attend his 100th. birthday in the same manner.
Norman was a cornerstone in the development and running of our British Columbia Branch of the Burma Star Association and still remains very active in it. He continues to be a very dedicated man in all the organizations to which he belongs. Men with ambassadorial goodwill qualities such as his are so often hard to find.
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Head table and a few of of the guests. |
Pearly Kings and Queens who entertained us |
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Friendly greeting
to Norman from Joe Arblaster |
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By Joe Arblaster (Webmaster)