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RBC PENSIONERS’ NETWORK

BRITISH COLUMBIA CELL

Email RBCPENSIONERSNETWORK@SHAW.CA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2 – APRIL, 2012

EDITORIAL In the six years of publishing the Newsletter, one of the messages that rings loud and clear is the continued devotion and trust of Pensioners to the Bank. The stories we have published almost without exception record a lifetime of service and respect, not only for the Bank but for the Senior Officers and Managers that directed the institution over the years. This constitutes a reservoir of goodwill that continues well into retirement. We are always proud to read the remarks in the messages contained in “Keeping in Touch” from our President & Chief Executive Officer when he comments on the long legacy of retirees and employee involvement in all parts of the world where we do business and again in speaking of Pensioners “We recognize that many of you are wonderful ambassadors of RBC in your community.” While we understand the Bank has no legal responsibility to adjust the pension payments for our un-indexed plan, the officers of the Pension Plan and the Directors will recognize that the cost of living has increased dramatically for all of us since the last adjustment and many may be suffering because of this. These comments are presented for consideration.

Tell us where this branch was located.

Ray Mitchuk, Terry McDermid and Jock Peddie

SS SUNDRY INFORMATION Jo Joe McCracken was the first to identify the signature of Garry ValValllance. Bob Young the first to recognize the mystery branch as as Port Moody.

Who uses this signature?

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R.B. IRONS Compiled by D. Steele

Reginald Bryant Irons was born on January 14, 1892 in Moncton, New Brunswick. He joined the Royal Bank of Canada in that City, in 1909.

In 1912 he was transferred

to the West Coast where he served at various branches, including Grand Forks and Vancouver, Robson Street. On March 27

th, 1918 he married Sarah Lamberta Day, who was born

in Ontario on August 14, 1890. When RB joined the military, Sarah was living at 185 Bonaccord St. in Moncton, NB.

On May 21, 1918 he joined the Royal Flying Corps. Canada, while at Vancouver, Robson Street. His wife, at that time, was living at 185 Bonaccord St. in Moncton, NB.

In 1919, following demobilizing, he returned to the Bank in Saskatchewan and joined the staff at Saskatoon Branch, where he was appointed Accountant. In 1924 Mr. Irons became Manager at Aneroid, Saskatchewan. In 1933 he was appointed Manager at Young, SK and remained in that position until he retired on April 30

th, 1952 after 43 years of service.

Reg and Sarah had two children, Dianne and William. In 1952 the Community Hall Association in Young, SK. decided to hold a turkey banquet organized by J.C. Weymss, who was on staff at The Royal Bank at that time. John later became Regional Manager, B.C. North. The event was so successful that the Association was able to pay off the entire loan at the Bank relating to the original construction of the Hall. In the Picture, R.B. Irons is on the right, the gentleman on the left is Mr. F. Johnson, Chairman of the Hall Directors, exchanging a cheque for the note, with the Manager, R.B. Irons. On retirement in 1952, Reg and Sarah Irons moved to North Vancouver, B.C. and lived at 3491 Edgemont Blvd. During retirement he provided Managerial relief in the B.C. District. He liked the Northern B.C. branches and was particularly well liked by Management and Staff wherever he went. R.B had a couple of peculiarities that endeared him to the staff at the various branches where he relieved. He never used an adding machine, unless it was absolutely necessary. He had a favorite expression, after explaining something: he would say, “Get the Idea.” He preferred to live in the Manager’s home rather than the hotel. He said, “It saves the Bank money.” He always brought his own marmalade and jam. The Managers were happy with this arrangement and in one case, he even looked after the dog. Following a relief assignment he always wrote a report, which he forwarded to the District Staff Department, which detailed improvements that he considered would be of benefit to the Bank. In 1959, Sarah was admitted to the Altamont Private Hospital in West Vancouver where she died on August 8, 1964 at age 73. Her ashes are interred at the Garden Chapel in Burnaby. R.B died on August 30, 1983 at the age of 91, in the Burnaby General Hospital. He had previously resided at the Arbutus Care Centre, 4505 Valley Drive (just off Arbutus Street) on Vancouver’s West side. His ashes also reside at the Garden Chapel in Burnaby.

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AN IMPORT FROM SCOTLAND

By Jim Russell Well! It was a long time ago in the land of the Kilt and Haggis that a fellow banker, who had immigrated to Canada a year or so previously, had returned home with his 'Bride-to-be' and I had the opportunity of meeting him and to learn of his new-found banking career in Vancouver, Canada. That was Jack Macfarlane who had worked in the Bank of Scotland just around the corner from The Clydesdale Bank in Motherwell, where I was gainfully employed and had reached the amazing position of 'Teller' at an annual salary of 350 £ It didn't take Jack very long to sell me on the idea of emigrating and pursuing a career with the Royal Bank of Canada. By coincidence, a Personnel Rep. from RBC, London Eng. was scheduled to conduct interviews in Glasgow shortly thereafter and I quickly arranged such, which resulted in my being hired at an annual salary of $2,400, but destination unknown. I arrived at 360 St James St. Montreal in April 1958 on the day that the Bank signed the lease for the New H.O. at Place Ville Marie and I had the pleasure of meeting with the then C.E.O. James Muir, for a brief moment, later being advised that Vancouver was to be my destination the following day and because of the cost of living in B.C., my salary would be increased to $2,700. (Almost as much as the salary of the Manager of the bank that I had left in Scotland). Arriving in Vancouver I was met at the airport by Norm Bradshaw who transported me 'Down-town' to the Devonshire Hotel. Later that day he picked me up and took me to his boarding house for supper where I met his brother Ted, and then we toured some of the new branch locations. Vancouver, Oakridge was still under construction and West Vancouver, Park Royal Branch had just opened and we paid a brief visit to Ted's branch Vancouver, Arbutus and 15

th.

Next day I reported to Vancouver, Cambie and 23rd to start my new Banking Career under the watchful eye of Harold Henson Mgr. and Steve Sedlack, Branch Accountant. Here I must acknowledge the great personal assistance I received from Steve. I had a lot to learn and to become familiar with things, like Journal entries with two initials, posting the G.L. (and balancing same), doing the R255 and a host of other things. I remember one day being given the task of opening an account for a likewise new Canadian. Got his name with a struggle, address was not too difficult, but when it came to Occupation, I just couldn’t 'get-it'. “Yakkahammamun” was what I heard and I had difficulty spelling that. Finally Harold Hensen with a smile on his face came to my rescue, telling me that the new customer was a Jack-Hammer-man, so I gave him a smile and he imitated me on a Jack-hammer.

While attached to Vancouver, Cambie & 23rd I did a relief-stint at Chase, B.C, my first venture 'out-of-town. Then shortly after that a stint at Youbou, B.C. where I experienced my first inspection by Don Rees and crew. Then over to Vancouver, Commercial and Graveley for a short time with the colourful Charlie Merrick, which was followed by a visit to Vancouver,10th and Sasamat with Bob Corlette and there I had another inspection, this time by Bill Arthur and crew. Within a few more weeks I had my third inspection in three months at my home branch.

From Vancouver, Cambie & 23rd I went to Richmond, #3 and Park, with Cy MCrae and Johnny Wemyss. Then on to North Vancouver with Don Morris and a variety of Accountants, the most notorious of which was Alex Armitage (who broadened my experiences). Then my first Accountancy at Vancouver, Renfrew & 1st where with the aid of 'Old Phil Hoskins’, Mgr. I got my first note-free Inspection. Another Accountant position at Burnaby, Kingsway and Walker branch led to my introduction to Personal

Lending and later to Commercial Lending, which equipped me for my first Management position. I was fortunate to be assigned to the opening of a new branch at Parksville on Vancouver Island where I enjoyed the next four years. That led to a transfer to Fort St John, B.C. where I took over from J.P. (Jack) Musson. Jack had reopened the branch there some 20 years previously and I remember his tale of getting a staff loan for $300 to buy his first car to transport him from Winnipeg via Edmonton where he picked-up the first allocation of cash for the branch. Unfortunately the branch safe which was being transported by barge to F.S.J. up the Peace River had fallen overboard, so Jack had to maintain custody of the cash 24/7 till a new safe arrived. Fort St John was also a great experience: providing an introduction to the Oil and Gas industries as well as large-scale agriculture and the great outdoors. It was there that I got my first moose. Perhaps as a reward for 5 years in 'the North', my next assignment was to Penticton Branch. Another great place to spend a few years but, the economy was somewhat uncertain at that time and some of our accounts had to be dealt with in an unaccustomed manner. Despite that, I enjoyed some great times there. Four years later I experienced my last transfer - to Mission, B.C. Branch. The previously experienced 'economic uncertainties' had now come to a 'full tail-spin', and banking as I knew it was changing rapidly and dramatically so I chose to pursue Early Retirement. That was concluded in June 1991 and I have never had a 'Bad-day' since.

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MY 40 YEAR JOURNEY WITH RBC By Murray McIntyre It all started on a warm Wednesday afternoon in March 1955, in Macklin, Sk. where I was born and attended high school. The town is located on Highway 31 about 5 km east of the border with Alberta and situated on beautiful Macklin Lake. For reasons now forgotten, our High School classes were given a break from normal routine that day. (Yeah, an afternoon off) so down to the pool hall we strode. On our route as we walked by the red brick Royal Bank, out popped the Manager, Mr. Norm (Mac) McConnachie, whom we all knew from his involvement in the community, curling, Air Cadets etc. He asked if I had a few minutes, I obliged, followed him to his office, a bit nervous and wondering what was up. (In my eighteen years I had never before been inside a Bank.) Mr. McConnachie ask what my plans were after graduation and if I would be interested in the Bank. My older brother Norm was employed with RBC and he had done a bit of a sales job on me. So I found myself completing an application that day. Then over Easter traveled to Regina - eight hour bus ride - for an interview with the Personnel Manager, wrote a spelling test – Passed, and became the new Junior Clerk. I was informed Mr. McConnachie would tell me of the starting date, which was to be early July. This became a problem. I had started a small painting business to earn a bit of spending money and had commitments which I wanted to fulfill also, I was one of seventeen Air Cadets from Macklin given the opportunity to attend our first summer camp in early August at Abbotsford, BC. I did not want to miss this opportunity. Mr. McConnachie was most helpful. He had a large part in organizing the cadet group in Macklin and changed my starting date with RBC to Monday, August 22

nd. So off to

Abbotsford, BC Old Air Base, by Special Train. The camp was excellent. We had the core of Our High School fastball team in our group and won all our games except one. The loss came in a game played at Oakella Prison, against their in-house team who had no limit of fan support. Some experience for a bunch of prairie kids who had never seen a prison before. Safely home again by Special Train, I was ready to go to work. August 22, 1955 I started with RBC as a Junior Clerk at Macklin Sk. Salary $125 per mo. Business hours were 10am to Noon - closed over lunch - Open 1pm - 3pm. Forty hour work week with no overtime. No electrical equipment - electricity was for lighting - we had one typewriter, Underwood model and a Burroughs adding machine (hand bomber). Duties consisted of keeping ink in customer desk ink wells and ensuring straight pens were in place. When mail

arrived, wholesaler drafts for various merchants had to be recorded and delivered for acceptance and later picked up. We had Current Accounts and Savings Accounts, all hand posted with pass books. Shortly after I started, Ernie Weist also joined the branch and we certainly made a few miles together before his transfer to Cupar, SK and later out to BC. After a short stint as Teller I was soon on my way. April 1957, transferred to Regina, Albert & 13th Branch, as Teller Utility. A busy pay day branch, Manager was Geoff Harrison who ended up in Victoria, BC. The Accountant was the late Peter Macdonald who retired from Main Branch Calgary, after a stint in

Trinidad, West Indies. March 1958, I was transferred to Morse, SK. as Utility Clerk and then, to my surprise, in March 1959 I was transferred back to Macklin branch, as Accountant. No trouble finding a place to live - mother had my room ready. Manager, Mick Fletcher, was new to his position, and was glad to be able to lean on my knowledge of the area. It was at this time that my wife Grace and I were re-acquainted. Grace worked in Edmonton and seemed to find

new reasons to make weekend trips home to visit her family. Result, we were engaged on New Year’s Eve 1959. Early in 1960, the District Supervisor and Staff Officer, out of Regina, visited Macklin. It was a normal drop-in, quick visit and go. In my introduction, the Supervisor asked if I had any trouble getting home to visit family from time to time. Mick Fletcher said, “no, this is his home, he just goes up the street” - the response, “we will have to do something about that” was directed to the Staff Officer. April 1960 - Loaded my car, head out to Kamloops, BC. As an Assistant Accountant. Trip was via Spokane - No Roger’s Pass. A lot of things happened at Kamloops which, above all else, was a good party branch. Grace came out from Edmonton, got a front desk job at the Plaza Hotel and we were married Oct 29, 1960. Kamloops staff were a great bunch: Mgr. Chuck Akenhead, Asst. Mgr. Bill Paddon, Accounting staff: Monty Koughan, followed by Bud Wisewell, Peter Konkin, Gary Smyth, Sheldon (Shay) Hanson (both Shay and his wife Bernice died as result of an auto accident near Lac La Hache, BC in April 1965). Gary Aldcroft was a shy young fellow who was a member of the Business Account Teller group. A wonderful staff in a busy fun branch. The Kobyashie New Year’s party was a must. One item I often recall occurred soon after I arrived at the branch. This was a trip to the Douglas Lake Cattle Ranch. RBC, London England Branch had a client in the cattle business who was visiting Canada and arranged a tour of Douglas Lake Ranch. Mr. Akenhead

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was asked if he would arrange to have someone from the branch meet the people from England, drive them out to Douglas Lake Ranch. So I was it - got directions I needed. Early Saturday morning my friend, the late Clem Wallace and I pick up the two English gentlemen at the train station. Off to Douglas Lake Ranch for a great day. We met the Ranch Foreman and spent the full day touring with him. One stop was at a high location were you could see for miles and see nothing but range controlled by the Ranch. The day ended with a delicious steak dinner in the Woodward guest house. The Englishmen and ranch foreman were wonderful and it was certainly an eye opener for me to see the vastness of the historic ranch. Yes, Kamloops will always be a place to remember. June 1961 - Back on the road again. - To Port Coquitlam, Assistant Accountant - took over from Harvey Fisk. Mgr. Stan Raymond, Accountant the late Al Grant. Other staff were: Chuck Ruttan, Ken Byers, John Dorflinger, Jean Bradford, Eleanor Tubbs, Bob Strong, Secretary was Jean King and she did a good job of keeping us in line. The busy time was Essondale pay days. The old branch was a hot house in summer, no AC, only fans. Next door Grocery Store (back room) was a favorite haunt. Our oldest daughter Jamie, was born in Port Coquitlam in September 1962. Now lives in PoCo and works at the North Vancouver RCMP office, on the incoming telephone desk. November 1963 - Back on the road - to Williams Lake - took over from Gary Aldcroft, Accountant. Al Fallis was Manager and when he was transferred to Swift Current, SK., Al was replaced by Don Rees. No trouble getting involved in this community: Curling, Kinsmen, Chamber of Commerce, Stampede Committee were always looking for volunteers. Grace, with the help of Jean Fallis became a member of the Hospital auxiliary and was part of the entertainment group for the auxiliary’s fund raising events. An event I recall happened when Don Rees was on holidays and I was in charge. The Stampede is on over July long weekend. A Teller does not show up for work. We subsequently determine she rode off with a Cowboy - tracked her down in Ontario to get a resignation, we were assured all was ok but did not see her again. Our daughter Jacquie was born here in February 1965, now a Team Manager with RBC Winnipeg, Call Center. January 1966 - Call the movers - off to Nanaimo, Main branch. A new position. Personal loans (Termplan & Mortgages) but as yet no one had come with a title so I was “Management Officer” cum personal lender. Staff was Lionel Berry Mgr., Lloyd Atchison Ass’t Mgr., Chuck Ruttan Accountant and several more. - First “Bath Tub Race” happened. Branch had an entry - managed to finish - Sorry I forget the names of the bruised guys that survived the trip. October 1967 - Off again - Manager Youbou - I replaced the late Don Gore who was transferred to Abbotsford. What a change, from over 30 on staff to myself and Marion Price, Teller. Plus a P/T Teller on paydays. Vivid memory - the quarter we wrote off our first loan loss, we also reported our first profit, the branch had been open nearly 15 yrs. While at Youbou our son Todd was born, March 1968.

June 1968 - Call the movers - Off to Cumberland B.C. to take over from Dale Trask. Bought our first home here. A solid old wooden structure, built with square nails. The branch had an experienced staff and we had a very loyal client base. Many interesting stories in this community which at one time had one of the largest Chinese populations West of New York and North of San Francisco.From January 1970 through to April 1980 I was Manager at four different branches: Cache Creek, Steveston, Revelstoke & New Westminster, 8

th & McBride.

By September 1977, when we moved from Revelstoke our oldest daughter Jamie had attended eight different schools, was entering grade 10 and at the age when best friends were becoming important. Time to settle down for a while, so we located in Port Coquitlam where housing was affordable for us and an easy commute to several areas. During the 70’s I worked with many wonderful people at the Regional level and had great branch support. Cache Creek was always a difficult place to find clerical help. At times we operated with key staff being temporary. Glen (Dude) Babcock, the “Porphury Kid” was a life saver with temporary staff. Don’t know where Glen is today but always was a fun guy and did a good job. I recall a period of several weeks without a Steno - credit work backed up. Finally filled the position, lasted one week; back to square one. Hired a young lady, a very good typist. Does not show for work following Monday, call her home, ask her husband if his wife will be in for work - do not think so, why ? She and the baby left with my car for Ontario. Wow, now what! A few days later a bright young bare foot girl, unkempt clothes, who was living in a car with her boy friend came to the branch to cash a cheque. Business done, she asks if we were looking for help. I ask, can you type, hard to believe the quick YES - show me I said. New music to my ears. I virtually hired her on the spot, an excellent employee who was later transferred to Vancouver area. I must not forget the visits of the District Systems Group - Rod MacDougal - Maurice Lees Gary Stowe. Their support was really appreciated. I believe some of the stops may have been to see who was new on staff and of course find out what Grace had on the menu for Dinner. In Sept 1972 I took over Steveston branch from Roger Dyck: Joe Frank, Accountant - later replaced by Randy Woodside. I virtually knew nothing about the fishing industry - having never been a fisherman myself. One interesting thing I discovered shortly after arriving at the branch was that many of our clients also dealt with the CIBC competitor. In pondering this situation, it became apparent that in dealing with these clients their business would go the bank which was trusted to be the best. We won, our business grew. Within 18 months I had the assistance of a Personal Loans Officer, Janet Watson, who was familiar with the Fishing Industry. In late 1975 we began to look for a larger home. More room was needed with a growing family. Our feeling was that we had made our trip around BC and would hang in the Vancouver area - Dream on, two weeks after closing on a new home I am asked if I would go to Revelstoke. Yes, you have the answer - New house deal went through - moved into it in January 1976. I reported to Revelstoke in February, to

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take over from the late Jerry Petrichuck. Within the year, Kevin Shaughnessy came on board as Assistant Manager. Personal lenders were Susan Donnelly, followed by John Thackray, Gaynor Boruch, Shortly after my arrival George Colegrave came in as Accountant. George was a great guy to work with. Revelstoke was in a bit of turmoil. The Mica Dam hydro project was near completion and expected to be fully on- stream soon. There was much speculation that the proposed Billion dollar “Revelstoke Dam” would soon follow - It Did. When I now look back it was a very very busy time. The help of the Regional Team of Don Steele - Al Grant - Bob Stitt - Jack Macfarlane was most appreciated. It was a whirl-wind time and we still have friends in the area. Near the end of 1977 we were on the move again to Port Coquitlam, where we stayed for almost 25 years. This time it was to New Westminster, 8

th & McBride. My first Saturday branch, I

liked the change. My management partner was an experienced Marion Thurston. We were the only Saturday branch in New West and could expect Saturday to be busy. April 1980 - on the move again, first move to only involve a change of branch location. I am off to Vancouver, Downtown East Side - 540 E Hastings St., to take over from Martin Draper at Community Branch. Banker cum social worker. What a change Gwen Good, who was at the branch when I arrived, was a life saver. By the time the branch closed, it was over a five year stint for me and I am sure a book could be written on this location. A number of new initiatives came out of this branch. One of which was the first “Strata Title Mortgage Loan.” In September 1985 I was glad to be joining the Corporate Lending Group at Royal Centre and spent five years with this group. Quite a change in numbers from the Community Branch. During this period I worked with Bob Irlam, Brian Dixon, Ian Gomm, Dave Miles, Dave Pohl, Russ Nichol, Peter Spronken, John Richter, Don Morris, George Rushton and others. In November 1990, I moved to Financial Institutions in the RBC Tower, as Account & Administration Manager. I worked with Ray Roland, Cor DeWit and Jack Poynter. Our Steno was Sigi, followed by Vita. We dealt with Correspondent Bank clients in western USA, Stock Brokers, The Insurance Industry, Trust Companies, Institutional Clients and Vancouver based Schedule Two Banks. We Reported to H.O. in Toronto. I very much enjoyed working with our group and the Toronto based support staff, it was a great way to wind down my career with RBC. In February 2001, we returned to Macklin, Sask. Both Grace and I are often asked why you moved from BC. Answer is always the same. Not only is it home but we are close to halfway between Vancouver and Winnipeg. Which puts us within a reasonable driving distance to catch grandkids in their sports activities? The fact that Grace is the oldest of 72 first cousins on her mom’s side of the family also had an influence. We have enjoyed catching up with family. I retired August 31

st, 1995 after over 40 years plus. The Royal Bank

gave us the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and make

many long time friends. Grace and I continue to enjoy good health - We will be on the road again this year. ****************************************************

RBC LOWER MAINLAND PENSIONERS ASSOCIATION The 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Association was held on Wednesday March 14

th on the 34

th floor – Royal Bank Tower in

Vancouver. Fourteen Pensioners attended. Donald Graham was elected President for the next two years as was the Treasurer Joan Gemmell and Director Richard Fuller. Bruce Waldref, on the Golf Committee, was also elected a Director replacing Doug Bell. This completed the 10 person Board. The Treasurer presented the Year-end financial Statements which were approved. The Annual Christmas Luncheon will again be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver with some suggestions submitted by the membership to the President in Negotiating the Contract with the Hotel.

The 2012 Directors left to right – Bruce Waldref, Donald Graham, Joan Gemmell, Kathy Westmorland, Richard Fuller, Kay Jiles, Charlie Merrick and Freda D’Souza. Missing from the Picture are Jan Hayes and Gwen Good. Bruce Waldref announced that the Spring Golf Tournament will be held as usual at the The Guildford Golf & Country Club on Wednesday June 6

th, 2012. Further details will be forthcoming or

you can contact him at 604-597-4092 or email waldref@shaw.ca

RBC FINANCIAL GROUP PENSIONERS’ ANNUAL LUNCHEON A warm welcome is extended to all RBC retirees and their spouces/companions living in the Vancouver Island North Region. The date is Thursday April 19

th at the Nanaimo Golf Club with a

cocktail reception at 11am and lunch at 12noon. The cost is $15 per person. Email Lorraine Krall at missjazz@shaw.ca.