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RBC PENSIONERS’ NETWORK

BRITISH COLUMBIA CELL

Email RBCPENSIONERSNETWORK@SHAW.CA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 – JANUARY 2012

EDITORIAL It is interesting to note how things have changed in the Bank. This is well illustrated in a letter written to all Branch Managers, from the Supervisor’s Department in Vancouver, dated February 4, 1958 and signed by A.F. McAlpine, Supervisor. This epistle is shared with us by Al Westnedge, the contents of which affected his life. In part the letter reads: “Judging from the number of cases coming to our attention in the last few years, it is evident early marriages are becoming more and more common. Unfortunately we have been forced to conclude that in too few cases has the subject of marriage been mentioned in any detail at the initial interview of the young man concerned. We know the problem is a tricky one and quite apart from the fact it must be tactfully handled we recognize there are no ready answers to early marriages of our young men. If, on the one hand we take an unyielding attitude we lay ourselves open to the charge of anti-social tendencies, but if on the other we close our eyes to untimely marriages we commit the much graver fault of condemning not only those involved but others who will follow their lead to careers of mediocrity. Quite apart from the effect early marriages may have on an officer’s advancement, we have witnessed all too frequently cases where tragic consequences have resulted both to an officer as well as his family as a direct result of this untimely step. It is on the basis of this experience that we have no hesitation in expressing the view that by and large we confer no favour upon the individual by retaining his

services if he marries prematurely.”

Tell us the location of this branch. The building is still in existence.

Doug Slowski seen at the Nanaimo RBC Luncheon.

Who belongs to this signature?

Tj SUNDRY INFORMATION

d Don Routley was the first to identify the Mystery

sig Signature as that of Jack Hilts.

M No one was able to recognize an early version of

C Campbell River Branch.

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WOW- WHAT A JOURNEY. BY Bruno Tommasini After graduating from St Anne’s Academy in Kamloops, I worked in Construction for 5 months. I had a close school buddy, John Michek, who had joined the Royal Bank in June 1965. He convinced me to apply at our Kamloops Main Branch for his position of Junior Clerk. I was hired as Junior Clerk –started November 4

th,, 1965 at an annual

salary of $2700. Manager was Chuck Aikenhead; Accountant Don Routley and Sr. Assistant Accountant –Gary Barlow. Branch had a staff of 45 –including Betty Hutton, Savings Supervisor: Dave Christie, Keith Russell, and John Buchan. My favourites –Eleanor Tubbs, Dick Kessler and Bart Wick. I vividly recall my first Teller training course at the lunchroom at our Vancouver, Hastings & Homer Branch. Staying at the Sands Hotel on Davie St. My first trip to the big city-Vancouver- I was wowed. I also remember the trips we made every second Friday to our sub- branch in Clearwater, 90 miles from Kamloops. Cashing cheques for the mill workers – no questions asked, no ID taken –just cash the workers’ cheques. Packing all that cash over that distance, with a revolver that we did not know how to use. In June 1966 I was transferred to Quesnel as Teller. Manager was Jim Stevens, Assist Mgr. Hugh Burnett, Accountant, Art Heaven – Other staff were: Vern Janz, Sandy MacKay, Pete Kay, Wayne Harris, Bob Brown and the best Discount Clerk in BC, Norma Festerling. I played on the local baseball team and I also began my other career in umpiring softball. I made more money umpiring than I did working for the Bank. I continued to umpire for several more years and had the honour of umpiring the Provincial Playoff Senior A tournament in 1973 -umpiring the final two games behind home plate. January 1967- a transfer to Coquitlam,North Rd & Lougheed as Account Clerk – Ray Mitchuk was Manager, Jim Keough Accountant also Kain Kangro , Brian Frost and Brenda Coutts.What a party branch, almost every night - beer & cards . I was drafted into the Italian army in May 1967- what a hassle to get a release, I rented an apartment in Vancouver’s West End with two other bank employees – my school buddy John Michek & Loyd Motz. I had arrived in the big city and had so much to learn about life at the tender age of 19. In August 1967, I was off again- this time to New West, 6

th & 6

th

Branch, Managed by Ed Bradish, Accountant Rudy Pries and Assistant Dave MacDonald (RIP). Another party hard- branch—many stories could be told, the fun we had and the wonderful memories I still have to this day. July 1968 my next move was to a no-fun zone, Vancouver, Arbutus

& 15th

– Colin Atkinson Manager , Eleanor Tubbs –Accountant. I was her assistant. No more wild parties after work. But I made up for that by moving in with Jim Allison and Eric Henderson for a period of 5 months —wow ,what a lesson on life learned by being with these two . Both were Inspectors and a lot of their time was spent at Penticton Branch on the famous Ann Spiller embezzlement. In January 1969 I advised Personnel that I would be leaving the Bank to travel to Europe - so they replaced me and they had me do relief assignments in Cache Creek , Gibsons & Oliver.

In April 1969 I began my trip by hitch hiking across Canada and then flying to London, England. I spent the next 5 months travelling to several countries – I had a fabulous trip –like the Bryan Adams song -1969 was the Best year of my life. I returned for my Sister’s wedding in September 1969 and re-applied to the Bank - of course my hair being much longer – so it was obvious that Personnel would transfer me to Vancouver,4

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Balsam as Accountant. Jack McFarlane was the Manager – soon being replaced by John Kerschbaum. Both were great to work with. The Branch’s clientele really had the hippie atmosphere. Unknown to

me, one of our Tellers used to bring hash brown cookies for our Friday coffee breaks. One day John Kerschbaum handed me $5.00 and asked me to get a haircut as we were going to be visited by Doug Gardiner –District General Manager. Do you think I got a haircut? August 1970-off to Ladner Branch as Accountant, replacing Brant French. Manager being Big Jock Peddie. Worked with Greg Wyatt and Randy Shantz, who later became a Linesman for the NHL. In 1971 the Bank was doing conversion of Bank Drafts and Money Orders. We were to take them to Vancouver, Broadway & Granville for shredding; however someone suggested we incinerate them at the Local Shop Easy. Of course the next thing that happened was that the store caught on fire caused by two of our employees. During this time I was residing at 2505 West 13

th Ave., Vancouver –

also known as the Bank’s Party House. My Roommates were: Howard Bauder, Jim Train, Bruce Jones & John Horsey and later on, John Gregg for a short period. Great memories were had by all. I think I will keep those stories as dark secrets. I remember when Mary from the Royal Bank, our National Advertising campaign at the time, also partied with us. I think this place became a real concern to the Bank and eventually some transfers came about: I was transferred to Terrace, B.C, John Horsey to McKenzie, B.C & Bruce Jones to Kelowna, B.C – leaving Howard & Jim. End of a Wonderful Era.

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February 1972 –transfer to Terrace, B.C as Personal Loans Officer. Lloyd Achison was the Manager – (one of the nicest persons I ever worked with). Herb Mitchell was Assist Mgr. The day I arrived, Terrace had record snowfall—I showed up for work in my new suit – having to shovel 5 feet of snow for 8 straight hours. I really enjoyed Terrace, worked long hours, probably the hardest and most rewarding job I ever had because it gave me a strong work ethic. I played and umpired softball, in my spare time. I also learned to fish for Steelhead. I joined the local Kinsmen Club with Bryan Lester who was then Managing Trans Canada Credit. I convinced Bryan to join the Royal Bank which he did –and he never regretted it. Sadly Bryan passed away from Cancer several years ago. I was replaced be Peter Munroe in June 1973 as I was being transferred to Maple Ridge as Sr. Loans Officer; however that move was changed to Victoria, Main as Manager Securities. What a joke – I went from working long hours in Terrace to the easiest and most boring job I ever had –stamping PGE & BC Hydro Bonds and delivering them for settlement at CIBC. However I had the opportunity to officiate the world champs Victoria Bates Senior A softball team, plus the Provincial Senior A Men’s Provincial Playoffs . That was a great thrill for me. I stayed in Victoria for only 3 months. In October 1973 I was promoted to Whalley Branch as Assistant Mgr. Commercial Loans. I had no experience with Balance Sheet lending but I still survived. Back in those days you learned on the job. Manager was Fred Beale, Accountant was Dick Foster. I had the pleasure of working with many other wonderful people at Whalley Branch... In December 1975 I was transferred again to Richmond, No 5 & Thorpe Branch as Branch Manager, replacing Emery Fraser. I recall on my first week there , my Secretary did not show up for work and I had 3 credit applications to be typed and submitted for approval. I called her at home – her mother said she was at work –the next day was her last. I hired Linda Jarman to replace her and she became my right hand person – she was my saviour. I also worked with many other great staff: Fred Meagher, my Chinese brother Bill Lee and too many others to name. My first Regional Manager was Ed Good and his team of Dave Mungham and Gerry Conly.The Branch was a little gold mine, marketing was done mainly by referral. We were the only Financial Institution in east Richmond at the time and Commercial development was growing rapidly. During my time there, I experienced an extortion for$200M cash. The person was caught and received a 5 year prison sentence. Also I experienced my first Receivership. I got to know almost everyone in Bull Housser & Tupper (the Bank’s Lawyers) as this became a precedent setting case. We won our case after a stressful three week trial and most importantly, I was still employed with RBC when it was completed. This was one of my favourite branches, worked hard but also played hard. I recall the many long lunches at the Airport Inn with Chuck Linton and Lindsay Ruhr from our Richmond, No 3 & Park Branch.

During my stint at Richmond, I met my current wife, Noreen, at a Royal Bank Western Canada Softball tournament held in Edmonton in July 1977. Noreen was working at our Douglas& Pandora Branch in Victoria. After several months of BC ferry trips, she agreed to move to Vancouver and was transferred to Vancouver, Royal Centre and shortly after, we got married. After 5 years in Richmond, I transferred to Haney Branch as Manager in December 1980 –replacing John Stevenson. Lorne Switzer was my Regional Manager and he probably had the most influence on my career with the Bank –I considered him to be the greatest mentor I ever worked for. I was able to triple the loan portfolio. In one year. Then in 1982 I had to start collecting it. The early 80’s were probably the most challenging time experienced by anyone that was involved in Commercial Lending. I again survived and lasted another 30 years with RBC . In May 1984 I was transferred to Delta, Nordel Branch as Branch Manager, replacing Doug Bell. My Managing partner, Neil Sharpe, was great to work with. One of funniest experiences at that branch was when I visited Kamloops on a weekend to visit my family.My brothers and I went for a few beers to a local strip bar. All of a sudden when they announced the next dancer, I could not believe my eyes –it was one of our Tellers on the stage. On my 40

th birthday, January 1987 I was transferred to Surrey, Scott-

Town Branch as MPB –replacing Ron Soley. I spent 9 wonderful years there reporting to 5 different Area Managers . I worked with many wonderful people including Linda Sinclair, Roger Burnes, George Boldick , Ron Gipps and Neil Sharpe again, Harbans Grewal and Jan Hayes and many others. In October 1995 Haney Branch became available. As I was still residing in Maple Ridge, I applied for the position of MPB – as the commute was becoming a nightmare and getting worse. I replaced Brett Paskar; Bob Stitt was Area Manager. I was so happy to come back to many of my former staff and clients. Commute went from 75 minutes to less than 5 minutes – good trade off . In November 2000 I became a Mortgage Specialist and enjoyed this role for a further 10 years, working for 5 different Mortgage Managers --- retiring on November 4, 2010(exactly 45 years to the day from when I started.) I really enjoyed being involved in the Community . I spent over 30 years as a Rotarian in 4 different clubs . Many years of involvement with Chamber of Commerce. Of the 45 years as a RBC employee –I would say 43 of those years were just wonderful- not a bad average. I look back to when I was first hired and can honestly say that I would not have dreamed that my only JOB would be with the Royal Bank .Thank you John Michek, for introducing me to RBC . (RIP buddy.)

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RBC LOWER MAINLAND PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON – DECEMBER 6, 2011 Donald Graham ably presided over the event that was attended by well over 300 Pensioners and their guests at the Four Seasons Hotel, in downtown Vancouver. Graham MacLachlan, Regional President of the Bank spoke briefly about the financial results of our Bank for the third quarter and year to date, emphasizing the strong results for the Bank in Canada and indeed in British Columbia. He showed a couple of short videos illustrating the layout and staffing for new branches, of which there are four in B.C. Donald Graham asked the gathering to observe a moment of silence for those Pensioners who have departed our midst during the year. He also announced the date of the Annual General Meeting of the Pensioners Association which will be on Wednesday, March 14

th next at 10:30am on the 33

rd floor –

Classroom #2 – Royal Bank Tower, 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, B.C. Richard Fuller again organized the draw for the bottles of wine located at each table. Doug Bell, Don Bradwell & Len Huber were in charge of the various prize draws – further assisted by Kay Jiles. There were lots of excellent prizes and many happy winners. The raffle of a tax receipt produced $1,315, which will be donated to Children’s Hospital. The tax benefit was won by Ruth Trask.

Carman Cherry seen at the Vancouver Christmas Luncheon. MALKIN CUP 2011 Jordan Belton (pictured left) Lower Mainland, Regional Finalist defeated Michael Schmitt (right), the other Finalist, at Kings Links in Delta, B.C. to win the coveted Malkin Cup for 2011.

2011 INTERIOR B.C. SENIORS’ DINNER The 40

th Annual Interior RBC Seniors’ Dinner was held on October

20th

at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club. The dinner was attended by 130 people. Pictured is Linda Comeau who was the Master of Ceremonies. The Dinner was organized by Bill Anderson and Wayne & Marion Waters. Helen Kaulbach was the photographer and Alex Wasylenko said Grace. Carolyn

Schatz assisted with the preparation of the invitations and name tags, gathering door prizes and a host of other tasks. Barrie Pachenski, Regional Vice President, Business Banking addressed the Pensioners on behalf of RBC.

MY ROAD TO A WONDERFUL LIFE BY Norm Meadows When I graduated from Princess Margaret High School in Surrey in 1956, I wanted to be a Chartered Accountant but that meant going to Vancouver for room and board or buying a car and travelling into New Westminster every day. Neither of these I could afford. So I joined the Bank in July 1956, at Surrey, Whalley Branch at the grand salary of $1,650 a year. George Butcher was the Manager who transferred to Smithers the week I started. He was replaced by Bill Fraser. Barry Jones was the Accountant, Larry Remsberry the Assistant and Harvey Fisk

later moved in as Head Teller. July 1957 saw me transferred to Smithers, B.C. George Butcher was shortly replaced by Duff Menzies as Manager. Our staff of about 18 consisted of 11 men including Bill Gilbert as Accountant and Al Smith, Jim Frazer, Aart Spyker, Jim Waardenburg, Trev Miller, Floyd Varchol, Lou David and Ivan Jorgenson. Memorable events there included the weekly trips to sub-branches at Houston and Telkwa with the cash box

fastened to the floor of the panel truck and me guarding it with our trusty pistol. We had to order new shells each stationery order so we stopped and fired off a box at our playing cards on a tree stump. Never hit them once. I did a relief stint at Hazelton and was amazed that at 3:00 pm every afternoon, we banged on the wall that adjoined the beer parlour and the bartender brought over a tray of beer. Feb. 1959 I was transferred to Vancouver, Hornby and Nelson where Don Reed was the Manager and John Skelton the Accountant. I thought I was in heaven as several hundred girls worked in the BC Hydro building ,after only seeing a couple in Smithers. March of 1960 I was off to Campbell River as Accountant where Les Bevington was the Manager. The only

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memorable thing there was I caught my first spring salmon. Nov/81 off to Cranbrook as Manager.Pete Johnston, Al Sol, Grant Snow and Gary Clarke were A/Ms. July/84 transferred to Surrey/North Delta as Area Manager. Our team was Brian Simkins, Gary Aldcroft Archie Onisimchuk and Len Schaan. Sept./87 transferred to Kelowna to start the new South Okanagan Area Management group. The team was Bob Ludwig, Dale Baker and Maureen Mick. Others over the years were Gary Eisenhut, Grant Snow, Jim Train, Ed Rollheiser and Vivian Bjur. We had great area meetings with branches putting on skits and presentations of their accomplishments. In 1992 I remarried to Rosemary Tully and since Oct./93 when I retired, we have wintered at our home in Sun Lakes, Arizona and go to Hawaii every 2nd year for 1 or 2 months. Golfing is our passion and I have been fortunate to win the Men's championship in Sun Lakes and the Sr. Men's championship at Kelowna Springs twice. What a wonderful life!! June, 1961 off to Burnaby,Kingsway and Walker as Sr. Ass't. Acc't. Chuck Linton was Manager, Lloyd Gummer, Accountant and Charlie Mayne an Assistant. A great place to be just before Xmas when I was Chuck's bartender. June/62 transferred to Inspection. Jim Hanson was the Inspector with Seniors Ab Halliwell, Don Reed, Les Bonar, and Gordie Jenks. Juniors were Wayne Dinwoodie, Tom Bleakley, Karl Gustafson, Harvey Fisk, Wayne Neid, Bill Mills, Bob Lindahl, Don Routley and Vern Tompkins. So many great trips, especially to the Island where we stopped at Gordon Jenks’ place and picked fresh oysters. Best trip was to Elsa, YT and Cassiar, B.C with Jim Hanson. August/64 off to Nanaimo as Accountant. George Siborne was Manager, Lloyd Atchison the Ass’t Mgr. along with Al Muir, Dave McDonald and Jack Pratt. Irene Thorburn was the Discount Clerk whom I married in 1966. 1965 off to Vancouver, Main and Hastings as Accountant where Norm Napier was the Manager, followed by Ab Halliwell. Bill Thompson was the Sr. A/M, along with Larry Urquhart and Bill Ma the Manager of the Chinese department. Loved those Chinese lunches. My eldest daughter, Sheri was born while I was there and she now works for HSBC in Cranbrook, B.C. 1967 I went to Vancouver, Broadway and Cambie to train as Account Manager under Walt Fries. Ed Bowser was Manager, Don Routley A/M and Murray Carson the Accountant. Sept/68 off to Prince George, 3rd and Quebec as A/M. Dave Christie was Manager, Peter Lundsgard the PLO and Don Fisher the Accountant. Loved the bonspiels up at Bear Lake where we stayed in the logging camp bunk houses. Youngest daughter, Debbie, was born in Prince George and she is now an Assoc. A/M at Kamloops, Main Br. June/72 my first Manager's post in Vanderhoof, B.C, replacing Duane Root. Peter Oswell was A/M and Ken

McLennan and Bob Peters PLO’s. Nov./74 off to Smithers as Manager for 7 great years. Al Riedel, Barb McDonald and Peter Oswell were A/Ms; Art Hinton, Jerry Warren PLOs, Don Colegrave, Acct. and Paul Davidson Asst. Lorne Switzer tried to transfer me twice but where else could you go fishing before work, catch a salmon and still be at work by 8 o’clock. Nov/81 off to Cranbrook as Manager.Pete Johnston, Al Sol, Grant Snow and Gary Clarke were A/Ms. July/84 transferred to Surrey/North Delta as Area Manager. Our team was Brian Simkins, Gary Aldcroft Archie Onisimchuk and Len Schaan. Sept./87 transferred to Kelowna to start the new South Okanagan Area Management group. The team was Bob Ludwig, Dale Baker and Maureen Mick. Others over the years were Gary Eisenhut, Grant Snow, Jim Train, Ed Rollheiser and Vivian Bjur. We had great area meetings with branches putting on skits and presentations of their accomplishments. In 1992 I remarried to Rosemary Tully and since Oct./93 when I retired, we have wintered at our home in Sun Lakes, Arizona and go to Hawaii every 2nd year for 1 or 2 months. Golfing is our passion and I have been fortunate to win the Men's championship in Sun Lakes and the Sr. Men's championship at Kelowna Springs twice. What a wonderful life!! ****************************************************************

Trev Miller attended the Victoria Pensioners’ Luncheon.