History has a way of creating awkward situations for future generations. I can’t think how many times I’ve asked my grandfather, who also fought in the Second World War, how it was to attempt friendly conversation with our Japanese in-laws. He would smile, often with gestures of humour in his words and would say, ‘well Sue, they are our family’. In reality, it is not weak, nor is it rare to show forgiveness and kindness toward those who wronged you, especially over the course of generations. However, my grandfather never endured what you did. You were a teenager when captured as a prisoner during the Second World War, held for three and a half years, you went in at 130 pounds and came out less than 80. You’ve seen mankind at its worse. How do you cope with these life long memories?
In Japanese culture surrender is not possible; in their eyes we were the lowest of the lowest and consequently treated that way. I do not blame the soldiers, mostly peasants, they were ordered to treat us like scum. I have no hard feelings against the Japanese. I had pneumonia and was sickly for some time, and finally decided to immigrate and luckily picked Canada over the USA. I was so busy working, playing the Calgary Stock Market, taking advantage of the booming oil industry and chasing Sylvia. All those things stopped me from dwelling on the past.
World War II may be the most documented event of all time. In the next 10 years, the number of surviving Second World War veterans will go from two million to very few. With them will disappear their unique ability to bear witness, to remind us of the awful toll of all-out war, though historians will surely continue to document the time. As we move towards the day when not a single participant remains alive to tell his tale, what does it mean to you for a nation to lose what has been deemed its ‘greatest generation?’
Yes the number of vets is dwindling. The younger generation know about this, but that war is antiquated now. With all the new technology and weaponry dwelling on World War II is a thing of the past. It is helpful for history but I don’t think will impress the younger modern generation too much. We don’t dwell on the Napoleon war, or the Canadian war between the French and the Brits, or the American war. Consequently, after all the vets are gone, I don’t think WWII will be talked about much more.
Despite seeing civilization at its worst, you’ve chosen a life of quiet philanthropy. You’ve given in excess of four million dollars in donations to a number of local charitable organizations. What lead you down this road of tremendous generosity?
Sylvia and I used to live in nice houses, spend a lot of money on travel, but when Sylvia was sidelined that was the end of it. I have not travelled in over 20 years, since I lost my lovely partner. I could not because of her illness, and after Sylvia passed away seven years ago I just lost all interest to go anywhere. I started donating and increased the amounts when I was by myself. I could not see any other option, so don’t look at me as being a generous person – what am I to do with the loot otherwise?
You strongly believe that we all need to be more supportive of the veterans, not just in Victoria, but all over Canada and in the past four years your philanthropic work with the Lodge at Broadmead senior care home has lead you to donate over $600,000 to provide equipment and programs to make veterans’ last days comfortable and dignified. The Lodge at Broadmead, a 229-bed residential care facility, has 115 priority beds for veterans, 110 community beds and four respite care beds for veterans. With the Lodge at Broadmead in its 20th year, how vital is it that this kind of funding continue?
Jennifer involved me with the veterans and seniors at Broadmead Care and advised me about their biggest wish; to completely renovate the old bathrooms with tubs to be able to recline in, (the old tubs were square and the patients had to be lifted in and were only able to sit in it). After that donation some new beds were required, and then we started with the fitting of the overhead lifts campaign which is still going on today. So far I believe 50 percent of the rooms have been upgraded with overhead lifts. My hope is to help raise the finances so we can finish off the rest of the lifts, a present for the 20 year anniversary of the Lodge at Broadmead. I am very fortunate to have been able to do a little for the Vets, being able to associate myself with them.
You’ve just recently donated $60,000 to Government House. Tell us a little more about this donation and how it came about.
Jennifer got involved with Government House and found out some key priorities. First, was the rose garden, complete devoured by deer (old plank fence collapsed), and a new rod iron fence has now replaced the old one. Last year the roses started to come back, but this year they will be at their prime! The other item was the coffee shop. Inside is not too big and a large deck was added and tables and chairs with umbrellas and the visitors started to come. After its success it was obvious the deck had to be covered and a new deck built alongside. Also it was a real pain to have the dirty dishes wheeled to the main building two, three times a day with lots of breakage, so now there is a big commercial dishwasher right there. The new addition has been completed and the big official opening will take place sometime in June with her Honour presiding. Donations are so needed for certain projects; hopefully with more visitors to the tea house more donations will be made. Again, I am pleased to have been able to help.
In my 48 years, I have interviewed many people but you top the charts for me. You seem like you’re in your prime at 91. What keeps your passion for giving so strong?
I’m shocked! Not only by your statement Sue, but you 48? You’re pulling my leg. Your words about me being in my prime, goes to you too baby! I am very honoured by what you said. Remember at my age there is not much time left to part with my loot, so don’t look at is as passion to give, but a necessary evil to unload.
We are celebrating our Men To Watch in this issue, and one of the questions we asked our men was: “What is the best advice your Dad ever gave you?” Could you please share what values your Dad instilled in you?
I’ve not been back to Holland for over 25 years. My parents are both gone, and I did not have any advice from my dad. My own values are few; try to cheer up people you meet, a smile, a remark, be helpful. Try to follow the rules of the olden days, of opening the door for a lady, getting up for a lady, pulling out her chair, let her go first. I was brought up that way, and I have always done it and still do it. Don’t dwell on the past (except for keeping the memories of the love of your life) be happy and share it!
