VCC-VANCOUVER VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE ^
LIBRAR^lyOLtME 2 : NUMBER 35 1 3
SPECIAL EDITION
IN HONOUR OF BETH HENSON

It is not often that a person stays within the same system for forty-two years
as Beth Henson has. We would therefore like to dedicate this WInsider to
Beth.
We have asked a few of her colleagues to put on paper some of their memories
of Beth and her life in the Vancouver educational system, giving some insight
into the type of person we are losing.

INTERVIEWS IN THE "GOOD OLD DAYS"
Not many people know that Beth Henson got her job at Vancouver Community
College (it was a wing of the Vancouver School Board then) because of her
impressive ability to eat ice cream.
Today's hiring practices at the College have become a little more
sophisticated than they were forty-two years ago. At that time, Beth applied
to fill an advertised vacancy for secretary at King Edward Radio School,
headed by a rather formidable person, Walter Lambert.
Summoned to King Edward for an interview, Mr. Lambert abruptly said "I know
that you can type and take shorthand, but what are you like at ice cream?"
Beth responded by saying that she had never made any ice cream.
"I'm asking you if you can eat ice cream, not make it" he replied, and

producing a dollar bill he instructed Beth to go to a Palm Dairy Shop on West
Broadway to buy three cartons of neapolitan flavour and to bring back the
change. (That's why they are called the "good old days".)
When she returned from the Dairy, a table had been set with dishes, spoons,
and paper napkins and Beth was informed that while she ate one carton, her
prospective employer would demolish the other two.
Beth had the good sense to allow Mr. Lambert to finish first, but she clearly
demonstrated a natural talent and some considerable experience with Palm Dairy
products and, with unconcealed admiration of her perfonnance, Mr. Lambert
simply said "start tomorrow at 8:30".

I^NCOUrER T. LAWTON

COMMUNITY
Vancouver

Vocational Institute

BETH'S EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

My fondest memories of Beth Henson go back to September 1948. Yes folks,
thirty-six years ago Beth Henson was my girl guide leader. Every Thursday
night at the old Baptist Church in the Marpole area she would instruct about
forty of us girls in semaphore, knot tying, swimming, First Aid, and many
other subjects. I swear to you I can tie any knot you care to name because I
spent a good six weeks doing them over and over and over. My personal
specialty is the slip knot. Beth was a tough instructor but extremely fair,
and always ready to listen to problems and lend a helping hand.

Beth probably doesn't know it but she is responsible for most of my happiest
childhood memories. Through Beth Henson's caring and teaching, I formed
lasting friendships with several other girl guides and you can be sure that
whenever we get together, Beth is always fondly remembered.

K. HEWER

WE'LL MISS YOU BETH
I started at WI m 1971. My first memory of Beth still lingers in the back
of my mind. As I arrived for my interview with Mr. McComb, Beth and Mr.
McComb were fighting, in jest, over a blueberry muffin.

Several months later I planned to move into my first apartment. I don't
remember mentioning it to Beth directly, but someone did and the next thing I
knew she asked how I was moving. I didn't know many people and replied that I
would probably use a taxi. "I'll be moving you!" Beth announced. But first,
I was taken home for a marvelous stew supper. "You must take some glasses",
Beth said. "Oh, I couldn't", I responded shyly. Flinging open her kitchen
cupboards, there were dozens and dozens of glasses! "Look at this!", Beth
said. "All my friends give me glasses and there's only so many that one
person can drink out of!" I gratefully accepted.

Next for the move! I accomplished the mover's NIGHTMARE by piling all my
worldly goods in one huge box!!! Then try to lift that into a Volkswagen bug!
As I made an attempt Beth brushed me to one side, commenting "you may hurt
yourself". With a powerful heave, Beth hurled all my stuff into her car and
it was thus that I was moved into my first apartment.

D. FISTER

A FINAL WORD FRCM THE PRINCIPAL

On August 31 one of our very long time employees will be leaving us. Most of
you have, at one time or another, had contact with her. It is Beth Henson m
Campus Printing!

When I say long time employee, I indeed mean a long time employee! Beth was
first with the Vancouver School Board and, upon separation, with the College
for more than forty-one years. This is longer than many of us have been
around. Beth started as the secretary in the Electronics and
Telecommunication Department under Mr. Lambert m the old King Edward High
School, and later moved to the WI, where she has, for many years, managed the
Bookstore and Service Centre.

Beth may have been classified as a support staff person. However, she should
more appropriately have been designated as an instructor when one considers
the number of principals, administrators, and other instructors she taught how
to do things properly. Beth has been the interpreter of the copyright
regulations to the chagrin of many of us who would have liked to take the easy
way out. She will be remembered by all of us for her straightforwardness and
fairness.

Many an equipment service company owes Beth a great debt for the many hours
she has spent on training their staff on the complexities of many types of
printing equipment. She deserves great credit for having survived for so long
and so well!

I am sure that all at the WI join me in saying that we are saddened by her
leaving, but at the same time wish Beth well in her retirement and the
enjoyment of the well earned leisure it provides.

May your life continue for another long and happy 42 years!
H.W. RERUP