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Page 3 West Vancouver Historical Society January 2006 Regarding Tom Taylor -Submitted by Valerie (Smith) Trajf The November issue of History-Onics reported that Tom Taylor is stepping back from the presidency of the West Vancouver Historical Society. We recognize the value of his work and the vitality he offers. I asked if I could write something of my friendship with him. Perhaps my experience is typicalâ€"just the way Tom is. Three years ago, during the production of his book Glimpses of World War II West Vancouver, I met this author, who lives in our midst here in West Vancouver. It was his sincere and excited enthusiasm that compelled me to pull out the old “trunk” and find out all I could about my brother, Frank W. Smith. Tom’s respect for the past was infectious, and I found a whole new approach to the history of my family, community and especially my brother, who died so long ago while a pilot in the R.A.F. (died in 1942 in the crash of a Short Sunderland). As a girl I grew up on lO'” Street. The shock of Frank’s death and the horrors being reported in far-off Europe seemed to leave a blank space in me. (Empathy for tragedy is not a strong point in teenagers). Gradually, as I listened, read and followed the author’s tracing of our village’s war years I found a profound grief and a deep honoring filling in all that blank, black space. It is the combination of Taylor’s light-hearted, yet exact reporting that has connected us again with those yearsl938, 39, 40, 41, 42. Yes! I was there, we DID ration our butter. Dad WAS an A.R.P. warden. Mother DID knit socks and scarves and huzzahs for merchant seamen. What did I do? I sat in the balcony of the gymnasium of West Van High and listened each Monday morning as Mr. Mitchell our principal read the names of the boys from our school who had died or who had been reported missing. While it was shock, was I truly getting the picture? Tom wrote his book this year, and after all those years his writing and research has brought to life that amazing time in our history. This dedication to the history of West Vancouver through his book, and his steady, lively work with the West Vancouver Historical Society is a great gift to our community. My appreciation is sincere. Thank you, Tom 2006 Heritage Achievement Awards West Vancouver’s natural, built and cultural heritage define our community identity, give our neighbourhoods their distinctive character, and enhance the high quality of life we have come to enjoy. The Heritage Achievement Awards, administered by West Vancouver’s Heritage Advisory Committee, are presented in honour of individuals, groups and businesses that have made a significant contribution toward ensuring that this collection heritage is preserved. We invite you to nominate any project, individual or group that has made an important contribution to furthering heritage conservation in West Vancouver. Award recipients will be chosen by a selection committee from nominations in the following categories: building restoration, new building design, landscape, advocacy/awareness, or individuals or groups that have made an outstanding contribution to heritage conservation in West Vancouver. If you wish to make a nomination, pick up a 2006 West Vancouver Heritage Awards nomination form (Document 227489v2) at the Municipal Hall. Submission Deadline: January 18,2006.