Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Spud Murphy: People need to look past a person's skin color....
A look back includes quality time with 'Spud'
Ken Herar, The Times
Published: Friday, May 07, 2010It's hard to believe I am celebrating my one-year anniversary with the Abbotsford-Mission Times.
Another milestone is waiting in the wings; next month I reach my 15th year as a columnist in the Abbotsford/Mission area. Time does fly.
I am honored to be part of an organization which is truly engaged with diversity issues in our community.
It is also approximately one year ago that I last met former Matsqui reeve Spud Murphy, who passed away April 21st.
I recall driving along George Ferguson Way and seeing his car parked in his driveway.
After months of driving past the moment had arrived. I decided to pay him a visit.
He opened the door with his glowing smile and was happy to see me. He welcomed me inside where we chatted for a few hours.
We sat at his kitchen table and I was amazed at all the various newspapers that were scattered throughout his table. He was an avid reader and a jewel when it came to local and Canadian history.
How many people do you know who have a Canadian flag on their front lawn? Well, Spud did. He was always a strong supporter of diversity and knew first hand of some of the hardships visible minorities faced early in Canada.
I first met Murphy at the MSA Museum Annex in 2006, when former editor Rick Rake and myself spoke on diversity issues. What a memorable evening. Murphy reminded us that people need to look past a person's skin color.
He became emotional sharing how some of his Japanese friends were taken from their homes and put in internment camps across the country in the 1940s.
He always stayed in touch with them and visited them often. I am extremely fortunate to have spent time with a Canadian pioneer who knew the Fraser Valley like the back of his hand.
I would also like to wish former Matsqui Mayor Dave Kandal a speedy recovery in hospital. Two fine mentors who served our community with unique distinction and taught us it's important to be involved. Thank you, Spud. Get well soon, Dave.
It's been a busy few weeks in my schedule. On April 24, I participated in the Third Annual Mission Writers & Readers Festival. Among the highlights were a tribute to former UFV Poet in Residence Kuldip Gill and poetry readings and workshops on various forms of writings. Arts and culture is alive and strong in Mission.
Last week, I attended the Living History series A Story to Tell. The Reach Gallery Museum partnered with Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) to offer a series of conversations with citizens of Abbotsford who have immigrated here. The first series included my father Tok Herar and Abbotsford Collegiate student Emily Gafurova from Uzbekistan. Both provided inspirational talks from opposite corners of the globe.
My father told the audience he came to Canada in 1952 with only $7. He overcame difficulties such as racial discrimination by getting actively involved in the community. He said: "You can't be shy."
On May 13, one of the original Vietnamese boat people and an immigrant from Paraguay will talk about their immigration experiences. On May 27, speakers from Sierra Leone, India and Russia will share their stories. Both series begin at 6:30pm at The Reach Gallery Museum. For more information contact Kris Foulds at 604-864-8087. Admission is free.
n Ken is a columnist for the Abbotsford-Mission Times. He can be contacted at KenHerar@gmail.com.
...© Abbotsford Times 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)