I was raised in a rural fishing community on Prince Edward Island. I attended a one-room school. At 16, I started my career as a fisherman. There were no hydraulics or electronics; we manually lifted and pulled. For 46 years, you'd find me on the water fishing.

At age 50, I was approached to become a member of the New London Fire Department. After some thought, I decided to become a volunteer fire fighter. Over the years, I was instructed in first aid and CPR, trained to go through a burning building looking for survivors or pets, bringing a person out an upstairs window and down a ladder, and all other necessary training.

Even when I retired, I continued with the fire department. My role changed from active duty to ground duty. This includes unrolling and rolling up hoses, directing traffic, cleaning the trucks and the fire hall, or what ever ground work has to be done. Fire fighting has gotten into my blood and I can't get clear of it. I've continued with the fire department even though I no longer respond to the emergency location. Instead, when a call comes over the pager, I rush to the fire hall, a distance of 3 miles, and man the phone and radios. When the pager goes, be it day or night, I always try to get to the fire hall. Good people are depending on me.

Keeping active keeps me in good health. I suggest that everyone who is able to get out and move around should keep going. Take up some hobby and keep active. Most days, you can find me in my workshop, building and repairing projects. Some of my upholstery items can be found at homes throughout the community. I visit the wharf regularly to meet and talk with old friends and to keep up with community happenings.