26 - Sunday, March 29, 1998 — Nurth Shore News Opera-| engineer reme Roy Edgell Contributing Writer WHEN longtime North Shore resident Robert C. Harris died on Feb. 5 after collaps- ing with a massive heart attack at the opening night of the Vancouver Opera (Jan. 31), the Vancouver Natural History Society, the Federation of British Columbia Naturalists and the Map Society of British Columbia lost an untir ing worker whose spe- cial expertise will not likely be fully replaced. In Bob's life there was an ideal relationship between hobbies, interests and profes- sional activities. His role as historian, naturalist, map- maker and hiker combined well with his dutics as a pro- fessional civil engineer travel- ling extensively throughout the province. He was intensely interested in British Columbia history, and his knowledge of the Province was probably with- out equal. Organizations to which he belonged benefited greatly from his extensive knowledge, exceptional mem- ory, meticulous planning and unstinting support. published Bob had descriptions and maps of many B.C. hikes, but his par- ticular interests as historian, author and map-maker were the routes used by the fur traders and goid miners, and the roads built by the Royal Engineers. This interest resulted in years of monthly trips to the archives in Victoria to find and copy existing maps. Also involved were many years of exploratory trips to locate, map and clear histori- cal B.C. trails. Bob referred to the latter activity as “Graduate level bushwacking.” For years he has declined to take holi- days outside the province as there was “too much to do in B.C.” As a longtime member of ee north shore news » SENIORS loving historian, mbered Photo Roy Edgelt IN life, Robert C. Harris balanced roles as historian, naturalist and civil engineer. He was 75 when he died Feb. 5 after collapsing with a heart attack at the opera. the Map Society of B.C., Bob had been working on two future publications, an Atlas of Historical Maps, and an associated compilation cover- ing the century 1771 to 187} when the Royal Engineers were busy building roads in B.C. Bob was also a longtime member of the Vancouver Natural History Society, the Federation of British Columbia Naturalists and the North Shore Hikers. His experience and advice was continually sought by these organizations to plan hiking programs, or to locate camps for which he would plan and reconnoiter field-trip activi- ties. As a field-trip leader his wide ranging natural history knowledge was put to good use. From 1941 to 1946 Bob Harris served in North Africa and Europe with the British Army’s Royal Engineers. He was demobilized in 1946 with the rank of Captain RoE. In the next wo years he studied at the University of London, and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. Then with his wife, Rita, he emi- grated to Canada = and obtained employment with the Hydro Electric Power commission of Ontario. In 1950 the family drove to Vancouver where Bob pen joined the Dominion Bridge Co., eventually becoming their chief engineer. In 1975 he made his final move to the North Shore engincering company, Buckland and Taylor Ltd., where he became senior engineer, project man- ager, and where he was still happily working to the time of his collapse. Bob was involved in the design and/or erection of over 100 bridges, including in the Vancouver area, Granville, Second Narrows, Oak Street and Port Mann bridges. In addition he was engineer or manager for stcel construction of 130 buildings including the 31-storey Toronto Dominion Tower in Vancouver. Other projects included the 3.2-kilo- metre powerline span of Kootenay Lake, and the },200-foor (366 metres) Inco stack liner, the world's high- est, at Sudbury, Ontario. Locally, he was involved in the cable work on the Grouse Mountain Tramway, and was engineer and projects manag: er for bridge maintenance and repairs on the Lions Gate. Members of the above organizations, and his profes- sional colleagues, will miss him. Roy Edgell is a North Vancouver resident and a long- time friend of the late Mr. Harris. Ada Leung Pharmacist CAPSULE COMMENTS If you are prone to gout, here are some foods you should avoid because they contain “purines;” anchovies, beer, organ foods, sardines. wine, yeast. Purines are chemicals that can change to uric acid in the body to produce gout } symptoms. Take charge of your own health. Be informed and talk with your pharmacist and doctor about your health or | medication concerns, Let our pharmacists be your choice as_ | your pharmacist. Free Parking Free Delivery for Pharmacy Prescriptions Hat Happy at heart LONGTIME West Van resident and former owner of the Ambleside Inn Witly Brueckel celebrated the 10th anniversary of his 1988 heart transplant March 1 at a brunch for friends and family at the Vancouver Tennis Club. PHARMACY 1401 St. Georges 985-8771 We proudly present Dr. James Balch, mp A physician for 30 years, Dr. Balch is a member of the AMA and a fellow in the. American College of Surgeons. He is a sought-after lecturer, often touring across Canada and the US, on radio & TV- counseling his patients to assume a greater responsibility for. . their own health & weil being. ~ You are cordially invited to attend a book signing by Dr. Balch, Tuesday, March 31st, from 2:45-3:30 pm at . The Vitamin House 2470 Marine Drive West Van ONLY brought to you by QUEST vitamins OUEST 1OWSE™S ... and you are invited! Rideau Manor the residence of choice for independent seniors’ SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 10 AM-3 PM Please join us for our Open House and view our beautifully finished studio 1850 Rosser Avenue and 1 bedroom suites for seniors. : Burnaby Refreshments will be served. i For information or # tour, call 291-1792