26 — Sunday, January 10, 1999 — North Shore News north shore news Valley man recalls Saskatchewan farm “CHILD labour or summer fun? That was a family joke,” chuckles Nelson (Nels) DuBois. “Give 100% at whatever you do and you'll come out successful.” This mellow and caring man is a natural winner, be it wood carving, flying boats, growing flowers or milking cows, From a family of 10 chil- dren in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Nels remem- bers his home was a very busy place. His father was in coa- struction work and his mother was a tailor, so summers for Nels were spent with five or six cousins at his grandmoth- er’s farm on the Souris River. The children eagerly helped with farm chores so afterwards they could go swimming and fishing. Nels laughs: “Sometimes while milking the cows, with just a turn of my wrist T could shoot the milk sideways right into the waiting mouths of the farm cats — they loved it. I had a happy childhood enjoy- ing lots of sleigh riding and other neat things.” As a little boy, he was fasci- nated with the crystal radio set. “i would put on the head- phones, scratch the attached slim wire over a rough dia- mond, and hear music from radio station CKCK Regina.” His excitement grows as he recalls the old Arwaterkent with the big torn on top (the loud speaker), asx the biz dial buttons across the sunt of uve » VIKKi kbeiner “CRKCK Regina and sta- tions out of North Dakota and Memphis were all we could get, but it was wonder- ful. 1 felt connected to the world,” laughs Nels. The family moved to Moosejaw, the Depression came and fike many men seek- ing employment Nels arrived in Vancouver, “Those were hard times for everyone,” he recatls. Then flashing a broad smile: “But I met the love of my life and in 1938 married Anne.” Soon the war started and Nels signed on with Boeing Aircraft, inspecting the final wing assembly of PBY Canso “flying boats” used by the patrol boats. ‘The plant closed when the war ended. “It was a time of rejoicing when the Armistice was signed and the men overseas came home,” he recalls. “I then worked for 15 years with Robin Hood at Terminal Docks, and a further nine years with the new owner, Empire Stevedoring, until 1 retired.” After skiing in North Vancouver one day, Nels and Anne spotted the West Lynn Housing Development sign. They checked it out, bought a lot and their new home was ready to move into by August, 1955. “This was truly a highlight tor us and we beeame involved in the West Lynn community. There were sever- al young families in our area so we watched the children and the community grow, it was 2 wonderful time in our lives. “Wo socialized in growing chrysanthesaums, getting our cuttings from England, and belonged to the North Shore Chrysanthemum Society for a number of years. The North Shore growers held exhibi- tions in the Park Roya! south mall.” They were among the first couples to join the North Shore Winter Club, “and the friendships we have made there are priceless,” says Nels, who was on the club’s social committee. In 1990 his beloved Anne passed away. Nels willingly and patiently cared for her at home during her lengthy ill- ness. He scill maintains their home which is filled with pre- cious memories and Anne’s beautiful oil paintings. These days, Nels keeps busy doing glasswork (with lead solder), creating extraor- dinary figurines of animals and birds, which when hanging, allow light to shine through. He also makes Tiffany-style lamps and exquisite wood carvings. Smiling, he remarks: “I like cooking and enjoy having family and friends visit.” Would Nels live anywhere bur on the North Shore? Never, he says. ” All the listing_information you need will be at your fingertips on January 15. That's when Real Estate Weekly launches our newest publication - HomeFinder™. You'll find up-to-date listings for all the communities in the Lower Mainland, including the Fraser Valley, conveniently sorted by area and by price. Published twice a month, HomeFinder is available at real estate Offices, credit unions, selected convenience stores and at your VANNET community newspaper office. So, together with your home-delivered Real Estate Weekly, you now will have the most comprehensive package of current real estate information and listings available. Real Estate Weekly and HomeFinder - together the Lower Mainland's choice for real estate information. ENIORS NEWS photo Mike Waketiaid NELS DuS8cis keeps busy with wood carving and glasswork, creating extraordinary figurines of ani- mais and birds. . Stephen Wong harmacist CAPSULE COMMENTS When taking your own blood pressure or having it taken by someone else, always use the same arm, preferably your non-dominant arm, Rest qui- etly for 5 minutes before test- ing and since smoking and caffeine raise blood pressure, refrain from both 30 minutes before the test. As we enter the winter holi- day time of year, it's a good time to remind everyone to bring enough of your pre- scribed medication with you. It isn't always easy to find the right medication in foreign countries.’ ° . - Free Parking Free Delivery for Pharmacy Prescriptions DAVIES PHARMACY 1401 St. Georges 985-8771 See Our Webs‘te at daviesrx.com t+ Capsule reviews of thirty new car models and a reader’s contest toa get you revved up for the new year! Coming January 15