back to dedications

Hi C2C Team.

You will shortly be entering my home province of New Brunswick, and my home town of Fredericton. I hope you will see the beauty and tranquility of the Saint John River valley and feel a warm welcome from the folks there. It is a great place to grow up in and a wonderful place to raise kids.

Guess I should start by saying I worked for New Brunswick Power for 23 years. Over that period of time, one gets to know and make friends with many people. That was so true for me given my crazy sense of humour and out-going personality. When you think about it, we see our work colleagues 7,8, or even 9 hours each day. That is more time spent with them, than with our own families. It is truly an extended family type of situation. Special bonds are formed between colleagues that sometimes can’t be explained easily……they just are.
I have lost 3 colleagues to cancer and a few more to other types of medical inflictions. Each time, I would be there to support the family, and of course try to put on a brave face during the hospital visits. One never forgets these people, they are always in our mind somewhere. At times, such as this, one can reach back into a special place and bring forward the memories and feelings surrounding the events that took our colleagues. So vividly, it’s like yesterday. I’m sure the C2C team members have been in similar situations with colleagues. Therefore, I respectfully request each team member to dedicate a couple of Km’s to all of our fallen colleagues, regardless of the illness that took them from our lives.

Jeff, if I may, I have a special request to make of you. Two years ago, my 86 year old aunt, who lived alone here in Surrey close to me, died of cancer. At the time, she was supposedly on the mend and I was on a 1 week assignment in our Halifax office when it occurred. So, I can relate too well to your current circumstances and your aunts passing. My aunts name is Alice. Her brother, Norm, was my father. He died 23 years ago in a plane crash in NB. I still miss him very much. If you could knock off a couple of Km’s in NB in memory of Alice and dad, I would be so appreciative.

When you enter Fredericton on highway 105 and as you turn onto Royal Road, you will notice 2 girls with red hair, and an older lady. My daughter Meaghan (18) and Becky (22) and my mother….Mary. They have been following your progress on the site and are so supportive of your efforts. I know you can’t stop, so just know they are there supporting you and the team.

My KSO colleague in the Halifax office, Danny MacLeod will be there to see you end your journey.

To end this on a lighter note, as you leave the Royal Road and head down Main St. a few Km’s, there is a Tim Horton’s right on your side of the street. Don’t you think a large coffee and a six-pack of donuts would help get you to Halifax?

Guys – you have touched so many lives and generated so much interest. Great work! And safe journey the rest of the way!

George Grandy
Fujitsu Consulting - Vancouver