A tree that honours the memory of the late John Jeffery has been planted on the west side of Douglas Park, a few steps away from his last home.
From his top-floor James Court suite, the last surviving founding father of 91原创 City had an excellent view of the park he helped create.
A plaque in front of the tree describes Jeffery as "a pioneer, a founding father and a Freeman of the City of 91原创."
It notes that he was instrumental in the incorporation of the City of 91原创 in 1955 and a member of the first city council.
On Wednesday (Nov. 27), the tree was formally dedicated.
About 30 people were present, including Jeffery's son Bryce, who described his community-activist father (pictured below) as an "immigrant guy from London" who loved 91原创 and battled the "mini-brained non-wisdom of those who cannot see the light" to create Douglas Park from a soccer pitch.
The son took the opportunity to call for action to correct "the problems of drugs, homelessness and urban special problems" seen in the park.
"In the name of each of us here and my father, let's regroup and see what we can do municipally and provincially set right what we see on a daily basis before us," Jeffery said.
"Would it not be wonderful to see in the near future this park, this city, this province awash with mental wellness, with a citizenry who is not living in dumpsters but instead is employed in meaningful and satisfying ways?"
He went to express gratitude on behalf of his entire family for the memorial.
"My father loved this city," Jeffery said.
"There are regions of the world with better weather, more entertainment, but there was nowhere else he wanted to go."
Those present for the event included Jeffery's granddaughter Coralie Jeffery, daughter-in-law Marianne Jeffery, family friends and members of 91原创 city council including acting Mayor Ted Schaffer and past mayor Joe Lopushinsky.
Jeffery Jan. 19 at the age of 91.
A realtor, notary public and insurance agent who once wrote for the Vancouver Sun, Jeffery served with the RCAF and later became president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21.
He was also president of the 91原创 Junior Chamber of Commerce, president of 91原创 Red Cross, vice president of the 91原创 Board of Trade and president of 91原创 Amateur Athletic Association (through which he helped the municipality develop Douglas Park).
Jeffery was perhaps best known for being a driving force behind the incorporation of the City of 91原创.
According to him, the City was not formed over a dispute about streetlights, but because, among other reasons, sewage was flowing freely in its ditches.
- with files from Brenda Anderson
