Dear Editor:
My wife and I were both born in North Vancouver, and lived there for most of our lives before retiring to Powell River. On a recent visit “home” we read with interest the story of “Who was William Griffin, and why is a recreation complex named after him?
Mr. Griffin was a builder, and lived in Capilano. He was responsible for many big homes, some in Pemberton Heights. My family lived on Philip Avenue, and was friendly with him.
As young Capilano boys, we nicknamed him “Toaster” as he always hopped on the streetcar in the morning eating a piece of toast.
He was also an alderman for the city, and a good friend of my wife’s parents, John and Carrie Cates, and probably similar in age, born in the early 1900s.
My wife Anne still has a lovely bone china set of teacups given to us for our wedding in 1952 by Mr. Griffin.
He was a good guy, served his city on council, built homes in North Vancouver and obviously was well liked. I think William Griffin centre is a great name.
Terry Waghorn, Powell River
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