"In today's society, with all its problems facing us, what is it like to be principal of a senior secondary school? This question is often asked, and my usual reply is, 'Just great, and let me tell you what my answer includes'. He listed his reasons, ending with "yes, I am proud of the accomplishments of its students and the fine dedicated teachers who make it what it is." Lastly he'd smile, adding: "And even the scenery is special, a contribution of about 500 pretty girls in mini skirts" (his little joke).

He was happy with the view from his office, of the town below, and the adequate size of his office space, but the "cherry on top" was the private washroom adjoining the office! This was a well kept secret because it was not duplicated in any other school in the District. Ed. appreciated these advantages and was heard praising "working conditions" at KSS. It was not all roses. Nothing is perfect; however, sour notes were not frequently heard.

Consider this scene: At 2 am the bedside telephone at Tait's rings. Ed. answers. "Yes, I'll be there - about 20 minutes." KSS had a dormitory with a matron, but in an emergency of any kind, she had to call the principal. Fortunately these were infrequent, but usually on a cold night. Ed. had to get out of bed, dress and drive to the school. Ah well, part of the job.

A happier event was coffee in Ed.'s office with Robert Stanfield who was speaking to one of the student clubs. The two men chatted like any other two meeting for the first time, but, based on later reports, they really enjoyed their visit.

Then there was the sign one Sunday morning in 1968 ("68 KSS GRAD") big enough to be seen city wide. A Vancouver newspaper 'phoned Ed. at home to get his reaction to this event. Ed.'s reaction surprised the reporter because Ed. praised the enterprise. Imagine the planning, and all done in secret! However, after stories and pictures appeared not only in Kamloops papers but also in Vancouver papers, Ed. knew there would, or could be, a labeling of that year's grads as vandals. Ed. managed to forestall that but cautioned his student body NOT to repeat that feat for at least 20 years!!

Ed. had been on the committee that succeeded in getting an annual provincial tournament for Boy's Basketball. His dream was to be connected to a competing team one day. KSS Red Devils made the dream come true in 1974 when they played all the way to the final game, leading until the last minute when their opponents, Oak Bay, scored again! The clock had run out, but Ed. was happy with his school's team saying "sometimes the clock is a friend, sometimes an enemy; you are a great team, thanks fellows."

The year book, Focus, for 1975 touched Ed. deeply. It was his retirement year and the first two pages of Focus were devoted to him. He told me later that when it was presented to him he had a hard time swallowing!

After 35 years of doing what he really liked - being with young people 5 days a week - he knew he would miss them but time tends to move on, and he had plans for the next phase of his life which lasted for 17 years.

Ten-year reunions became a possible for classes that had been at KSS when Ed. was there. He was invited to speak at some of these socials. I remember when his turn came; he took quite a long look around the room then said: "as I look around the room, I see that lovely scenery I used to brag about KSS having. I do know that pretty girls turn out to be very pretty women. Thank you. My years with you were happy ones."