Grandpa was one of the organizers of the Golden Fire Department with the first fire hall established in an empty room at George Keenleyside’s butcher shop. Because the town was not yet incorporated as a town, there was no funding for a Volunteer Fire Department, but it was during WW2, and communities were being encouraged to form Air Raid Precaution groups. By forming as an ARP, they were able to get some equipment, and then, when the war ended, they became the Golden Fire Department, with Grandpa George as Chief.
Grandpa was the Civic Centre Board Chair when the hall was built after WW2. We all now know the story of the first work party for the Civic Centre. Grandpa, Dad and Uncle Bill were there, and that's it. Grandpa was also the Chairman of the School Board around 1953, and Chair of the Hospital Board. (does anyone have a date for this?)
Grandpa was a Scoutmaster in Golden from 1947 on and organized a band, The Blue Serenaders. The youth band he also led performed locally for 8 years.
Throughout his time in Golden, Grandpa was deeply involved with the United Church. He and Grandma sang in the choir, and Grandpa was on the Church building committee. Grandpa acted as a lay minister whenever needed.
Grandpa and Grandma left Golden in 1956 when Grandpa answered his call to the ministry. With his Grade 9 education, he went to UBC as a mature student, and prepared for his 3 year stint at Union College - the United Church theological college. When he graduated, he and Grandma were settled in Terrace. Grandpa continued as a volunteer in Terrace, where he was dubbed the "honorary drunk" at the A.A. group he led. Even when he retired to Cobble Hill, and then Duncan and again at the Windermere in Vancouver he could be found acting as Chaplain and musician.
George William Keenleyside set a really high standard for us all to aspire to. I am proud to be his granddaughter.
I love this story! Great Grandpa George is a legend in Golden!
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