Happy Birthday Dad

A Father’s Day photo of my Dad with my two beautiful sisters Kathy and Barbara

Today is my Father’s birthday, June 27, 1922. He lived a big beautiful life until the age of 84. I have written about him many times, as he was a big influence on me and my brothers and sisters.

Happy Birthday Frederick William Mills

You would have been 103 today

I was looking through some photographs I found inside a drawer…..I was taken by a photograph of you. I also found some letters. A telegraph message to an aunt at the end of the War. A letter from my Grandad to my Father after the War, as a young husband and father.

A letter to my Nana thanking her for the get well cards and telling her about the vicious attack he endured at work at age 42.

August 15, 1945.

A telegram from Dad to a relative in Calgary after the war ended:

CELEBRATED IN FINE STYLE INCLUDING AFTER EFFECTS FORGOT COMBINATION TO KIT BAG AIR MAIL AT ONCE ALL MY LOVE

FRED

Next letter is from my Mother’s father, Grandad Joe, who writes in November 20, 1946. My parents were living on Venables street, in a house right next to what is now the East End Cultural Centre. They have one child, Pat, with 6 more to come in later years. The intent of the letter was to accompany a cheque for $525 that Grandad sent for my parents to buy a car.

Dear Fred

Enclosed please find cheque for five hundred twenty five dollars as per request

I hope the car proves a success.

I think you will understand when I say I do not want the …… in the transaction at all, as far as the money is concerned tell any curious one that you financed it in the usual way. As far as fixing the transaction with us is concerned, please yourselves, any old way you like to do it will be quite O.K.

Again wish everyone success and kisses for Sir Patrick, ( my eldest brother)

Best of luck

as ever

Joe

Joseph Beldam —Grandad

The letter continues on the back with a message from my Nana to my Mother, as was customary in those days.

From March 4, 1964

I see a letter from my Dad to my Nana, calling her Pete, which was her nickname. In 1963, we moved from Port Alberni, where my sister Barbara was born, so she would have about 14 months old at the time of this letter.

My father had been viciously assaulted at his workplace, the guy coming from behind and breaking my father’s jaw, which had to be wired shut for many weeks.

Dear Pete

Just a few lines to let you know personally the status of my health and to thank you for sending the much appreciated ‘get well’ cards. Its nice to know that my favourite Mother-in-law is concerned about my condition.

I suppose it was quite a blow to hear of my ill fortune, it was quite a blow to me too—

The first time I’ve been felled -the outcome would have been different had I known the person was violent. However, I am on the mend and will be fully recovered in couple of weeks, I hope.

I think the most disturbing thing to me was when they shaved my head clean at 5 am prior to my repair—It was thought they would have to place a metal band on my head with wires and metal pegs to pry the facial bones back in place—This was not necessary as they were able to do the job using metal braces on my upper and lower teeth and tying them together with small rubber bands. I was this way for 3 weeks and last week the Doctor removed the brace from my lower teeth. This Saturday I think the upper brace will be taken out—from there on it will be necessary to repair my chipped teeth. I may try to have the Dentist to do a complete job on all my teeth—The area under my left eye, nose and upper lip is numb, the nerve that provides the feeling in that area was severed, and may not mend. It really seems funny shaving—you don’t know whether you are cutting yourself or not. Also my left cheek is sunken a little—I get lots of ribbing at the plant but all in good fun. The people here have been most considerate , also the doctors. They all seem to be at a loss why anyone would do a thing like that, but I suppose it takes all kinds. It’s a good job there are not many like him. A number of people thought I should charge the fellow, but I didn’t feel that much purpose would be served in sending him to jail- he doesn’t have any money to sue for—besides he has a wife and two small children. He’ll have a real hard time finding employment in this district. I guess I’m getting a little older, but I can’t feel that retaliation would serve any useful purpose.

So much for that- I certainly don’t feel embarrassed at all—one can hardly defend ones self when you are hit from behind—this he admitted to, when questioned by the manager and the superintendent. It’s certainly no different than a law officer getting hit unawares. It seems to be one of the hazards our type of work, however I will be most careful not to turn my back again in a similar situation. The point I’m trying to make is that it is certainly all right with me if you pass on the details of the incident—it may serve as a reminder that you can’t always tell a leopard by its spots. And besides what every you do it okay with me, except when you beat me at crib and course that isn’t very often. However I’ll give you a chance the next time you are down. We are all looking forward to seeing you.

Love

Freddy

He was 42 at the time and the Father of seven kids. I lived through my Dad being home all black and blue, swollen, with stitches, but had not heard him talk about it. Reading the letter showed me a side of him I did not see much— a very forgiving person. New respect, Pops.

This family reunion photo was taken in the mid-90’s. Dad in the middle with my Mom in front of him. I am to his right. All my brothers and sister and most of their spouses and children are also pictured here.

At least 14 of these fine folks are no longer with us, including both of my parents, my brother Pat and his wife Nancy, my sister-in-law Kathy, my aunt Doreen and Uncle Clarence, cousin Paula and Sharon, Paula’s husband George, family friends Bill and Phyllis Mutchler, Mom and Dad’s neighbours ( forget their names). All of them are greatly missed.