Was published in the local paper- Red Deer Advocate.
RD
It was in the winter of 1971 when the family emigrated from Britain, to a strange place called Red Deer in an even stranger country called Canada. The winter was bitter cold, the likes of which we had never experienced ever before! The word ‘frostbite’ was unknown to us.
The Blue Pine motel which was in the north of the small town had a small hill at the back that collected snow on it, and the kids had a ball there. They just loved it.
The people were strange. They were so friendly and talked like long lost friends, that also even without a proper introduction! They drove their cars on the wrong side of the road. Not being aware of this fact led to near misses, and it was laid down by the thought that Canadians probably started drinking in the earlier part of the day. They talked of ‘blocks’, giving directions like east, west, north and south which was confusing, as we were used to second right, then take third left at the pub etc. The road system was odd, as the big roads were called highways, and petrol was called gas- what a misnomer! Some big roads ended with Tr- whatever that was, until we realized that the word stood for ‘Trail’. Names like Blackfoot, Deerfoot, and funny name of a town that probably had the people whose hats had medicine tucked away in them, and they called it Medicine Hat, and the name of other towns were also so strange.
Banks and credit unions as well as other lending institutions advertised loans that seemed like easy money. Just come and borrow- they all said.
The people were friendly, straight forward, with different nationalities that came from all over the world. These people without regard to race, color, country of origin, had all settled down to a form of competition- provide the best service possible and of course the customers just came willingly. A good service was the name of the game. The reply to everything was ‘no problem’.
Over the many years, it was my privilege to serve not only the people of Red Deer, but Central Alberta, and even beyond. It was all my pleasure, and I just loved all the people. You could just love and hug them all. One cannot work in any town that was better. Almost half of Red Deer residents passed through my office.
During those years, I had many secretaries, helpers, many of whom have still kept in touch. My wife was the hub, ensuring that the office ran like a well greased machine. Not only was she an Ophthalmic Assistant, but manager also, ensuring that the proper billing for the services was claimed.
Over the years, she has kept her skills playing bridge, from being a good mom to now becoming a loving grandma, becoming a good neighbour, and the utmost, keep me in line as always, which has not been the easiest, I might add.
Over the years, Red Deer has grown. We have had great Mayors, like McGregor, Barret, Curle, Surkan, and Flewelling. They have all provided their services unstintingly and unselfishly. The teachers that the children went through- Sr. Celina, Mrs. Reist, L. Pizzey, Moffat, and many others. The one that really stands out in my mind is Mr. Larry Pimm. Not only did he make a good teacher, he went on to become a city councillor. But the best part is that he still remembers the past, and always enquires about my children whenever I meet him.
The people that helped in the office- Joan, Dorothy(3 of them), Irene, Nattie, Pamela, Pearl, Gavan and many others- I still remember them lovingly.
Referrals from Family Doctors, Optometrists, Opticians and others kept us busy.
Red Deer may be a small town, like a small light that shines in the firmament in the wide heavens, but to me, it is the brightest of them all. All I can say is ‘Thank you, Red Deer. It has been a pleasure to know you and to work with you.’
Dr. G.N.Bhadresa
3514 Spruce Drive Red Deer A. C. T4N3N9
4033473617
Apparently, this area at one time was occupied by a small deer, which was reddish, as seen by the people of the First Nations. I think it has become extinct now, but we do see larger deer, occasional moose and other wildlife.
The real Red Deer I saw when I was touring New Zealand. A large majestic animal that we can easily adopt and transfer here. It was hard to convince the zoo keeper that we were from a town called Red Deer, Canada.
In England, I worked as a Senior Registrar in Ophthalmology in the Chester region. Being frustrated at the poor pay while a large amount of work was flung at you daily, and you can see why I was wishing for a way out. I must say Dinu, my wife had a wonderful job as a Victorian Order of Nurse and cherished it very much. She was smart in her uniform and patients loved her.
So in the fall of 1970 I bought a ticket that would fly me to New York from Manchester. From there I took a Greyhound that would take me to Toronto via Buffalo. I arrived there the next day and stayed at Agincourt, a suburb of Toronoto. Chandoo and Ila were excellent hosts.
On the next day I was walking around the city, Dundas Square to be more exact. I saw a big sign that said 'Imperial Optical Company'. I went in and presented myself. I was amazed at the respect shown, while in England I was a nobody. I was told that Cecil Oxenbury was to fly in that day so I waited. He arrived and had a chat with me. Apparently they have lists where Ophthalmologists are needed right across the country. I told him that I had a train ticket to travel across and end in Calgary.
I took the train from Toronto to Calgary, which took 3 days. We left about 4 in the afternoon. In the evening, on enquiry I was told I was in Ontario. Before going to sleep, the same reply to my inquiry. The same reply in the morning when I tried to find an answer to the same question. JUST HOW BIG IS ONTARIO. It boggles imagination.
We passed through the city of Regina, but the country being so flat and unattractive did not invite me to step down. I remember seeing a golden boy with a sheaf of what in his hands. He looked ancient and Roman.
Even Calgary, a bustling dynamic city. Ron Ingenthron was at the station, He was the son in law of Cice. He settled me in Calgary Inn and told me the company would pick up for my stay. I did not realize it did not include breakfast, which left me broke by the time the trip was over.
The next day we drove to Edmonton via Red Deer. I met Karl Hauck, the famous owner of an optical shop. Germanic, very reserved! He also showed me the Royal Bank bldg that was under construction, and suggested the north east end on second floor as my office. We dorve to Edmonton, and presto, I was registered as a licensed practitioner with the College of Surgeons. Just how fast and efficient was the country. We drove back. I had taken a lot of pictures of different houses to show to the family back home. The only problem was that Ron worried that the engine in his car would heat up. Very reserved man, keen on Contact lenses at the time. Needless to say, they took lions share, although they paid rent for about a year, and I bought instrument s with their help interest fee for a year.
Cese died of a bad heart some years later.
Back to Britain after buying a new ticket, which left me broke. A quick message to Dinu to collect me at Manchester Airport as I had run out of money.
Next day after reaching home, I wrote a letter of resignation, and told Sheila to put it in the mail box. Getting rid of stuff was no problem, as there were enough vultures around. Sold my new Austin that I loved to Magan, my beother. The little red van that Dinu drove was aslo sold. One person, on seeing out dog, wondered if we had told him about our impending departure!
Enough money was made to take the family to Kenya and back. Problem, no money to reach Canada. Dad was useful there. Damjibhai, father in law gave us 110 Dollars, a collection from customers. Here we come Canada, with 110 in my pocket!
At the Airport, saw Ron once again. He drove us to Red Deer. We stopped at a coffee house. Dinu expressed the desire to see the town, after coffee. Ron said, what town! We just went through it!! It ook her a year to get over it, not till she went to England with Raaj. Came back converted.
We lodged at Blue Pine Motel, north end of town. A large mound of piled up snaow, which the kids loved.
Next day we ran out of milk for the children, so tried to walk to the mall at night- froze on the way. Can it ever be so cold! However, saved by a truck driver who drove me to the mall, only to find that it was closed. Another truck driver gave a hitch for return.
Work went apace. I was not allowed to be a 'Specialist' in Alberta, but could practice as a GP limiting myself to Ophthalmology. Dr. E. sinton, the other eye specialist, said to be a gruff Scotsman, was very helpful. Aileen, his wife at theat time, helped in finding a house, even loaned drapes, sofas etc. She was kind. In fact, Eric left for Afghanistan to give free service for three months and left all the pationts to me. Money was pouring in. I did not realize that as the taxes could be postponed, the tax bill after 2 yrs would be heavy. In the meantime, I went to Toronto, and passed my FRCSC Exam. Honest, did not read a book. Took all the Audiodigest tapes with me, heard them over and over in the train that I took to Toronto, lasting 3 Days. Questions and answers were all there. Bad habit since then, listen to tapes of study all nights every day!