Who is Sam Omelaniec?

Sam is a member of the Omelaniec family, who founded Langley Concrete and Tile.

He and his wife, Pam, are heavily involved with the Salvation Army and his Spanish-style rural Langley home is often used as a set for television shows and motion pictures.

When did you first come to Canada?

My parents came to Langley in 1936 from Poland, and I was born two years later. I’m now 71.

What are your earliest recollections?

When I started school I didn’t speak English for the first six months. My first year was at Aldergrove Elementary School, the one that just closed down.

I later went to Langley Prairie Elementary in Langley City, the one the City just tore down, an outrage to say the least.

My teachers were Miss (Alice) Brown and Miss (Dorothy) Peacock.

What was your chosen career?

I started work at eight years of age and at 10. I was making ( concrete) pipes for my Dad. In 1983, my brother Mike and I started a new plant on Logan Avenue. I sold out in 1992.

What was the best part of your job?

Seeing a whole floor of concrete pipe and thinking it will tile in a whole street in Delta, Surrey or Langley.

What is your role with the Salvation Army?

It started in 1988 at the House of Concorde, my wife Pam and I liked it so much we have been part of it ever since.

It’s a field of service doing real things with real people.

What are you reading right now?

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. I also like to read Walt Disney books to children at Douglas Park Elementary.

Favourite movie?

Somewhere in Time with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve.

What famous Hollywood celebrities have filmed inside your home?

Christopher Reeve, Erika Eleniak (Baywatch) and Louis Gossett Jr. from An Officer and A Gentleman. Very nice guy. He had no ego to him.

Favourite Meal?

Ukrainian borscht and black rye bread.

Biggest Vice?

An inordinate love of dogs.

Dinner with anyone dead or alive?

Norman Vincent Peale.

In high school I was...

Very good at the 100 and 220 yard dash.

What is your favourite vacation spot ?

Andalusia in Spain.

What to you do to unwind?

I like to read Canadian war stories.

Why do you like living in Langley?

I have never really thought of living anywhere else, I love it here.

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