Editor:

In the process of road widening at 32 Avenue, this is how “progress” affected one old sheep farmer.

As roadside signs go, it was a nice one. “Rouken Glen Farm” clearly printed along the top with a pastoral scene below – a border collie cleverly holding a small group of border cheviots – all done by a professional artist. The sign had been up there for close on 30 years – a landmark of sorts.

On a cool summer evening, the old sheep farmer would sit outside. A glimpse at the sign would set his mind a-wander to things that used to be – to sheep and border collies; demonstrations at the PNE; Highland games; every agricultural fair in the Fraser Valley; sheepdog trials attracting the best handlers and dogs from all over Canada and the U.S., the best judges brought in from the U.K.

It was not unusual for a lineup of family cars, stopped on 32 Avenue,  watching the old guy train his dogs. 

Ah, those were the days. Life was good. The old sheep farmer and his wife – active in the White Rock theatre scene – had watched this former farmland grow and grow.

He sat in at the original meeting for the creation of Morgan Creek.

“That’ll never work!” he said.

Boy, was he ever wrong. Now, we have the world’s largest Wal-Mart on our footstep. Nevertheless, life down on the farm in South Surrey had been very good for them.

In later years, she developed Alzheimer’s, but, not to quit, they lowered the expectations, adjusted and survived – within the limitations life was still good.

She passed on just two years ago. The memories survive...

The giant excavator rolled right along, crushing everything in its path – fence posts, and page wire, trees, bushes, brambles – the lot.

The sign was just knocked aside with a mere dunt from the giant claw, crushed beyond recognition. Gone. The memories survive.

The operator? He was just doing his job – exactly what he was being paid to do. Besides, the contractor had every right. The sign was on city property, having been acquired for “salmon stream” a few years back.

Was this the end of the road?

Well, it may be the end of this road. But, at 83 years of age, the old sheep farmer was ready for  change – time to get on with life!

Maybe he will buy a condo.

And in the cool summer evenings, with his memories, he will look at the other condos.

George Dyce McAbney, Surrey