B

Nat (Nathaniel Ryal) Bailey White Spot Restaurant founder b. Jan. 31, 1902, Saint Paul, Minn.; d. March 27, 1978, Vancouver. His itinerant family arrived from Seattle in 1911. At 18, Nat moved his peanut stand to Athletic Park; later served Sunday drivers at Lookout Point from a 1918 Model T truck. A customer’s shout, “Why don’t you bring it to us?” inspired first White Spot drive-in (opened June 1928, Granville and 67th). From 1930-60s, his second wife, Eva (Ouelette) co-managed his restaurants. Thirteen White Spots and other interests were sold to General Foods for $6.5 million (1968). A lifelong promoter of local baseball, Nat Bailey Stadium is named for him. Biblio: Triple-O, The White Spot Story by Constance Brissenden.

Frank Madill Baker Restaurateur b. June 24, 1922, Vancouver; d. Nov. 21, 1989, Vancouver. Opened Baker’s Catering (25th and Kingsway) and Spring Gardens (41st and Boulevard) in 1946. With partner Frank Bernard, opened two restaurants in Georgian Towers and bought Park Royal Hotel. After the partnership ended, opened The Attic (1968) in West Vancouver, with 1,200 seats. Guests were entertained by Lance Harrison and His Dixieland Band. A showman, Frank played the trumpet (learned with the Four Square Gospel Church) and always wore a trademark white suit. Outside The Attic, he showcased the Aston Martin driven in the James Bond movie Goldfinger. As a Vancouver alderman, he was responsible for the lights on city hall.

Russell Francis Baker Pioneer bush pilot b. Jan. 31, 1910, Winnipeg, Man.; d. Nov. 15, 1958, West Vancouver. Early bush pilot for several airlines, including Western Canada Airways and Canadian Pacific. In 1946, began Central B.C. Airways with a B.C. Forest Service fire-patrol contract. Took over airlines in B.C. and Alberta to create an independent airline to serve western communities. In 1953 the company name was changed to Pacific Western Airlines. It grew to be the largest western regional air carrier. PWA bought CP Air in 1987.

Alvin Balkind Curator b. March 28, 1921, Baltimore, Maryland; d. Dec. 21, 1992, Vancouver. Received BA at Johns Hopkins, later attended Sorbonne (1933-35). Came to Vancouver in 1954. His New Design Gallery, founded in 1955 in Vancouver, was a centre for the avant-garde. Curator of UBC Fine Arts Gallery (1962-73); chief curator at Vancouver Art Gallery (1975-78). Won first $50,000 VIVA award (Vancouver Institute for Visual Arts) in 1992.

W. Orson Banfield Businessman. He was born May 17, 1897 in Vancouver. He died in Vancouver March 19, 1983 at 85. J.J. (John Joseph) Banfield and his family moved to Vancouver in 1894 from Ontario. In 1912 J.J. built the Stadacona apartment block (still standing) on Bute Street, giving it the Indian name for Quebec City, his birthplace. Orson, his only son, attended local schools, served as a mule train driver in the First World War and, as a Trekker, graduated from UBC in 1923 in chemical engineering. (‘Trekkers’ were participants in the Great March of October 1922 that saw more than 1,000 students descend on the Point Grey peninsula to express their displeasure at the slowness of the government in building the university there.) Orson joined his father in the real estate and insurance business, and continued the family commitment to Vancouver’s economic and social life. Prominent among the causes: the Rotary Club, Vancouver General Hospital (father and son served as chair of the governing board at major periods of development), and Shaughnessy Heights United Church. Orson served as a city alderman in the 1960s and in 1977 was made a Freeman of the City of Vancouver. The family name appears in VGH’s Banfield Pavilion, the Stadacona apartment block and Indian Arm’s Orlomah Beach (a composite family name). There is much material on the family in the City Archives.

Frank (Francis Stillman) Barnard Street car system founder, lieutenant-governor b. May 16, 1856, Toronto, Ont.; d. April 11, 1936, Esquimalt, B.C. A founder of Vancouver’s street car system (opened June 28, 1890), he was one of B.C.’s four richest people. President, Consolidated Railway (1894), later managing director (1896-1906) after sale to British financiers (renamed B.C. Railway). MP, Cariboo (1888-96); lieutenant-governor (1914-19). Knowing war was near, he signed a special $1-million warrant approving Premier McBride’s purchase of two submarines. Knighted in 1918 by King George V. “A living link of the industrialized B.C. with that of the pre-railroad and Crown colony days.”

Sam Bass Pharmacist b. April 25, 1915, on a Winnipeg farm; d. Nov. 8, 1990, Vancouver. Son of Kiev area immigrant farmers. Sam and brother Jack became pharmacists; brother Paul received a PhD in pharmacology. Graduated from U. of Manitoba (1939). After serving in WWII as an RCAF pharmacist, he was en route to California when he settled in Vancouver. In 1945, on a loan, he bought Schoff’s Drug Store (Main and Union), and renamed it London Drugs. A pioneer in his field, he created the first modern drug store in B.C. and was the first pharmacy discounter. A strong supporter of Jewish charities and community affairs. “He took his profit in pennies.”

Truman Smith Baxter Mayor of Vancouver, 1913-14 See Mayors of Vancouver.

Edgar George Baynes Hotelier b. 1870, Dunmow, Essex, on a farm; d. Nov. 5, 1956, Vancouver. Ran away at 13. One of first homesteaders in Squamish River Valley. Served with the 2nd Essex Rifles (1887-88); with 5th Canadian Garrison Artillery in Vancouver (1894-99). Came to Vancouver as a contractor (1888-89). In 1891, opened Baynes and Horle, and built many Vancouver and B.C. public schools. In 1906, established Port Haney Brick Co. Built Grosvenor Hotel in 1913 and continued as manager. A parks commissioner for 15 years, he campaigned for re-election in 1954, promoting city “green spots.”

Daniel Loftus Beckingsale First port doctor b. Nov. 18, 1846, Isle of Wight; d. c. Feb. 14, 1929, London, Eng. Graduated MB, CM (Edinburgh U., 1872); MD in 1874. Served on several London hospital staffs. Came to Vancouver in June 1886. First port doctor and early health officer. Formed the Vancouver Reading Room, predecessor of the first public library. Moved to Interior because of ill health, residing in Nelson in 1894. Lived in San Francisco (1905-06) and survived the big earthquake. In 1916, he was practising in Wales.

Frank Ross Begg Auto dealer b. Lindsay, Ont.; d. Sept. 16, 1958, Vancouver. Arrived in Vancouver in 1898. From 1904-06, with brother Fred (Frederick Bruce) Begg (b. Lindsay, Ont.; d. May 11, 1939, Vancouver), he operated a garage on Hastings. They soon opened Begg Motor Co., Vancouver’s first auto dealership. Frank left an estate of nearly $2 million. Fred was president of the Vancouver Motor Dealers Association when he died. He left an estate of $187,056. His wife, Ethel Mae, later willed $375,000 for medical purposes. As a result the Vancouver Preventorium, which housed young TB cases, was rebuilt and renamed the F.B. Begg Memorial Preventorium.

Duncan Bell-Irving Aviator b. Aug. 28, 1894, Vancouver; d. April 24, 1965, Vancouver. Son of Henry Ogle Bell-Irving (see bio). Canada’s first WWI flying ace. As a member of the RFC, shot down six planes and a balloon. A lifelong supporter of the Canadian Air Force. During WWII, he commanded an RCAF training school at Trenton, Ont. Biblio: Gentleman Air Ace, by Elizabeth O’Kiely.

Henry Ogle Bell-Irving Salmon canner b. Jan. 26, 1856, Lockerbie, Dumfrieshire, Scotland; d. Feb. 19, 1931, Vancouver. Arrived in Vancouver in 1885. Formed Anglo-British Columbia Packing (ABC) in 1891. Owned canneries along the coast to become largest exporter of tinned salmon. ABC was a major player in the coastal canning industry from 1891-1969.

Alice Helena Berry (née Miller) Publisher b. Aug. 10, 1868, New Westminster; d. 1919, Vancouver. Daughter of Jonathan Miller. Married on June 24, 1890, second wife of Harry (Henry Azariah) Berry (b. 1862, Jersey Islands, Wales; d. Sept. 20, 1899, Vancouver), head of H.A. Berry & Co. transfer agents. After his death, she taught piano and was “lady manager” of Mutual Life Insurance of Canada. A founder of The World Printing and Publishing (1905). Purchased, with her father’s help, the World (1911) a newspaper established Sept. 25, 1888 and became the only woman managing director of a Canadian daily. The World was the first Canadian paper to bypass C.P. Telegraph and get its news from US press associations. One of her partners was L.D. Taylor (see bio), whom she later married (June 9, 1916).

Alexander Bethune Mayor of Vancouver, 1907-08 See Mayors of Vancouver.

Bertram Charles Binning Artist b. Feb. 10, 1909, Medicine Hat, Alta.; d. March 16, 1976, Vancouver. His family moved to Vancouver in 1913. Attended Vancouver School of Art (VSA), and art schools in Oregon, Greenwich Village and London, Eng. Joined UBC’s school of architecture (1949) after teaching at VSA. A founder and head of UBC fine arts department (1955-68); instructor (1968-73). Developed UBC’s Fine Arts Gallery, launched Brock Hall Canadian art collection and founder/director of the Festival of Contemporary Arts. Order of Canada Medal of Service (1971); D.Litt (UBC, 1974). Signed his work B.C. Binning. “One of the first real abstract artists on the scene.”

Earle Alfred Birney Poet b. May 13, 1904, Calgary, Alta.; d. Aug. 27, 1995, Toronto, Ont. An English graduate (UBC, 1926; PhD, U. of T, 1938), he wrote seriously from the late 1930s. Won two Governor-General poetry awards (1942, 1945) and the Leacock Medal for Humor. Taught literature at UBC (1946-65). Founded UBC’s creative writing department, the first in Canada (1963). Published more than 30 books including novels and poetry (Rag and Bone Shop; Ghost in the Wheels: Selected Poems; Turrey (dramatized)). CBC broadcaster, critic, literary editor of Canadian Forum, editor of Canadian Poetry Magazine. Officer of the Order of Canada. D.Litt (UBC, 1987). Biblio: Earle Birney: A Life by Elspeth Cameron.

Davey (David Lambie) Black Golfer b. 1884, Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland; d. March 26, 1974, Vancouver. “The Wee Scot” began his career as an apprentice club maker in Scotland. After working at Outremont and Rivermeade golf clubs (1905-20), he moved west as golf pro at Shaughnessy Golf Club (1920-45). Won four national titles, the first in 1913; in 1928, won first B.C. Open. In 1929, with Duncan Sutherland, beat Walter Hagen and Horton Smith at the Point Grey Golf Club; in 1935, again with Sutherland, bested the great Bobbie Jones partnered with Davie’s son, B.C. amateur champion Kenny Black (b. July 23, 1912, Montreal, Que.; d. Nov. 25, 1995, Oakville, Ont.). Inducted into B.C. Sports Hall of Fame (1966); Canadian Golf Hall of Fame (1972).

George Black Butcher Hotelier b. 1831, Aberdeen, Scotland; d. Dec. 21, 1896, Vancouver. In 1866, bought waterfront Lot 26 for $25 down, $25 later, Vancouver’s first real estate transaction. Built a slaughterhouse and supplied meat to Hastings, Moodyville, Stamp’s Mill, and ships in harbor. Built two-storey New Brighton Hotel at Hastings where New Westminster road met Burrard Inlet, a popular resort rivalled only by Harrison Hot Springs. “The laird of Hastings” was an “ardent Scotsman, who always wore highland dress to dances, and also imported the area’s first race horses.” He built Vancouver’s first roller rink.

Henry Blair One of Vancouver’s “fathers of incorporation” b. May 24, 1861, Ont.; d. March 24, 1949, Vancouver, B.C. Came west to the Cariboo in 1880. Mined to 1881, then moved on to coast. Chairman of H.B. Smith’s survey party, making first map of City of Vancouver in 1886. Later logged on the north arm of the Fraser River. The last survivor of 125 signatories to petition the legislature for the incorporation of the City of Vancouver in 1886.

Julius Harold Bloedel Lumberman b. March 1864, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; d. Sept. 20, 1957, Seattle, Wash. After his mother’s death, he was raised by an aunt. Said to have paid for his first bike by renting it to friends. At 17, entered civil engineering (U. of Michigan), but left due to money problems. Worked on Wisconsin railway, then developed real estate in Sheboygan. With $10,000 profit, moved west (1886). In 1890, opened Samish Logging in Bellingham Bay, Wash. In 1911, began logging in B.C. Retired in May 1942 as president of Bloedel, Stewart & Welch in favor of his son Prentice Bloedel (b. Aug. 13, 1900, Bellingham, Wash.) but continued as board chair. “His business philosophy was to own timber. It was a passion that dominated his life.” Julius’ archives were donated to U.B.C.; Prentice was lifelong supporter of B.C. Council of Boy Scouts (Vancouver Coast Region) and won a Silver Wolf Award in 1951 for “exceptional service to Scouting”.

Mary Louise Bollert UBC’s first dean of women b. 1884, Guelph, Ont.; d. Aug. 1, 1945, Vancouver. Graduate, U. of T (BA, 1906); Columbia U. (MA, 1908). Director of women’s education and social welfare programs in Toronto, then dean of women at Regina College (1914-21). Appointed first dean of women at UBC (1921-41), officially “advisor to women students,” with a salary far below that of male deans. A founder of B.C. Teachers Federation. Delegate to many international women’s conferences; one of 12 deans of women invited to tour Japan (1934). President, Confederation of University Women (1929-30). Biblio: “It’s Up to You:” Women at UBC in the early years by Lee Stewart.

Charles Edward Borden Archaeologist b. May 15, 1905, New York City; d. Dec. 25, 1978, Vancouver. “Grandfather of B.C. archaeology.” Grew up in Germany. Graduated from U. of California in German Literature (PhD, 1937). Formed UBC’s department of archeology (1939) and also taught German. In 1945, served as archeological resident with a small, privately funded dig in Point Grey, followed by major B.C. studies. In 1949, appointed lecturer in archeology and taught the first courses at UBC. In the mid-1950s began studies in the Fraser Canyon. Wrote some three dozen publications on B.C. and Fraser River archeology. D.Litt (UBC, 1975).

Phillip Borsos Film director b. May 5, 1953, Hobart, Tasmania, Aust.; d. Feb. 2, 1995, Vancouver. Moved to Vancouver at age 5. Made three short films of which Nails was nominated for an Oscar in 1980. Feature movies included One Magic Christmas (1985), The Mean Season (1985), Bethune (1991). The Grey Fox (1982), the story of train robber Bill Miner (see bio), was nominated for Best Film at the Golden Globe Awards (1983). Nails and The Grey Fox won Genie Awards. His last movie was Far >From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog (1995). “Demanding, exasperating and one of the best film directors in Canada.” Died of acute myeloid leukemia.

Bob (Robert Errol) Bouchette Columnist d. June 12, 1938, Vancouver. Wrote Vancouver Sun column Lend me your ears. Harangued the 1930s establishment to do more about poverty, joblessness, relief camps. “The champion of the underdog … a shining knight out of time in the harsh world of the Depression.” Death by drowning off Second Beach.

Mabel Ellen Boultbee (née Springer) Columnist b. April 29, 1875, Moodyville; Feb. 2, 1953, Ritz Hotel, Vancouver. The first white child born on Burrard Inlet, she was the daughter of Mary Frances Miller (sister of Jonathan Miller) and Benjamin Springer, manager of Moody’s Sawmill. A divorcee, she briefly ran a school with her sister, Eva, in the 1890s. A journalist for 30 years, she wrote the Vancouver Sun’s women’s pages until just before her death. A prominent citizen and member of the Georgian Club, her apartment (shared with Eva) was “famed among the social elite of the 1930s and 1940s.”

Francis Bowser Point Grey pioneer b. Sept. 13, 1858, Kingston (now Rexton), NB; d. Sept. 26, 1929, Vancouver. “Trail blazer of Point Grey.” At 17, went to sea for five years, then came overland to Victoria (1883). Helped build CPR, then joined Dominion Customs Service (1888-1908) as chief landing officer to 1908. His first home was at MacDonald between 43rd and 44th avenues (1907); his second at Trafalgar and 45th (1926). Reeve of Point Grey. Oldest brother of W.J. Bowser.

William John Bowser Premier b. Dec. 3, 1867, Rexton, NB; d. Oct. 25, 1933, Vancouver. A Dalhousie graduate and criminal law specialist, he came to Vancouver in 1891. Retained in nearly all murder cases tried in Vancouver. In 1900, named Queen’s Counsel. PC MLA (1903-24); named attorney general (1907). Replaced Richard McBride as premier on Dec. 15, 1915. Party politics and bad management led to his defeat in the 1916 B.C. election. Led Opposition (1916-24). After retirement, campaigned in 1933 as leader of independent non-partisan group. Died delivering a speech at the Hotel Vancouver.

Hugh Boyd Richmond’s first reeve (mayor) b. 1842, County Down, Ire.; d. Nov. 22, 1931, Bangor, Ire. Came to B.C.’s Cariboo Gold Rush in 1862 but failed to find gold. Bought Section 19, Sea Island, on March 7, 1865 with Alexander Kilgour. Settled at Rosebrook Farm. Richmond reeve (1880-86). Left for Ireland (1887) to live near Belfast. His farm was purchased by the Mackie brothers in 1890. Crisscrossed Pacific Ocean 12 times after his retirement. Richmond was named in honor of his wife Mary A. McColl Boyd’s birthplace in Yorkshire.

Angelo Ernest Branca Judge b. March 21, 1903, Mount Sicker, B.C.; d. Oct. 3, 1984, Vancouver. Canadian amateur middleweight boxing champion. Began practising law in Vancouver in 1926 as leading defence attorney. Defended high profile cases, including more than 60 murderers. “Lost only two … to the hangman.” At 36, he was B.C.’s youngest crown prosecutor ever. A judge with the B.C. Supreme Court (1963-66) and B.C. Court of Appeal (1966-78). Leader in Italian community. A Christopher Columbus statue on Clark was erected by the Italian community in his honor. “A dear friend of the little guy.” Biblio: Angelo Branca, Gladiator of the Courts, by Vincent Moore.

William John Brewer First reeve of South Vancouver b. c. 1841, Truro, Cornwall, Eng.; d. June 24, 1931, Vancouver. Arrived in Vancouver area in 1870 after living in Australia. In 1884, purchased 10.5 hectares in Cedar Cottage district. Moved to South Vancouver area after the great fire of 1886 destroyed his Granville St. business. In 1889, elected Ward 4 alderman. Elected first reeve of new municipality of South Vancouver (April 30, 1892). Described as “irascible,” he sided with local residents who “preferred bad roads to good debts.”

Samuel Brighouse Vancouver and Lulu Island pioneer b. Jan. 13, 1836, Lindley, Huddersfield, Eng.; d. July 31, 1913, Huddersfield. Arrived in New Westminster in June 1862. With partners John Morton and William Hailstone, they were known as “the three Greenhorns.” They bought 222 hectares of land in today’s West End and started a brick factory which soon failed. He later farmed on Lulu Island, returning to Vancouver in 1881. Ran for alderman in civic election of 1887 after helping to obtain City charter. In 1911, returned to England. His nephew Michael Wilkinson Brighouse (d. 1932) was one of Lulu Island’s largest landowners. He ran Richmond’s Minoru Race Track on its opening in 1909.

Dave (David Hamilton) Brock Columnist, broadcaster b. 1910, Ottawa, Ont.; d. Sept. 8, 1978, West Vancouver. Son of Reginald W. Brock. Came to Vancouver at age 4. Attended UBC and Harvard. Called to B.C. bar but never practised. Best known for CBC radio and TV shows, talks and documentaries, notably the Seven O’Clock Show. Wrote a column for Victoria Times in the 1960s. His barbs were directed at people in power and politicians. Regularly published in Punch, Saturday Night, Atlantic Monthly in the late 1930s and 1940s.

Reginald Walter Brock Geologist, UBC dean b. Jan. 10, 1874, Perth, Ont.; d. July 30, 1935, Alta Lake, B.C. One of Canada’s leading geologists. Graduated from Queens (MA, Geology). Worked as geologist with Dawson Survey of B.C. (1897). Chair of geology at Queens (1902-07). Director of Geological Survey of Canada (1907-14). One of the first four teachers chosen by UBC president F.F. Wesbrook. In 1914, named dean of applied science but served in WWI before resuming his duties. Brock and his wife Mildred were killed in a plane accident. Brock Hall is named for him. Father of Dave Brock.

Bernice R. Brown (née Dickhoff) Refugee activist b. April 11, 1905, San Francisco, Calif.; d. Dec. 15, 1971, West Vancouver. Worked at the San Francisco News, then married and settled in Vancouver in 1930. Early editor, Jewish Western Bulletin. In 1939 organized a Red Cross unit to enable Jewish women to do war work. In addition to providing supplies for use overseas, they resettled refugees and opened their homes to servicemen of all faiths. Bernice received a Canadian Red Cross Distinguished Service Award (1946). The unit continued until 1947, collecting clothes for Holocaust survivors. Through the media, she urged Parliament to change immigration policy and accept orphans of the Holocaust. She was later an active member of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.

Bob (Robert Paul) Brown Baseball promoter b. July 5, 1876, Glencoe, Iowa; d. June 17, 1962, Vancouver. “Mr. Baseball”‘s career spanned 60 years. A successful athlete at Notre Dame in 1890s, he was a pro ball player (1900-09) in Montana, Oregon and Washington state, leading Spokane Indians to PCL pennant win in 1908. A shoestring operator and shrewd promoter, he built Athletic Park (opened April 18, 1913) on land leased from CPR. Owner/manager, Vancouver Beavers (renamed Vancouver Canadians). Introduced Canada’s first night games played under lights. First inductee to B.C. Baseball Hall of Fame.

Brent (Brenton) S. Brown Insurance manager, backroom political force b. 1881, Stanley Bridge, PEI; d. Nov. 20, 1944, Vancouver. Educated in Vancouver. Joined Equitable Life (1899). Provincial manager of Crown Life Insurance’s B.C. office (1908-Nov. 1937). President of Liberal Association for 25 years. Numerous directorships. Local sports supporter. Polish consulate. Died from injuries in a car accident. “One of the most powerful political personalities in the province,” yet a “retiring figure.” At his funeral, thousands paid their respects.

Buda Hosmer Brown (née Jenkins) MLA b. June 10, 1894, Bellingham, Wash.; d. Aug. 12, 1962, Vancouver. Taught school in Washington state, then married Donald C. Brown. In 1958, elected Social Credit MLA (Vancouver Point Grey). In 1960, elected without portfolio in W.A.C. Bennett’s cabinet as minister at large, the first woman in a Bennett cabinet since Tilly Rolston. Interests included traffic safety and youth fields. In 1961, when UBC first-year female students received a survey Is Chastity Outmoded? Brown protested in the House, saying it was “too indecent to show the legislature.” A parks commissioner, she was the first woman president of International Northwest Parks Association.

Donald Cameron Brown Businessman, MLA b. Feb. 22, 1892, Winchester, Ont.; d. Oct. 26, 1963, Vancouver. Came to Vancouver in 1910. Served as a pilot in WWI (Royal Flying Corps). Married Buda Hosmer Brown on Sept. 9, 1919. Director, Vancouver Flour Sales; founder and president, Wild Rose Mills (1933-62). Elected twice as a Coalition MLA (Vancouver-Burrard, 1945 and 1949); deputy speaker, 1949; defeated in 1952. Joined Socreds with wife in 1954. Prominent in local organizations such as The Vancouver Board of Trade and Kiwanis. A director of TUTS (Theatre Under the Stars).

Roy W. Brown Journalist b. c. 1880, New Brunswick; d. Sept. 4, 1954, Vancouver. Came to Vancouver as a small boy. At 11, was the youngest pupil to enrol in Vancouver High School. In 1898, worked as office boy for the News-Advertiser, later as cub reporter for the World. In 1899, scooped the Daily Province on property losses from the New Westminster fire. Retired in 1938 as editor of the Vancouver Province; appointed editorial director and vice president of Vancouver Sun on Sept. 3, 1938. His biggest scoop was the 1918 sinking of CPR’s Princess Sophia off Alaska with 398 lives lost.

John Bruce Sculptor b. 1863, Dundee, Scotland; d. 1952, Calif. One of the first architectural sculptors to come to North America (1988). Moved to Seattle (1889), then to Oakland (1901). In 1908, carved two lions on the steps of Vancouver Courthouse, op. in 1912. Said to have halted stonecutting when the money ran out, leaving mane, nose and ears of the 15-ton lions unfinished. On Nov. 3, 1942, the rear of one was cracked in an isolated bomb incident. Also carved “Old Leo” in plaster of Paris over a steel frame, used for displays by Spencer’s department store.

John M. Buchanan B.C. Packers president b. July 21, 1897, Steveston, B.C.; d. April 24, 1975 on a Mediterranean cruise. Attended Steveston Elem., Bridgeport HS, UBC (BA, 1917). In 1928, joined B.C. Fishing and Packing (now B.C. Packers). Appointed general manager (1935); vice president (1941); president (1946). A director of MacMillan Bloedel; member of the advisory board of Canada Trust; director of the Royal Bank of B.C. (1956-58). Served as president, UBC Alumni Association (1949-50); member of UBC senate (1951-60); member of UBC board of governors (1951-57). In 1966, elected UBC chancellor, retiring in May 1969.

Johan (Johannes) Buntzen First general manager, BCER b. Dec. 16, 1859, Copenhagen, Denmark; d. Sept. 1922, Copenhagen. Came to Vancouver in early 1890s. Worked as bookkeeper with Ross and Ceperley, handling electric railway company affairs. Managed early development of B.C. Electric Railway from 1897. Supervised Buntzen Lake engineering and electrical work. In charge of Old No. 1, the Lake Coquitlam powerhouse that provided Vancouver’s electricity for 47 years. Resigned from BCER, . 20, 1909, as managing director. Retired to Copenhagen.

Frank (Francis James) Burd Publisher b. Jan. 7, 1870, Muskegon, Mich.; d. Jan. 6, 1962, Vancouver. At 13, he sold newspapers in Winnipeg, working days as an apprentice printer. At 18, hired as circulation manager of Winnipeg Free Press. In 1899, moved to Vancouver. Unable to find work, he moved to Yukon with brother Richard Burde (sic) and began the Whitehorse Tribune in a tent. In 1901, after eight months, returned to Vancouver. Hired by Frank Carter-Cotton at News-Advertiser. Later joined Vancouver Province as circulation manager with a $2.50 raise, bringing his salary to $27.50 per week. A founder of Canadian Press (1917). In 1933, named president of the Province, retiring in 1935.

Robert Burnaby Surveyor b. Nov. 30, 1828, Woodthorpe, Leicestershire, Eng.; d. Jan. 10, 1878, Loughborough, Eng. Arrived in B.C. in 1858. Worked on survey of New Westminster. A leading businessman, mainly in Victoria, until failing health caused him to return to England in 1874. More landmarks named for him than any other B.C. pioneer.

Raymond (William Stacy) Burr Actor b. May 21, 1917, New Westminster; d. Sept. 12, 1993, Dry Creek, Calif. Nicknamed Fatso as a child. At six years, moved with mother to Vallejo, Calif. Grew orchids at age 12, eventually shipping 3000 varieties worldwide. As a young stage actor, worked in Toronto, NY and England. Served in the navy during WWII, then worked in Hollywood films. Famous for his television roles, Perry Mason (1957-66, late 1980s-93) and Ironside (1967-75). A philanthropist and art collector, especially in Fiji where he owned a home and properties.

John Francis Bursill (pen name Felix Penne) Columnist, poet b. 1848, London, Eng.; d. Feb. 8, 1928, Burnaby, B.C. From 1865, he worked as a Fleet Street journalist. Nearing 60, he came to Vancouver in 1905 to join his eldest son in East Collingwood, a working class suburb of Vancouver. Founded Collingwood Free Library (1911-53); founder, The Vancouver Dickens Fellowship and The Shakespeare Society. Well-known Vancouver Sun columnist in 1920s under pen name Felix Penne. Wrote and staged the musical How a Forest Becomes a City. His best-known poem, I Shall Not Cease, began, “Tis infamy to die and not be missed.” Bursill St. is named for him.

George James Bury Rail pioneer b. March 6, 1866, Montreal, Que.; d. July 20, 1958, Vancouver. Attended private schools and Montreal College. Studied shorthand; joined the CPR as a $20-a-month junior clerk, the start of a 40-year railway career. In 1907, supervised western branch lines. With WWI, returned to Montreal as vice president of CPR’s operating system. In 1917 Britain asked Canada for his services. Sent to Petrograd to report on Russian railway system and revolution for British War cabinet. Knighted on recommendation of British prime minister, Lloyd George (1917). As president, Whalen Pulp & Paper (from 1920), he named Woodfibre, B.C.

Frederick Buscombe Mayor of Vancouver, 1905-06 See Mayors of Vancouver.

Jimmy (James) Butterfield Columnist b. c. 1879, London, Eng.; d. Sept. 23, 1941, Penticton, B.C. Began writing in England for Exchange, Telegraph, London Echo, Westminster Gazette. Freelanced in the Balkans after graduating from Cambridge and Heidelberg. Ranched in Kootenays to 1910. In 1914, went overseas with 122nd Battalion, Kootenay Regiment. Recuperated from TB at Balfour Sanatorium. Wrote a daily column, The Common Round in the Vancouver Daily Province (1923-41), competing with the Vancouver Sun’s Bob Bouchette. “He launched a dangerous but rarely poisonous shaft against nearly everything, but especially against smugness and pseudo-respectability.”