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![New building under construction, [1964 or 1965] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-414.jpg?width=280)
New building under construction
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45519
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1964 or 1965]
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 23.5 x 36.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a new building at Simon Fraser University under construction.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1964 or 1965]
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 23.5 x 36.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-414
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a new building at Simon Fraser University under construction.
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Donnelly, David
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
![New building under construction, [1964 or 1965] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-414.jpg)
Interview with Ron Baker by Kathy Bossort November 27, 2015 - Track 7
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory641
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1964-2015
- Length
- 0:14:40
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Dr. Ron Baker’s story about the challenge of bringing different traditions and institutions together to create the new University of PEI for which he served as President from 1969 to 1978. He talks about Dr. McTaggart-Cowan’s efforts to respond to the public’s…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Dr. Ron Baker’s story about the challenge of bringing different traditions and institutions together to create the new University of PEI for which he served as President from 1969 to 1978. He talks about Dr. McTaggart-Cowan’s efforts to respond to the public’s interest in the higher education system and his talent at engaging with community groups as opposed to his problems with dealing with SFU faculty. He talks about Hugh Johnson’s book “Radical Campus” about the history of SFU. He concludes by seeing positive role for UniverCity and more student residences to bring feeling of community to SFU.
- Date Range
- 1964-2015
- Length
- 0:14:40
- Subjects
- Education
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Interviewer
- Bossort, Kathy
- Interview Date
- November 27, 2015
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Dr. Ronald James Baker conducted by Kathy Bossort. Ron Baker was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the founding of Simon Fraser University from the perspective of SFU’s first faculty member and Director of Academic Planning, Ron Baker. Ron Baker talks about John B. Macdonald’s report on higher education in BC (1962) and how it lead to the provincial government’s decision to establish a new university and to put it in the Burnaby area. He tells stories about how the site on Burnaby Mountain was chosen; about the building of the campus; and about the challenges of planning the academic structure of the university. He also talks about the attraction of creating with little interference an institution trying out new ideas and tells stories about his working relationship with Gordon Shrum. He considers the problems created by building universities in out of the way places and the ideas such as UniverCity for dealing with SFU’s isolation.
- Biographical Notes
- Ron Baker was born in London, England, in 1924, and served in the Royal Air Force during WW2. He emigrated to Canada in 1947 and studied at UBC where he obtained a BA degree (1951) and MA degree (1953) in English Language and Literature. He served on the faculty of the UBC English Department beginning as a lecturer in 1951 and advanced to positions of Assistant Professor (1958-63) and Associate Professor (1963-65). He was a contributor to John B. Macdonald’s 1962 report “Higher Education in British Columbia and a Plan for the Future”, and continued to make significant contributions to the establishment of the community college system in Canada throughout his career. In 1963 the newly established Simon Fraser University hired Ron as its first Director of Academic Planning, serving also as first head of SFU’s English Department. In 1969 Ron left SFU to become the first President of the University of Prince Edward Island, a position he held until 1978. In 1978 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to higher education. Ron has contributed to many organizations, including serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, on Canada Council, and as President of Association of Atlantic Universities and the Association of Canadian University Teachers of English. In 1990 Ron Baker was asked by the government of BC to prepare a preliminary report on the establishment of the future UNBC in Prince George. Now retired Ron Baker lives in the Edmonds area of Burnaby.
- Total Tracks
- 7
- Total Length
- 1:33:46
- Interviewee Name
- Baker, Ronald J. "Ron"
- Interview Location
- Ron Baker's home in Burnaby
- Interviewer Bio
- Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
- Collection/Fonds
- Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Audio Tracks
Track seven of interview with Dr. Ron Baker
Track seven of interview with Dr. Ron Baker
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-013/MSS196-013_Track_7.mp3![Simon Fraser University President donating blood, [between 1964 and 1968] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-803.jpg?width=280)
Simon Fraser University President donating blood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38216
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1964 and 1968] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 4.4 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University (SFU) president, Patrick D. McTaggart Cowan, donating blood. A group of students in the background are playing guitars and singing.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1964 and 1968] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 4.4 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-803
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University (SFU) president, Patrick D. McTaggart Cowan, donating blood. A group of students in the background are playing guitars and singing.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Simon Fraser University President donating blood, [between 1964 and 1968] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-803.jpg)
Inventory of the Burnaby Archives
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5206
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Textual Record
- Call Number
- 971.133 INV
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby, BC
- Publisher
- Archives and Special Collections, Simon Fraser University Library
- Publication Date
- 1964
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Archives
- Notes
- "Materials listed in this inventory are available for use by the public in the Archives and Special Collections office."
Storage Reservoir Facilities at the Summit of Burnaby Mountain for Use by Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport37721
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33036
- Meeting Date
- 10-Feb-1964
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33036
- Meeting Date
- 10-Feb-1964
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
South 400 feet of Lot 12, DL 210, Plan 1037 (Simon Fraser University)
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport37687
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33106
- Meeting Date
- 2-Mar-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 15
- Item No.
- 5
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33106
- Meeting Date
- 2-Mar-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 15
- Item No.
- 5
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Western Access to Simon Fraser University Site
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport37637
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33120
- Meeting Date
- 9-Mar-1964
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33120
- Meeting Date
- 9-Mar-1964
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Water Supply - Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport37615
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33165
- Meeting Date
- 23-Mar-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 21
- Item No.
- 7
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33165
- Meeting Date
- 23-Mar-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 21
- Item No.
- 7
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Plans Cancellation and Consolidation - Site of Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport37414
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33362
- Meeting Date
- 1-Jun-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 38
- Item No.
- 8
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33362
- Meeting Date
- 1-Jun-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 38
- Item No.
- 8
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Water and Sewer Service to Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport37042
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33754
- Meeting Date
- 26-Oct-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 68
- Item No.
- 5
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33754
- Meeting Date
- 26-Oct-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 68
- Item No.
- 5
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport36835
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33942
- Meeting Date
- 28-Dec-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 80
- Item No.
- 7
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 33942
- Meeting Date
- 28-Dec-1964
- Format
- Council - Manager's Report
- Manager's Report No.
- 80
- Item No.
- 7
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Opening of Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36329
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- September 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 11.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the official opening of Simon Fraser University. A large group of spectators faces the stage from seats on the floor as well as the balcony.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- September 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Hazel L'Estrange subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 11.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 248-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1991-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the official opening of Simon Fraser University. A large group of spectators faces the stage from seats on the floor as well as the balcony.
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Professor Arvid Grant
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45273
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 11.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Professor Arvid J. Grant. He was the Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at Simon Fraser University from 1965 to 1966 and again in 1968.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 11.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-169
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Professor Arvid J. Grant. He was the Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at Simon Fraser University from 1965 to 1966 and again in 1968.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Williams Brothers Photographers Limited
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Photographer identifies photograph as no. 21184
Images
Dr. Elinor Ames
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45721
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965, published July 22, 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 12 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University Psychology professsor Dr. Elinor Ames.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965, published July 22, 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 12 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-615
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University Psychology professsor Dr. Elinor Ames.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Names
- Ames, Dr. Elinor
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Helcermanas, John
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Photographer idenifies photograph as item no. 660315 - 52
- Pacific Photographic Services photo by John Helcermanas
Images
Dr. Glenn Kirchner
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45796
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965, published June 18, 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dr. Glenn Kirchner, Director of the recreational program in Simon Fraser University's faculty of education.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965, published June 18, 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-690
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dr. Glenn Kirchner, Director of the recreational program in Simon Fraser University's faculty of education.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Photographer identified as "Zimmerman"
Images
Richard E. Lester
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45932
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 9.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Richard E. Lester, the chair of the Simon Fraser University Board of Governors from 1968 to 1971.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 9.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-826
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Richard E. Lester, the chair of the Simon Fraser University Board of Governors from 1968 to 1971.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
![Lolita Wilson, [1965] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-1028.jpg?width=280)
Lolita Wilson
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46140
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1965]
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 16.5 x 8.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University's Dean of Women, Professor Lolita Wilson.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1965]
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 16.5 x 8.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-1028
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University's Dean of Women, Professor Lolita Wilson.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
![Lolita Wilson, [1965] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-1028.jpg)
![Lolita Wilson, [1965], published August 19, 1965 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-1029.jpg?width=280)
Lolita Wilson
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46141
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1965], published August 19, 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 16.5 x 8.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University's Dean of Women, Professor Lolita Wilson.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1965], published August 19, 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 16.5 x 8.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-1029
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University's Dean of Women, Professor Lolita Wilson.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
![Lolita Wilson, [1965], published August 19, 1965 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-1029.jpg)
![Ralph N. Maud, [1965], published April 9, 1966 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-1146.jpg?width=280)
Ralph N. Maud
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46258
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1965], published April 9, 1966
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 12 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University Professor, Ralph N. Maud.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1965], published April 9, 1966
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 12 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-1146
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University Professor, Ralph N. Maud.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Helcermanas, John
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Photographer identifies photograph as no. 651204 - 224
- Stamp in black and red ink on verso of photograph reads: " A PPS Picture / Pacific Photographic Services Ltd/ 1214-1080 West Georgia Street / Vancouver 5, B.C. / 68302636 / Photo by / John Helcermanas / Neg. No._651264-224"
Images
![Ralph N. Maud, [1965], published April 9, 1966 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-1146.jpg)
Interview with Merrill M. Gordon by Rod Fowler March 19, 1990 - Track 10
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory481
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1965-1990
- Length
- 00:15:42
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s views about SFU and its relations with and contributions to Burnaby. He details the founding of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society with Dean Lamont and its work to have SFU transfer unused land to Burnaby to preserve as parkland
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s views about SFU and its relations with and contributions to Burnaby. He details the founding of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society with Dean Lamont and its work to have SFU transfer unused land to Burnaby to preserve as parkland
- Date Range
- 1965-1990
- Photo Info
- Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263
- Length
- 00:15:42
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Lamont, Dean
- Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- March 19, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
- Biographical Notes
- Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.
- Total Tracks
- 11
- Total Length
- 1:31:44
- Interviewee Name
- Gordon, Merrill
- Interview Location
- unknown
- Interviewer Bio
- Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
- Collection/Fonds
- SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
- Transcript Available
- Transcript available
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track ten of interview with Merrill Gordon
Track ten of interview with Merrill Gordon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-020/MSS187-020_Track_10.mp3