Dave Barker Retires - Catherine Barr

DAVE Barker has learned an awful lot about life. After all, the beloved vice-principal of West Vancouver Secondary School has had a lot of experience. His drama productions, his classes and his long-standing role as school administrator won him respect from everyone. And now, as he prepares to retire, he has learned just how much he will be missed. Last week, the people that he knows best gathered together for a bit of roasting and toasting. The West Vancouver Secondary School cafeteria was the perfect spot for the after-school reception that honoured both Dave and his family for his many years of service. Farewell "Mr. West Van" and "Mr. Fine Arts", you will never be forgotten.


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WVSS principal John Williams (centre) was the perfect emcee. Organizer Linda Hathaway (right) and John Barker (no relation) agreed.

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Scott (left) and Tony Barker are extremely proud of their dad. After all, they had him as both a father and a teacher.

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He's a true West Vancouver boy. David Barker, seen here with wife Marg, said teaching was "a profession and a love." He said he will miss the staff and the students very much.

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Teachers Terri Nykamp (left) and Judith Hogan took a turn toasting David and telling a few tales of their own.

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Tom Geoghegan (left), Barry Lindahl (centre) and Anthony Cheung produced a wonderful video full of vignettes of David's teaching adventures.

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Parents' Advisor Committee co-chairs Sandra Johnston (left) and Cindy Given gave David a beautiful wooden garden chair painted in school colours.

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West Vancouver student council co-presidents Natalie Harker and Mike Lenic will be sorry to see Mr. Barker go.

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It's West Vancouver's loss all over again. Talented Peter Vanderhorst, who teaches the award-winning Treble Choir, is also retiring this year.

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Former prinicpals Warren Hicks (left) and Arnie Smith had some fun at David's expense. They each had humorous stories to tell about life with the dramatic Mr. Barker.

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Kate Mascott (left), Kaia Haley (centre) and Carolyn Rush are all members of the Treble Choir. The choir honoured David with a song at the start of the ceremony.


Page created by Catherine Barr on 14/6/00