Verne Prior Retirement

Verne Prior Retirement

VERNE Prior is a man with a past. An impressive past in fact that includes positions at BC Gas, BC Hydro and Air Canada. And now, on the eve of his retirement, those who know and love him got together to honour this man for all seasons. Last Monday, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Verne was given a surprise party by friends and family. They took turns roasting him at the microphone and paying tribute to his career. It was an evening full of memories, good times, and friendships. And whether he's playing his role as media relations manager, or his role as Santa on the Coca-Cola commercials, he will never be forgotten. But now, as this North Shore resident leaves for a life of leisure in Nanaimo, we wish him only the very best for the future.

	big Verne and Lois Prior have been married for 42 years. As media relations manager for BC Gas, and former spokesman for BC Hydro, not to mention a budding career as an actor, these North Shore residents are now moving on to Nanaimo.
	It's the rest of the Prior clan, namely (from left) daughter-in-law Carol, son Brent and daughter Jodi.
	Former CBC newsman Kevin Evans is now with the Retail Council of Canada and was seated at the head table with Verne.
	Organizer Karen McCluskey (left) and host Deborah Folka deserve a lot of the credit for putting together such a great night.
	News reporter Anna Marie D'Angelo (from left) was joined by BC Hydro's Wayne Cousins and columnist Kate Zimmerman.
	They were the ladies in red. All dressed-up for the occasion were (from left) Raija Drava, Linda Bartz, Gabrielle Moore and Pauline Buck.
	Peggy John, from the Justice Institute, was one of the many speakers that paid her tributes to Verne.
	Julie Marzols, seen here with husband Rick, has been a colleague of Verne's for over 12 years.
	West Vancouver's Barrie Wall is an ex BC Rail man who worked with Verne at Air Canada some 28 years ago.
	Cam Avery is the director of public affair for BC Gas and Sue Watson was Verne's administrative assistant.
	Roger Young is the manager of community relations and public affairs for BC Gas along with his administrative assistant, Kristy Lloyd.
	Canada NewsWire Ltd.'s vice president Larry Cardy, seen here with wife Terry, was only too happy to roast Verne in royal style.
	Lisa Martin, from Lisa Martin Coaching, can also be found around the North Shore. She was one of the evening's speakers.

Larger copies of the above photos are available by request. Please email your requests (including title of event, date of event and names of people in photo), to cbarr@westvancouver.com (or click on the name below) and I will be happy to forward you the photo. Thanks.

Page created by Catherine Barr on 21/03/2001