Monthly Archives: April 2018

I spent two-thirds of my 25 year government career working for Measurement Canada (MC).  These are the people who certify the accuracy of gas pumps, weigh scales, electricity and gas meters, either directly or through partners.  It was a great experience working as an engineer, a laboratory manager and program officer.  I got to work with dozens of wonderful people all across Canada as well as travel to the U.S and Europe.

What do they do in the Standards Building you might wonder?  They test and approve new meters and weigh scales before they can be used in trade.  They also calibrate measurement standards used for certifying in-situ measuring devices e.g., test weights.  Hum drum work you may think – but getting what you pay for in trade measurement is a fundamental marketplace right of buyers and sellers that has existed since iniquity.  Weights and Measures was the no. 17 responsibility of the federal government in the Constitution Act of 1867.

Well the other day, I went back for a visit.  The occasion was the retirement of boss and colleague Alan who was MC’s President since it’s inception in the mid 90’s.  Alan is a very affable leader who gained the respect of every one he came in contact with. He is a very gifted speaker, able to toss out one liners and get a laugh on any occasion.  For e.g., Industry Canada the home department of MC, has now been renamed from ‘IC’ (I see) to ‘ISED’ (I said) (Industry, Science and Economic Development), Alan explained with glee.

I had not been in the Standards Building since 2002 so it was a wonderful experience to go back and see colleagues and friends.  Sadly, several people have passed away and some others are not so well.  Some look exactly the same as they did 16+ years ago and there were a lot of new young faces.  There were speeches, lots if memories and we were almost in tears as we reminisced about the good old days.  Alan had us in stitches as he recalled some humerous experiences he had over the years.  He started his government career in 1972 (when he was 3 years old ha!)  He was President of the International Organization of Legal Metrology in Paris for 6 years and well known for his volunteer corporate work in classification and the United Way.

Colleagues

VP Sonia

Retired VP René

Retired VP Gilles

Alan has the last word, IC is now ISED

This was a two stage retirement party.  Two weeks later there was a second get together at ISED at 235 Queen St.  This too was special as I worked there for 8 years in corporate HR after my MC days.  It was great to meet up with my old team members Sawsan, Bernard and Abu and catch up.  The memories are great.  I really miss you guys but not necessarily the commute, endless meetings, etc.

Thank you MC and ISED for the great career experiences, the friendships and all those wonderful memories.  Hope to see you all again soon.  Stay well and have a happy retirement Alan.

Dave Morgan

As we said goodbye to Florida we enjoyed some last get-togethers with our American friends.  It was the last social party night of the season at the pool.  But before that we enjoyed a few other special activities.

Larry, Cindy, Kevin

Cousin Larry from Ottawa, Cindy from Ohio and Kevin from Michigan (brother of Cindy) and I enjoyed a great round of golf at Myerlee. It was a perfect afternoon of fun and not about the score.  It was a great way to end the golf season down here after playing 11 times including a round with son Kyle when he visited this year.   Larry and I made plans to play the Oaks of Cobden later this summer.  Thanks you guys for the great day!

Yoga in the park was another favorite activity for us again this year.  Anna and her husband Chip run the Yoga Bird studio in FM.  They provide an hour of (free will donation) yoga in Alliance for the Arts Park every Saturday.  I find yoga quite grounding, especially when outside, and look forward to continuing under Marie’s expert guidance.

There were some other last call activities.

Deb and the Dynamics at the Tiki Hut, Cape Coral

Last walk on Bunche Beach

The final pool social is organized expertly by Sam each year.  Everyone is starting to think about heading home but needs one more blast before doing so.  This year was no exception and it was another great success.

Sam from the New Jersey shore, knows how to organize a great party

Sam’s wife Susan dancing with John

There is plenty of tasty food – BBQ sausage, burgers, salads, rich desserts and hot dowgs!  There is a DJ that plays music that gets us all up dancing.  There is lots of laughter and gaiety as we reflect on another warm winter down here.  I took a few pics of our American friends for posterity purposes.

Chuck hams it up with the DJs

Janice and Murray, Branson, MO with friend

Dee and Ron, Atlanta, GA

Carol and Bernie, Mentor, OH

Jimmy and Margaret, Boston, MA

Pat and Marty, Boston, MA

Elizabeth and John, Ottawa, ON

Cindy and Chuck, Ohio

‘Sisters’ Marie and Cindy

It’s hard to find something not to like at our condo complex and we made so many great friends.  Nevertheless we have decided to go to Mexico next year to seek a new adventure.  So for now, this was our last get together with our winter family in FM.  We asked Tricia our condo owner not to forget about us as we could be back the following year, God willing.  Going to miss you guys, but never say never!  Until we meet again in FM or elsewhere…thanks for all these memories.  Ain’t that America, eh?

Luv to y’all!

Marie and Dave

Beautiful jacaranda in full bloom