Taking a break from the regular model posts today to acknowledge my late father's "what would have been" his 91st Birthday today. Unfortunately, as some of you regulars may have seen in some other personal posts, he past away November 28, 2014 after a cruel battle with Alzheimer's. But it's all about the journey, right?
Son, Husband, Father, Grand Father, Gentlemen, Tradesman; he was not your typical "kick the football around" guy, rather than one who taught skills and encouraged excellence in more practical applications. So he never watched me in the big game, rather he introduced me to carpentry, model building, literature, and personal growth & responsibility. Now is just a brief synopsis of his life; there is much to show and tell. So please, read on...
Malcolm Victor Rostance was born March 8, 1932 to Percy and Lilian Rostance in the West Midlands Market Town of Walsall. The youngest of three, he had an older brother and middle sister. Much of his earlier years I remember little unfortunately, but it sounds like the life of a typical boy. He even admitted to me he had been a train spotter! As his father was ex cavalry from WW1, the military was always predominant and discipline was the way of life. Despite Walsall being probably one of the furthest areas away from the ocean, Dad preferred the Royal Navy. He joined the local cadets, T.S. Walshale (an older word for Walsall). Here he is in 1947, 15 years old, ready to hit the high seas!
He was also a member of the band, and played the snare drum very well. I remember he wanted to join the Navy but his father would not allow it; he would have needed his permission at the time. After regular school, he entered an apprenticeship to learn trim carpentry and cabinet making. I believe before this commitment he would have done woodwork in school as well as model building as he had stated, but models were quite different back then. Apparently a "kit" was some blocks of wood (probably balsa), plans and some sandpaper.
His apprenticeship lasted I believe about three years up to around his early twenties. He became a master carpenter and had a license to drive. Of course at this time Selective Service was mandatory, and he was called up. This is sometime in the early '50s now. Dates are hard to come across these days; alot of the ink on the paperwork has faded... Hoping for an "official" stint in the Navy he got disappointed again. Because of his talent with woodwork, he was drafted into the RAF for his skills. First he was off to RAF Padgate for basic training. Here is Dad with the other lads.
That's him on the lower left. About 10 weeks I reckon from what he told me, and then a posting to RAF Anglesey, in Wales. Apparently pilots were training in the early jet fighters for the Korean War, but Dad was staying on the ground, fixing the airframes; some wood and some metal. He worked primarily on Gloster Meteors and de Havilland Vampires. He had said when he signed off the aircraft was air worthy, you better be sure, as he was taken up to "inspect" his work. You learn fast to do a good job! Here is one the families "iconic" images of Dad at work sitting in the cockpit of a Vampire:
He started as an Aircraftman, but upon his discharge about two years later, he was a Senior Aircraftman. One thing he always did was commit fully to his job. During his time in the RAF, he had married in 1953, but now in civilian life, he went off on a total different direction and began to manage a Wine Store. (This was previously visited in the "Voyage of the Spammed" series, so I won't go into that tonight). Many years and three kids later, it was off to Canada in 1964. There is so much more to tell and show; perhaps I should write a book some day...
Once settled in Canada, my Father worked three jobs to keep us all comfortable; he would never had asked for charity. Carpentry being the obvious choice; he had employment already arranged before he even arrived! He even dabbled in furniture sales and part time construction. In only a few years he was with the company building the new Conestoga College in Doon. It's opening day in 1967 and Dad has dressed for the occasion!
I think that tool pouch is still around somewhere... After the primary construction was concluded, Dad was offered to stay on as a permanent carpenter with the College. Eventually his talents and dedication was noticed and he was offered the position of "Manger of Physical Plant". He took it. Dad supervised all the tradesmen, security, daily operations, grounds, etc., etc. It was a 24/7 job, and was always on call. And he was called many times in the day and night and weekends and holidays. Here he is "relaxing" at his desk sometime in the mid seventies.
Sparsely decorated and functional. He didn't spend too much time in there anyway. And in case you are wondering, that black thing on the right is a telephone. But don't be afraid, its push button! Because of his job I missed alot of him during those years, but he always made time for me when he could and when it was important. He also gave me a good hiding when I deserved it! I actually saw more of him when I attended the College in the late '70s, since I was always working long hours to finish projects.
But all through his extended work hours he still found time for his family, as well as his hobbies and interests. I don't know how he did it. Making furniture, renovations, building a massive deck around our new pool, the list goes on. He eventually started his last great hobby, R/C boats. Not sure what and which bug bit him, but he started his first around the late '70s. Guess this was his ticket to get back to the Navy! He was a scratch builder; no kits here! He would meticulously research each project, in so far as to acquire blueprints and historical information. He could talk your ear off if you asked a question about the subject boat or ship! All in all he built only five models over the years, but again it was because he was a master craftsman and modeler, no shortcuts! Two of the boats he had given away at some point (I still have lots of pics!), but I have the last surviving three. I hope to do a much more in depth retrospective one of these days. But in the meantime, here is his final ship, the HMS Ark Royal at 1/160 (It's about four feet long):
Remember too that these were not static models, they were fully operable in the water. (I hope I can get them seaworthy again!). He would attend many model "regattas" and take home the odd plaque or trophy. There is so much more to tell; so much more to show. It is not easy to distill a man's life in just a few pages, especially when that man has done so much, and inspired & touched so many! Perhaps another blog series anyone?
In closing, I will leave you with this image of my father at his final regatta. This was around 2010 and the Alzheimer's was starting to show just how much of a bastard this disease can be! Two years later he had to be put in a care facility; not a very dignified or honourable ending for a man of his talents and dedication! And yes, even after almost nine years since his death, I am still really pissed off!
The boat on the right is a Vosper MTB at about 1/35 scale. This was his first boat. The other red and white is a Canadian Great Lakes Coast Guard vessel, at about 1/20 scale. Again, researched, scratch built, and operable.
Thank you for spending this time with me, and getting to know the man who was my Father. Albeit only a brief visit. I like to believe and hope I am a lot like him in so many ways, and carry on his values, beliefs, and many talents.
Happy Birthday, Dad! Taken from us too soon. We all love you and miss you!
