A message about a friend: A tribute to Mac Christensen

A message about a friend

A tribute to Mac Christensen

Mac Christensen (August 25, 1936 – September 5, 2012) was employed by the Chilliwack School District (District No. 33) for 43 years. He began his career as a carpenter and painter and was later appointed to the position of custodial supervisor, where he remained for the rest of his career. He enjoyed his time with the district and took great pride in his work. His impact continues to be felt.

Mac was one of the earliest members of our association (then known as SPOA); he joined our association in 1968, participated on the executive and held the office of president in 1977-78. Throughout his career, Mac provided guidance to our association and for years after his retirement, he continued to attend our conferences and share his wisdom. Like a sailor on a ship, Mac’s clear vision of our association’s purpose and values held us on a steady course, and today we reap the benefits of his vision. Our association embraces relationships, education, and the sharing of practices and information, which were all part of the vision that Mac held so dearly.

I was fortunate to meet Mac in 1989, when I left mechanical contracting and moved to Chilliwack to become the district’s maintenance supervisor. Mac was a great inspiration to me; his wisdom in the field of facility management provided me with guidance and direction as I learned my new role in the school district. Some of my fondest memories of Mac were when he shared with me his experiences and wisdom over a coffee or the occasional lunch. He was always supportive, encouraging and provided me wise direction. Mac and his wife Marie became very dear friends to my wife, Brenda, and I. Their kind friendship always brightened our day. Seeing Mac and Marie was one of the highlights of attending the annual conference that we will always remember.

Mac also encouraged me to participate on the executive of our association. I served as president in 1996-97 and again in 2009-10. In this role, I relied on the lessons I learned from Mac. He was right when he said that getting involved helps you individually – and it also helps you enhance skills that you will use in your career. It provides new experiences that help you grow as an individual and as a team member, and it teaches you to work in a team to achieve the purpose of the association and for the betterment of all members. You meet new people; you participate in and support a variety of committees, including committees with the ministry. The learning opportunities are unlimited. If I may say, on behalf of Mac: please take time to get involved in your zone and put your name forward to serve on the provincial executive.

Mac was a very important influence to me, and I know he was to many others as well. We will miss him dearly. I will always keep those kind memories of Mac in a special place in my heart, and I know Mac’s vision for our association will continue on as we continue building excellence.

Thank you, Mac. Your wisdom, vision and commitment to our association have provided us with a compass which we will use as we navigate our association’s future. The character of our association will reflect your values of honesty, integrity and professionalism as we maintain school facilities and enhance the learning environment for the students of British Columbia.

We will miss you.

Your friend,

Steve Jackson, AScT, RPA, GSC, CEFM Director of Operations School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) Invermere, B.C. b