5 minute read
Dads & Grads: Martyn & David
Born in 2006, the grads of 2024 are already a hardy lot. Their birth year was marked by extreme wind storms in coastal BC, Pluto lost its status as a planet, and the giant squid – once thought to be just a cryptid – was finally recorded off the coast of Japan.
They endured the financial crisis of 2008 as toddlers, the Deepwater Horizon exploded while they were in preschool, Fukushima melted down when they were in Kindergarten. Then COVID, atmospheric storms, heat domes...
Through all this chaos, dads have demonstrated to their kids how to navigate the world with hope, humour, and humility.
This year, two grads are directly attached to the small staff at qL: associate publisher Sean Percy’s youngest child, Ella, graduates from Brooks. So does editor Pieta Woolley’s firstborn, David.
We asked a few of this year’s dads and grads about life with each other. What came back was surprising: even when you don’t think they’re paying attention, boy are they ever attuned.
Here’s to the dads and grads of 2024.
Martyn Woolley, 49, is the manager of Grace House, and is one of two coroners serving this region. He is a founding member of “Friends of qathetSafe.”
David “Rooster” Woolley, 17, is currently in Brooks’ Coast Mountain Academy program. He’s a lifeguard, and works at Putters.
Grad to Dad
What do you remember about your dad, from when you were in Kindergarten?
Grad Dave • I remember going to the pool with him and him watching me go off the diving board. I’d go on his back and he would dive down to the bottom of the pool. I felt like I was having the time of my life.
What’s your best memory of your dad, from your teen years?
Grad Dave • Going to Inland Lake in the truck. It’s what we did in the summer. Jumping off the dock, taking down some crazy logger sandwiches.
How is he unlike other dads?
Grad Dave • It always feels like he knows what to do when I’m in trouble. He’s really funny, too.
What do you think your dad was like when he was in Grade 12?
Grad Dave • A funny football star.
What has your dad taught you about life, so far?
Grad Dave • To work hard and hold myself accountable.
What do you plan to do, over the next five years or so?
Grad Dave • In October I’ll start cycling Europe and Asia. I’m planning to go to University, but I’m not sure what I’ll take.
How do you plan to keep your dad in your life?
Grad Dave • I’ll make sure to call him and come home for holidays.
Dad to Grad
What do you remember most about your grad when they were in Kindergarten?
Dad Martyn • I remember David picking up a friend who had fallen on his way back from the library, seeing his kindness and being proud. I was also called on the carpet by his teacher because Dave called his fellow classmate a $#!@ freakshow...he gets it from his mother.
Which qualities does your grad get from you ?
Dad Martyn • I think in part he has developed his sense of humour and his gentleness from me. I am always touched to see this side of him when I’m lucky enough to be there.
What were you like in Grade 12 ?
Dad Martyn • In Grade 12, I was done. I wasn’t a great student. I’m so glad he’s more focused than I was. I remember being asked about being the valedictorian but the administration was concerned about what I would say.... so it was a no go.
What did you do in the five years following high school graduation ?
Dad Martyn • I worked and attempted to find out where my talents were best suited. I wasn’t ready to throw myself into post secondary right away.
What do you hope for your grad, over the next five years ?
Dad Martyn • I really hope David gets a
chance to travel and develop his world view based on real experiences. Watch the sun come up somewhere new and embrace adventure as it comes.
What will you miss most about your grad, after they move on to their next stage in their life ?
Dad Martyn • His energy and laugh. I’ll really miss the single sock scavenger hunt he sets up daily just to add a little surprise when you go to vacuum.
What are you most proud of your grad for ?
Dad Martyn • Watching David come from a shy, quiet pre-teen to a boisterous confident young man has been a pleasure. Seeing him choose right from wrong and work hard is something I hold in high regard. I will miss him once he moves on to his next stage, but I am so excited to watch him succeed.
