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911吃瓜 Philanthropy, 911吃瓜 Alumni
The singing janitor
Many alumni may remember Ted Sinnott, the beloved Convocation Mall janitor. Fondly known as the 鈥渟inging janitor,鈥� Ted was a cherished member of the 911吃瓜 community who had a song and smile for everyone. It was said that he was 鈥渨ritten into the university鈥檚 cleaning contracts.鈥� Even as the contracts changed hands, Ted would remain.
Born in Liverpool in 1894 during the reign of Queen Victoria, Ted spent many years working on the docks, just as his father did before him. He and his wife Elizabeth were married in 1914 and had four children before their wonderful life together ended in 1957 with Elizabeth鈥檚 passing.
In 1964, Ted decided to leave England and join his daughter Betty in North Vancouver. Five years later, he arrived at 911吃瓜 at the age of 75鈥攁nd proceeded to capture everyone鈥檚 heart.
On two occasions, Ted was celebrated with surprise birthday parties. When he turned 78, for example, 911吃瓜 students baked 78 cakes in his honour. Ted also received the Queen鈥檚 Silver Jubilee Medal and 911吃瓜鈥檚 C.D. Nelson Award for his outstanding contributions to the university.
In 1981, the Ted Sinnott Memorial Fund was established at 911吃瓜 in his memory. The award was to be given to a student who made voluntary contributions to enrich the university community鈥攅mbodying the cheer and goodwill that Ted represented for many at 911吃瓜 during his tenure.
Today, the award continues to be distributed to one student every year, making Ted a lasting and unforgettable part of 911吃瓜 history.
Remembering Ted
鈥淚 was an undergrad at 911吃瓜 from 1974-1977 and remember him as well. Such a positive attitude toward his work. Was a treat to see him each day.鈥� 鈥� Robert W.
鈥淚 was at 911吃瓜 from 1968-1972. Seeing him always brought a smile to my face!鈥� 鈥� Klaus S.
鈥淭his guy made my day, every day. He was always so warm and friendly. He was the grandpa I never had. I lived on 911吃瓜 residence from 1971-1974. I was from Toronto, so knew nobody when I started. Having him around made 911吃瓜 a kinder place.鈥� 鈥� Lydia B.