On Friday, May 23rd  Fairview School is hosting a Living Library event and are looking for community members with interesting careers, hobbies, or adventures who could come and share stories with our students.  To make this event a success they are looking for people who would be willing come and share their stories with the students. Here is a link with a Google Doc that outlines the event, time commitment, and link to sign up. Feel free to share far and wide! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iR6IgFLBzIZ2hNUyuH5CwW2ytoQoigLKaPR6O3Eu3y4/edit?usp=sharing 

Rob asks -Is this an opportunity that you'd be interested in?

 

 

 

I was born in Comox, BC, to my wonderful parents, Randy and Marie Rickwood. I have one brother and four sisters.
My father served in the Canadian Air Force. In 1962, my father was transferred to North Bay, Ontario, where we lived until 1971. Passionate about sports—especially hockey, baseball, and curling—he also coached my hockey team while I played goalie, a position he and my older brother had played as well.
My parents had a profound influence on me and my siblings. They had a deep appreciation for the arts, including theatre and oil painting, and my mother enjoyed writing fiction. Their enthusiasm for the arts fostered my own love for visual arts.
In 1971, my father received his final military posting in Victoria and in July, my family embarked on an unforgettable journey driving across Canada along Highway One.
Since Grade 9, I had envisioned a career in architecture and pursued academic courses in woodworking, drafting, and construction. I also had a keen interest in fashion and took pride in dressing in the latest styles. After graduating in 1976, I applied to the University of Manitoba's architecture program and while my application was successful, I needed to complete a Physics 11 course for admission. I found physics fascinating, particularly structural engineering, as I aspired to design buildings that were not only unique but also structurally sound.
To finance my education, I took a job at Gentleman G, a high-quality independent menswear store, in 1978 in Nanaimo. In 1979, I married Monica, and in 1980, we welcomed our son, Dane.
In 1982, I enrolled in Malaspina College’s Bachelor of Commerce program, balancing fatherhood with my work in menswear. Although I had initially planned to pursue architecture, my career path shifted toward business. By the age of 23, I was already planning to open my own menswear store.
However, my aspirations evolved in 1983 after writing my English term paper. After staying up all night researching the personal life of Albert Einstein, I completed my paper at four in the morning with a hand-drawn portrait of Einstein—a moment of artistic revelation. Having not drawn anything since Grade 7; I felt a newfound compulsion to create. This pivotal experience led me to change programs and eventually earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Victoria. While studying at UVic, I worked at two well-respected menswear businesses: British Importers on Fridays and Ken Thompson’s Menswear on Saturdays. It was at UVic that I met my current wife, Lisa, a fellow Bachelor of Fine Arts student.
In April 1990, I graduated with a BFA, majoring in painting and minoring in history. Shortly afterward, I accepted an assistant manager position at Ken Thompson’s Menswear in Victoria. A few months later, while having coffee in downtown Victoria, I was invited by Bruce Coleman—a respected Rotarian—to join the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North.
Lisa and I married in 1991, and together we have two sons, Dilan in 1993 and Dion in 1997.
Recognizing the financial stability of the menswear industry, I focused on building a career in the field while also pursuing my passion for painting as a part-time commission artist. In 1999, I purchased the assets of Ken Thompson’s Menswear from Brad Thompson and established Rickwood’s Menswear.
I eventually returned to my fine art career in 2006, sixteen years after earning my degree.