Shawnigan Lake School - Yearbook (Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia Canada)

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THE LATE J. Y. COPEMAN, ESQ. Chairman of the Board of Governors, IQ54-58. (Sn tetmmam The school community was shocked to heat during the summer of the sudden death of J. Y. Copeman, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Gover- nors since 1954. He had been a member of the Governing Body since 1928 and during that time had generously given of his time and counsel. The school has lost a loyal friend whose name is com- memorated in Copeman s House.

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man exists for the state and who would, therefore, like it to be an age of mass thinking and mass behaviour as well. This kind of thinking is fraught with obvious dangers. Therefore the development of the indi- vidual must be encouraged, and the new machine age psychology, which can only produce set patterns, must be opposed. The variety of the mental and physical abilities of individuals is infinite. Moreover, ability of every kind is produced in a certain measure by every social level of the community, and Canada needs the service of every ounce of trained ability that she can get. Consequently, the schools of a democracy should strive to be of the utmost variety, and should despise from the outset that perversion of democratic theory which levels the best down to the standard of the average, and destroys idiosyncrasies in favour of a dull normality. Society should not want schools according to a formula; and the last place in which it should want mass production is in education. However, since this generation is working quickly, and working on a very large scale, it is in danger of producing it and mistaking it for efficiency. It must be appreciated that true education will always remain the sphere of the artist and the craftsman. For teaching is an art; and a necessity for genuine artistic activity is that it should be free in its operation. For example, one can ask an artist to paint one ' s portrait, or one can direct a photographer to produce a number of pictures — in the first case one gets from the true artist an interpretation of one ' s personality; in the second one gets certain faithful, but mechanical, reproductions. In the one case the artist is contributing the whole of himself to the work; in the other, the professional is superintending the working of a mechanical process. Does Canada want her teachers to be no more than the latter type, merely competent workmen and no more? It appears evident that she should try for something higher even if it involves the making of mistakes. For this reason the independent school, because it is not bound to the ducational policies of the state, should be encouraged for its individuality and, as long as its results are good, respected for it. Edward R. Larsen. The Headmaster designate, E. R. Larsen, Esq., kindly accepted the editor ' s invitation to write the editorial for this year ' s annual. Page Five

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JOHN YOUNG COPEMAN A tribute by his friend, THE ARCHBISHOP OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 30 The School sustained a heavy loss in mid-summer through the sudden death of Mr. J. Y. Copeman. the Chairman of the Board of Governors. Widely and affectionately known as J.Y. , his passing was mourned by a large number of people in all stations of life. He was a great gentle- man, — one of the last of a dwindling breed, — and as such he was worthy of many expressions of respect and esteem which were uttered by repre- sentatives of the entire community. Though of a retiring and conserva- tive nature, he possessed a wide circle of friends. He was a man of genial presence and compelling personality, always approachable and under- standing. Regarded as an outstanding and capable lawyer, his many clients will remember him as a wise counsellor as well as a man of sympathy, candour and fairness of judgment. He was well known as a versatile reader, and a brilliant conversationalist, appealing to innumerable people by his sparkling humour, his large-heartedness, and kindly con- sideration. Thinking on him at this time, I recall his frequent allusions to the 15th Psalm, which he loved as the Gentleman ' s Psalm. Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle: or who shall rest upon they holy hill? Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life: and doeth the thing which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart. He that hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbour: and hath not slandered his neighbour. He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his own eyes: and maketh much of them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not: though it were to his own hindrance. He that hath not given his money upon usury: nor taken reward against the innocent. Whoso doeth these things: shall never fall. That was J.Y. ' s code. May God rest his soul. Page Seven