Willis and Mildred Clark modelled the importance of making room for young people in both life and profession. Mr. Clark (I called him that until he died) was my boss when I became a student worker in the Student Finance Office at what is now Burman University. When I started working for him I was 20, and he was 60 years old. He favoured straightforward delivery of common sense and did not find value in politically correct expression. Because of that I never had to second-guess what he really meant to say.
My first day of training was an eye-opener. I took a big note book and arrived early at the office. He said, “Start writing lad. Rule #1: don’t steal any money. Rule # 2: there are several young girls that work in the office, and don’t lay your hands on any of them. Rule #3: you will learn everything else in time. We are done training.”
Four years rolled by and it was time for my graduation. I was starting to look for a job and asked if he would be a reference. “No!” he said. “Never!” I was taken aback by his refusal, but he quickly explained: “I have already talked to the President and told him that you need to take my place as the Director of Student Finance. I will be stepping down the day of your graduation. We need to make room for young people and give them responsibilities.”
Several years before he needed to retire, he was willing to take early retirement because he lived what he believed. This made a lasting impression on me. After working at the university for five more years, I went on start my own business. Each year I made room in my business for at least two students. I do the same with A Better World. As of 2019, over 130 students had worked for me and another 200 had travelled on mission trips. I have learnt from them and they have inspired me. I remain connected to many, and some have gone on to accomplish great things.
Back to Mr. Clark, I was soon introduced to his wife and the rest of the family. The children had already left home so I became like a son to them. There was always a place at the table for me. Mrs. Clark one day said that it was her idea to get him to retire early. She said she knew I would leave Lacombe and they wanted me near them. I visited them weekly and enjoyed more than 30 years of friendship until they passed away.
Eric Rajah 