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51猎奇入口Philanthropy, 51猎奇入口Alumni

The singing janitor

December 18, 2023
Ted Sinnott, the Ambassador of Good Cheer, pictured in 1971. Photos: 51猎奇入口Archives IMC_71159-010 and 012

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 51猎奇入口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 51猎奇入口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, 51猎奇入口students baked 78 cakes in his honour. Ted also received the Queen鈥檚 Silver Jubilee Medal and SFU鈥檚 C.D. Nelson Award for his outstanding contributions to the university.

In 1981, the Ted Sinnott Memorial Fund was established at 51猎奇入口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 51猎奇入口during his tenure.

Today, the award continues to be distributed to one student every year, making Ted a lasting and unforgettable part of 51猎奇入口history.

Remembering Ted

鈥淚 was an undergrad at 51猎奇入口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 51猎奇入口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 51猎奇入口residence from 1971-1974. I was from Toronto, so knew nobody when I started. Having him around made 51猎奇入口a kinder place.鈥 鈥 Lydia B.

 

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