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megram - 55JulGTA - Index

Backyard Hero
By Barbara Ramsay Orr
A Man of History
Whether it’s writing a book or mastering a computer,
Bill Manson proves that it’s never too late to learn
It’s obvious when you meet Bill
Manson that this is a man with lots of
energy. He’s bright eyed and wiry,
notices everything, and always seems
like he’d like to be outside walking
somewhere. He’s also an inspiration to
those of us with literary aspirations who
always thought they would like to write
a book but are afraid it may be too late to
start.
Bill published his first book,Up and
Down Locke Street South, co-authored
with his wife Ann, after he had turned
60. He has since gone on to write three
more,and is pondering which one might
come next.The only problem is that his
volunteer activities are getting in the
way of his writing.
His retirement from 35 years in education,
first as a teacher of English and
Drama, and then as a program coordinator
for the Hamilton Board, was a natural
progression.
“When I retired,I retired completely,
but it seemed that my hobbies and interests
just expanded to take up the time. I
think my timing was perfect.I taught during
the best years to be in education, I
July/August 2008 • 48 • Fifty-Five Plus Magazine
retired at the right time, and I am now
doing what I love at the pace I desire.”
But he didn’t want to squander the
skills he had accrued through a long
career and looked for places where he
could use his knowledge of strategic
planning, program development, local
history and language proficiency. He has
found several volunteer posts that utilize
his talents.
His first book,a history of the neighbourhood
he lives in, was triggered by
the research he did on the history of the
heritage home he owned. In searching
PHOTO: BARBARA RAMSAY ORR