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大象传媒 Philanthropy, 大象传媒 Alumni

The singing janitor

December 18, 2023
Ted Sinnott, the Ambassador of Good Cheer, pictured in 1971. Photos: 大象传媒 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 大象传媒 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 大象传媒 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, 大象传媒 students baked 78 cakes in his honour. Ted also received the Queen鈥檚 Silver Jubilee Medal and 大象传媒鈥檚 C.D. Nelson Award for his outstanding contributions to the university.

In 1981, the Ted Sinnott Memorial Fund was established at 大象传媒 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 大象传媒 during his tenure.

Today, the award continues to be distributed to one student every year, making Ted a lasting and unforgettable part of 大象传媒 history.

Remembering Ted

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

 

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