The Basilica Recreation Centre — Before and After

that possibly when the time came for him to die he might not have time to get it off his chest. It is much the same with me, and so, although I am not at this moment dying, I shall be doing so one of these days and I want to send you a parting word of goodbye. Remember it will be the last time you will ever hear from me, so think it over. I have had a most happy life and I want each of you to have as happy a life too.

“I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness does not come from being rich, or merely from being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and can enjoy life when you are a man.

“Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be content with what you have and make the best of it. Look at the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one.

“But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try to leave the world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in knowing that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. ‘Be prepared’ in this way, to live happy and to die happy. Stick to your Scout promise always—even after you have ceased to be a boy—and God help you to do it.”

Most of the churches in the Charlottetown area had very active scout troops. We were very fortunate to have at this time so many good qualified leaders willing to give up their time and holidays to ensure a high quality program. Some of the leaders included Frank Costello, George Schleyer, Bud MacMurty, Bill Reid, Art Perry, Babs Fitzgerald, Robert and Daisy Parent, Dr. Fisher, Frank Gaudet, Abe Zakem, Harry Pineau, Gordon Kerr, Canon Sid Davies, and Alton and Margaret Dolliver.

As Socrates said, “No man [or woman] goes about a more Godly business

than he who is mindful of the upbringing not only his own, but other people’s children.”

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