Post-War
This period is described in Dad's interviews, and appears to have been spent in trying to take over the farm while at the same time dealing with post-war health issues.
Dad was discharged in Feb 46 and joined the Legion. He acquired ownership of the family farm from his father under the auspices of the Veteran's Land Act in July 1946.
Discharge certificate (click on it to enlarge)
Legion Service
Dad's service with the Canadian Legion was a constant in his post-war life. I remember him as working hard for war widows and others, some of whom were not even aware that they were entitled to benefits. In many cases, thanks to Dad, benefits were instated or increased.
In 1972 he received the Meritorious Service Medal which is the highest award at a branch level.
In 1981 he received a Life Membership.
He also was given a silver tray with the Legion crest for 25 years as Service Officer. The citation on the tray sums up his service record:
| Cde Dick Trick joined the Stonewall Branch in 1946 and since then has contributed outstanding service toward the purpose and objectives of the Royal Canadian Legion, particularly with respect to the veterans, widows, and dependents of all those who served. He assisted in the erection of the first building and also in the planning and completion of the present building. He has served in all offices of the executive and was the President in 1950. He also served as Secretary at the Zone level. He has served as Branch Service Officer for over 25 years during which time he devoted a great deal of time to helping and assisting all eligible under the veteran’s charter, including countless trips to Deere Lodge Hospital. The activities during Operation SERVICE assisted the affections shown by this Branch. He was awarded the Meritorious Medal in 1972. Due to restricted vision which limited his travelling, he retired from the office at the end of 1980, but with his experience he continued to contribute to the Branch and the veterans, widows and dependents. Cde Trick is a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion and has shown continually outstanding service to others. |
On a lighter note, in the book 60 Years of Service which is a history of the Stonewall Legion, there is a paragraph worth quoting:
| Many changes had taken place over 60 years. Younger hands now reach out to help when older ones are no longer able. However some things remained the same, with Cde. Dick Trick still presiding over the "discussion table". Tall tales are still exchanged without fear of contradiction. The table centrepiece is a large brass bull who wisely adds nothing to the conversation. |
What is not mentioned is that the bull could be rotated, and when the tale told was too tall, the bull was pivoted appropriately with respect to the teller.
Stonewall Co-op
Dad found time to be one of the "Founding Fathers" of Stonewall Consumers Co-op Ltd. He had a strong belief in the customer getting a fair shake, and a great way to ensure that would happen was to have the customers own the store.
He was President of Stonewall Co-op in 1952.
Looking for a Fair Shake
An irony of Dad's post-war life was the fact he was given no opportunity for convalescence as he had to make a living for himself and his wife, not to mention a son who arrived in Oct 46! Medical advice he received was at odds with the demands of the farm; his health deteriorated further, but with no pension to speak of the farm was his only source of income.
Documents that I've found indicate how slowly the government reacted to the major health issues plaguing the Hong Kong vets. The following timeline indicates how his, and others, full medical pension was finally achieved:
- 11 Oct 46 - 5% (retroactive to Feb 46)
- 14 Jun 48 - 15%
- 8 Nov 52 - awarded $1 per day of captivity: amount paid $1358
- Unknown - 30%
- Unknown - 50%
- 1965 - 100%
Dad gave up the farm in 1966.