E.J. (Jim)
Clark
(Speech by E.J. Clark on the occasion of accepting honorary life membership in
the Alberta Land Surveyors' Association.)
A life membership does not
come lightly. It takes 35 years (at least), so you see I've been waiting a long
time for this opportunity to say thank you to the Council and particularly, the
members of this Association.
I know it is expected to
say something profound and even meaningful at a time like this; frankly the most
profound thing I can think of at this moment is I wish it had happened 35 years
ago. Just think of the money saved in membership fees alone.
I truly believe the most significant factor in being a surveyor has been the
friendships and camaraderie developed with other surveyors. I have found them
(surveyors) to be honest in all dealings, whether it's a survey we are
discussing or a business deal; usually a hand shake is all that is required. You
can trust a surveyor. Maybe it's his background or maybe it's some of his
training, or perhaps it's due to the trust the public must put in him. In any
event, I believe if I had to single out one facet of a professional practice,
it's the trust we share with each other.
Advice for the New and Young Surveyors
1. We are all entrepreneurs, as such, entrepreneurship is the only way to
survive through good and bad times.
2. Be patient and understanding of a client's needs, be sure the client is fully
satisfied, do not become agitated over a transaction.
3. If a client complains about high fees, ask how much he can afford, then tell
him how much you can offer in return. Don't let a client go, repeat clients get
very special attention.
4. It's a competitive world. Don't get frustrated with hard work, but one must
take rest and reduce stress. If you are successful, you will not feel the pressures
as much.
5. Motivation to staff and client.
6. Go the extra mile; better do more than is expected; spend an extra hour in
the field.
7. Supply your client with a smile and lots of communication. Explain how the
job is going, who all the approving authorities are, etc. Bring him/her into the
job picture (diary ahead). Some of these jobs go on for months with large gaps
of time between approval and the final plan.
8. Keep a window open to all opportunities. Don't become lost completely in our
own technical forest. We stand to become too insular in our own makeup.
9. Develop new skills or interests continually, play the violin, learn
French,
take up Chinese cooking, sharpen your wits.
10.Be community minded, be a hockey coach, join the ladies aid society, be
interested in others.
11. Join a church.
12.Upgrade your own professional qualifications.
To Our Association and Profession
Be sure to assist in the development of our province and country. We are trained
for this task, not only physically, but with some verbal dialogue too. This
could be a very tall order, but what is wrong with taking a stand on political
views and expressing them to our MPs or MLAs?
Remember, we are leaders and society looks to us for leadership. Thank you and
good surveying to you all.
(On the occasion of his nomination for Council,
1983)
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Born Feb. 5,
1928
Victoria, BC
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Public and
high schools, Edmonton, Calgary, Pouce Coupe, BC and Vancouver
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Various short courses in Aerial Photogrammetry, Appraising, etc.
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Graduate, Surveying and Drafting, Provincial Institute of Technology and
Art, (now SAIT),
1949
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Alberta Land Surveyor Commission,
1955
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Saskatchewan Land Surveyor Commission,
1960
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Dominion Land Surveyor Commission,
1964
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Graduate, Town and Regional Planning, University of Toronto,
1965
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Articled to
L.E. Harris, ALS;
H.J. Pritchard, ALS,
1950-1955
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Senior Instructor, Surveying and Drafting, Provincial Institute of
Technology and Art, Calgary,
1950-1955
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President, Clark Swanby & Associates Ltd.
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Past President of ALSA,
1961
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Member, ALS Examining Committee
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At one time or another, a member of most ALS committees
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Member, Alberta and Saskatchewan Branches of CIP
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Member, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Calgary Ranchmens' Club, Glenmore
Racquet Club, Community Planning Association of Alberta
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Director, Canadian Red Cross (Alberta, NWT), Community Planning
Association of Alberta, Sooner
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Petroleum Ltd. (Oklahoma, USA)
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Enjoys, music, art, sailing, tennis, flying (qualified pilot), and skiing
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