Saturday, June 24, 2023
I met Vince as a young man in Thompson working for INCO. Vince was teaching a group of us how to use the battery powered locomotives underground in order to move ore and supplies as required. Part of that training was to use your headlamp for signaling to move forward, backward or stop. I was in the lokey and Vince gave me a signal that I did not get right....and I made a mistake and moved the lokey forward. Needless to say, Vince in no uncertain terms let me know about my error....for at least 15 minutes non stop about an inch from my face....and deservedly so. Vince was all about safety and reminded me of the importance of good communication and what can happen when it is lacking. I also assumed Vince would never talk to me again and was surprised the next day when he was asking me about my family and making small talk. I have told that story many times in my career to illustrate the importance of good communication, being safe and knowing the plan going forward. I have also always treasured the fact that Vince separated the incident from the person. I later worked again with Vince in Mine Engineering. Vince was always good to me and I am better for knowing him. My condolences to his friends & family.
