Brud Lee has carried the mail to Big Creek from the Hanceville Post Office once a week for 50 years. He took over in 1962.
To honour Brud on this special occasion, a surprise dinner was planned for March 17 at the Big Creek Hall.
As a cover up, he and his wife Anne were invited to Wayne and Trena Plummer’s home, supposedly for supper.
On the pretense of picking up a package, Wayne lured Brud to the Big Creek Hall. Being a quiet, unassuming man, Brud was totally taken aback when he opened the hall door to a loud round of applause.
A clamour of clapping, shouting and singing, “for he’s a jolly good fellow,” filled the crowded hall.
Club president Ernie Perrie escorted the honoured couple to the head table for the meal.
Brud, whose given name is Norman but goes by his nick name, was presented with a framed photo of himself by his mail truck and a certificate suitably inscribed. Canada Post also recognized Brud’s years of service with a gift of appreciation.
The Big Creek hall was crowded with friends and family with some coming from Hanceville, and as far away as Williams Lake.
Congratulations Brud. Long live the mailman!
The following poem was written and recited for this special occasion by Veera Bonner:
Brud Lee has carried the Big Creek mail
For fifty years, and so
We’d like to say THANKS to Norman
... That’s his real name you know.
Up over the Big Creek Mountain —
Some folks call it a hill —
You could see horses or cattle there
For its ranching country still.
Though mud, snow drifts, or blockades
The Royal Mail gets through —
And for fifty years, from Hanceville,
Brud it’s been up to you.
So, here’s a tip of the hat —
And a doff of the cap,
And a country yell for you:
Postman, mailman, Norman
Brud, Thank you !!