Retired Abbotsford school district deputy superintendent Paul Redekop celebrates his 100th birthday on Sunday, Sept. 8.
Born in Main Center, Sask. in 1924, Redekop relocated to Abbotsford, first working at a sawmill in Mission.
He decided he needed more than his Grade 10 education and enrolled at Mennonite Educational Institute to complete his Grade 11 to 13 in two years while
working as the school janitor. He then went to "normal school" for teacher training.
This was followed by evenings and summers studying to complete a master's in educational administration at Western Washington University.
Paul spent 35 years in the elementary education field, serving as a teacher, vice-principal and principal at King, Upper Sumas, Kilgard, North Poplar and Godson elementary schools.
He completed his position as deputy superintendent of elementary schools in 1985 and has been retired ever since.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping children learn, and missed working with teachers to show children their very best potential," Redekop said.
He recently visited the school district offices: “Maybe I could apply to become a substitute teacher. Do you think they’d take me?”
An open house in celebration of Redekop's birthday takes place Sunday, Sept. 8 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at his independent living residence at Primrose Gardens at 2099 Primrose St. in the Menno Place seniors' complex.
