deeper would have been much appreciated because we continued to buy in large quantities. By this time, my grandparents had retired and moved to the Island. They lived just up the street from us on the comer of Grafton and Hensley Streets where Pete's Convenience store is now located. My grandfather had been such an integral part of the community in St. Damien, Quebec, that they devoted two pages to him in the history of the village when they celebrated their centennial. He was known as Zakem the Photographer because he was first to get into that profession in the area. Like my father, he also ran a general store, cut hair, pulled teeth and sold gas. At Christmas, we would go to visit them, sit on my grandfather's lap and give him a big hug. In return, we would each get a $2.00 bill. No visit, no bill.

Grand opening of Grandfather’s store Grandparents 1917, St. Damien, Quebec

The year we opened the new store, I started Prince of Wales College and did grades 11,12 and Freshman year. Although I found it quite difficult, I managed to get through and even had time to play some English rugby. I was the smallest player on the team and they threw me around as if I was the football. As a result, my ribs and nose were broken. The only reason that they kept me on the team was because I was their best tackler. Gordon Bennett, the chemistry professor, was also our coach. He later became involved in politics and became Lieutenant Governor.

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