Bear greets pedestrians

The passion of Mel Gibson leaves behind a poor imitation of art.

by Joshua Corber

On the tiny bridge connecting Vancouver to Granville Island, you can often find a big man whose name is Jack Latek, and he is almost always smiling. So long as you approach him with an honest and open mind, I believe anyone can benefit from an encounter with this man.

Latek is a social worker and has spent much of his life in the service of society. He works with the mentally ill and assists with various non-profit organizations. His current project—for which he is stationed at the pedestrian entrance to Granville Island 3-5pm most days—is to collect donations of lapel pins and old watches and jewelry. He uses these items, which would otherwise be cast off as scrap metal, to aid the mentally handicapped.

When asked why he collects old watches, Jack responded with the following: °8 One reason off the top of my head is that if these watches end up in landfills they will leak battery acid which will eventually reach our drinking water. So there's one reason right there. °±

Noticing one of my more inflammatory pins (a Palestinian flag ribbon with an Israeli shield pinned over it), he demanded I surrender this pin to his cause immediately, adding that he is acting for the benefit of all races. I cooperated, and the pin is now being worn by his assistant. I think more people will see this pin at Granville Island than they would elsewhere, so I am happy to have given it.

Jack °8 The Bear °± is in reality doing a great service to his community by volunteering his time to talk to people on the street. In a world where physical conversations are becoming less and less common, it is refreshing to stop on your way and talk to someone for a few minutes, especially when that person provides an intelligent and humorous critique of our society.

Though he is sorely disappointed at the apathy and disregard shown by scores of passers-by, he will still smile and wish you a great day. So if, like me, you like laughing and you hate drinking battery acid, go down and pay this man a visit!

****