Laurie Morrish remembers

I worked in Spectrum for over 30 years and had many bosses in that time – Harry Lathwell, Ron Thomas, Jim Dean, Merle Styles, and last, but by no means least, Wayne Choi.

I worked for Wayne for about the last 10 years of my working life and they seemed to me be to the years involving the biggest changes. I came under his supervision when his Engineering section combined with my Authorization and Enforcement section.

Since I worked in the clerical area, there was some duplication with his existing clerical staff. Wayne oversaw the distribution of responsibilities and the creation of new areas of work to ensure that all staff were performing work they enjoyed and that there was enough work for everyone. Some of the new work assigned helped to take the load off the inspectors for work that wasn’t too technically involved. While these changes were taking place, the department made the move from Burrard Street to Library Square so Wayne was also dealing with the disruptions and extra work involved with the move at the same time. (Wayne Choi on the left in the photo)

There was naturally some trepidation on my part in having a new boss, new work, new digs, etc. However, Wayne proved to be an excellent manager from a clerical perspective. He sought our input for any changes, he gave it careful consideration, he listened to any problems that arose, and immediately took action to help remedy them. I most appreciated the fact that Wayne had the confidence in his staff, and in himself, that he trusted us to work in a professional manner and empowered us to arrange our work in the manner that suited us best — his bottom line was our getting the work done, doing it well and doing it on time. I appreciated his trust and tried always to deserve it, as I know others in our section did.

There were some drastic changes occurring in the work environment while I worked for Wayne — flexible hours, teleworking, early retirement incentive, etc. Wayne was open to all these changes, encouraged his staff to utilize them, and made any modifications necessary to the operation of his unit to make it possible. He really believed in a good balance between work and family life for his staff. It was a real pleasure to work for Wayne, in the work environment he created and supported.

Wayne, I wish for you a long and healthy and especially happy retirement. Enjoy these coming years knowing that your many years of effort for the government have been appreciated – not only by the public you served, but by those who served with you.

~ Laurie Morrish

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