It seems we're starting a tradition here at The Chief by reminiscing over a first encounter with Terrill Patterson in valedictory editorials.
In July, while saying goodbye after nearly 12 years at the paper, publisher Tim Shoults remembered first meeting with the venerable, if eccentric, town know-it-all and council watchdog.
Terrill told him that after three or four years, he would lose his objectivity. More than a decade later, having fallen in love with Squamish, Tim had to agree.
Now, it's my turn to say goodbye after six years in various editorial positions and three and a half years as editor, and I too find myself reminiscing over my first encounter with Terrill.
It was from a distance - I was at the front of Municipal Hall chambers during my first council meeting and he was in his usual spot in the back row, heckling councillors, when attention turned to me for media question period.
I was merely getting my feet wet at that point, so I had no questions - this led Terrill to growl from the back of the room: "You're going to have to do better than that, little girl, if you're going to make it around here!"
Having no idea who he was, the comment caused me to slunk down a little lower in my chair.
It turns out it was the perfect preparation for the years to come.
Chief readers relentlessly hold its editorial staff to a high standard, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
You see, there actually are some newspapers out there that get away with filling pages with newswire copy of barely any consequence on the town it services.
It's usually a sign that its owners have given up on editorial content and are really just focused on ad revenue.
They get away with it because people barely pay attention to the product. I pity the people working for those newspapers.
The Chief's readers may be relentless, but that is exactly what has led this newspaper to winning the numerous provincial and national awards accumulated over the past decade.
And although slacking off with 10,000 bosses peering over your shoulder is not an option, our reward is your loyal readership.
A few days after that fateful first council meeting on my first Friday morning in town, I walked into the Sunflower Bakery and realized just how loyal that readership truly is.
I was greeted with nearly a dozen Chief front pages - they were being held up in front of a dozen readers.
That is the most gratifying experience any journalist can hope for.
Now, six years later, it seems we've come full circle. Last week, having heard of my departure, Terrill sent word that I will be missed.
That made me sit up a little taller in my chair.
Thank you Squamish.
- Sylvie Paillard
