The news of Cecil's death was received with great sadness. I am truly honoured to have worked with this wonderful man. Cecil was a very special person to not only me, but to anyone who came into contact with him. And Cecil touched many lives through his role as an equipment trainer in the Region. In fact, not one day would pass without the words being said by someone "have you been Cecilized." In other words, have you been trained and given Cecil's stamp of approval to use any type of equipment that would be used in the performance of one's job. You never touched a piece of equipment without Cecil's blessing. Most notable is that Cecil trained untold numbers of Roads personnel on how to operate the many components of a plough truck and most importantly prepare staff to obtain their DZ licences. And Cecil provided excellent instruction as accidents were very low considering all the equipment and men and women at work within the department. One of my regrets is that I did not take up Cec's suggestion to obtain my DZ license. I missed out being Cecilized.

For me, I saw Cecil as not just as a trainer, but as a friend, sometimes a father figure, but as a man who was content with his life and his job. Cecil was always in a good and upbeat mood. When I went to visit him at his office, Cecil was the one man who made you feel as though he was waiting to see you. Always a smile on his face and a story to share that would have both of us laughing. I have worked for a long time and I can truthfully say that I have not met a nicer man. And quite a stylish gentleman with that slicked back hair. You sure don't see men style their hair like that very often. But that was just part of Cecil's persona.

There are not too many people left in this world who care for other people and he personally showed that to me when I had a panic attach (which at the time I was not aware of) and got me to the hospital by ambulance. And guess who was there when they opened the back door of the ambulance, yes Cecil. He had beat the ambulance and was waiting for my arrival. On his face I could see genuine concern and worry.

I will never ever forget Cecil. He was a man whom I admired greatly and a man who I had a special fondest for. Wherever you are Cec, just keep on doing what you did best, enjoying the company of others and when you have a chance do some Cecilizing. Rest in Peace my good friend.