A Few Words in Honor of My Friend John Nixon - by Anthony Murphy

From that launching pad as a proud VC student, you have embraced, with abundant commitment and enthusiasm, all things VC. 

Woven through your extensive tapestry of engagement, and worn with 'humble pride', is your faith in Jesus as expressed in the Catholic Sacred Tradition.  While respecting others, you have never been religiously neutral. It always mattered to you that Vancouver College continues to evolve and live as a Catholic faith and learning community. You gave voice to the fact that VC was founded by lay Catholics and rooted in the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education.

Your calm determination, during the years of legal challenge to VC's existence, made a lasting impression on me. You gave me solace and encouragement tinged with friendship and humor during my own successive VC leadership roles as a member of the Board, Principal, President and Trustee.

When I behold the physical developments on the VC campus today and recall the faith, determination and skills that helped make it so, I am moved to humble gratitude that you, John Nixon, played such a massive part in positioning Vancouver College for its next century. For me, it speaks volumes that inscribed on the steps of the new school chapel is the Christian Brother mantra "Live Jesus In Our Hearts, Forever!" On a friendship level and on a level bespeaking the core of your career, I know we both share that foundational mantra as we get on with the remainder of our lives and discover what God has in store for us. 

Now, John, lest I forget, you have been sustained, comforted and formed by the love of your life, Susan. In large measure, she made it possible for you to be so successful in your various roles...especially your role as President and CEO of Vancouver College Ltd. As I congratulate you on your retirement, I also whisper a sincere prayer of deep gratitude, for her known and unknown, support as a wife, mother and VC supporter! All of that while attending to the demands of her own career. John, you are blessed indeed!

Finally, let me say, for me and many others, you embody the spirit of the "Fighting Irish". Not just in sports and certainly not the stereotyped hooligan, but rather the man who was willing to "Fight the Good Fight" to advance the Kingdom of God. For, truly, that is the real meaning of your years of servant leadership at Vancouver College. 

Congratulations, my friend, on your retirement.  I am honored to know you and I look forward to seeing you again.

 

Semper Fidelis,

Anthony Murphy

President Emeritus

Vancouver College