Water, water everywhere

Carl Hunks has been ‘up to his neck in water’ for 38- years. And he has lived to enjoy it.

“This summer will be my 38th anniversary working as a journeyman plumber,” he said. “I completed my apprenticeship at St. Joseph’s Hospital and was fortunate to pass my exams. A few years ago I came over to the Brantford General Hospital. I really enjoy my work. I have seen many changes in plumbing in hospitals- there are more electronics and computerization on the boilers.” 

During the first week of April, Carl and his wife, Bev, a retired nurse, made a trip to Montreal. Their daughter, Tanya, an accomplished swimmer, was competing in the CN Canadian Olympic Team Trials. “They swam in the pool where the 1976 Olympics were held,” Carl said. “It was great. The place was rocking!”

The very first night at the trials Tanya swam one of her specialties- the 400-metre individual medley. She finished in second place only three-tenths of a second behind the winner. Her second event- the 800-metre freestyle was next up; and she won. Carl spoke with great pride about the big athletes parade at the conclusion of the swim meet and the medal presentations. “It has been a long time coming.”  

Carl and Bev introduced their children to swimming as youngsters. “Our neighbours had a backyard pool so we wanted to make sure Tanya and her brother Karl who is two years older learned how to swim,” Carl said. “Tanya is very, very competitive and I remember her telling her brother that she could do just as well as him when it came to swimming. Her career really started then.”

Tanya swam with the Brantford Aquatic Club before joining the Hamilton Swim Club. Over the years she has been a member of various Ontario swim teams and also swam for Canada at the Pan Am Games and the Pan Pacific Games.

When it came time for university Tanya enrolled at Simon Faser University in Burnaby British Columbia. Out west she swam with the Hyack Club and for the past couple of years has trained at the national training centre at the University of British Columbia. Along with her swimming Tanya kept up her studies and recently earned a degree in criminology. But that career is on the back burner at least for now. Tanya has to continue to train hard for Beijing and the swim of her life. 

Carl recognizes that his daughter has worked very hard to accomplish her dream. “Tanya has persisted to get to where she is today. She has had her share of hard knocks along the way but she has managed to succeed in both swimming and her school work.”

This summer Carl and Bev will make the trip to Beijing China. Tanya’s expenses for the Olympic games are paid because she is a member of the Olympic Team. Carl quickly says, “However, the cost for Bev and I to go to China, well that is something else. We have been told that it likely will be a very, very expensive trip.” He laughs, “Just like that, in a heartbeat, my retirement plans went out the window.”

Gary Chalk is senior executive director- public affairs & development for the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett, Paris, is a multi- service health centre providing urgent care, primary and community outreach programs.