What's New? (Jan 1967)

Dear Ben: A great deal of fine Canadian water has passed under the bridge since you joined Famous Players, and Famous Players is all the better for you having joined. Your record of service is a glowing one indeed and there will be a lot of people who'll miss your spirit of dedication and leadership when _ retirement time comes at the end of this month, after 43 years. It is a matter of proud memory that you enjoyed serving the Corporation with my brother John, and | thank you deeply for your share in keeping his memory bright and shining. My wish for you is that you will enjoy to the full the fruits of your retirement, and that one of your greatest satisfactions will come from the knowledge that you did a very fine job for a very fine company and earned thereby the lasting respect of a host of co-workers. With warmest good wishes always, Sincerely, Barney Balaban George Destounis presented Ben with a transistor radio, the gift of his fellowemployees in Head Office and Haskeil Masters, on behalf of the Distributors gave Ben a gift of a Hi-Fi Stereo equipment. In making the presentation Haskell Masters paid tribute to Ben as ‘‘an honest guy who always represented the best interests of his Company.” Haskell said: ‘Thank you, Ben, for everything you have done for us through the years and the fine co-operation we have all enjoyed.” Ben made reference to his start in show business in 1913 as a shipper for Famous Players’ Film Exchange operated by Jule and J. J. Allen on Queen street in Toronto. He served with the Canadian Army overseas and returned to the Allens on the road for Monarch Films. When the Allens went into theatre operation Ben was assistant manager of the Danforth theatre and opened the Parkdale theatre working in the daytime as assistant to Herb Allen. ‘Herb taught me much about show business and how to read the Racing Form,” he said. When Famous Players took over the Allen operation Ben continued at the Parkdale and moved to head office as chief buyer and booker. Most of Ben’s 50 years in the business, 43 of them have been with Famous Players. Harrison Patte, head office booker, also announced his retirement as the end of the year. Patte, as he is best known, has been with Famous Players since 1930 but began his career in 1913 at Universal as shipper, ledgerkeeper and booker. When Paramount opened its office in 1919 he joined that company as booker and came with Famous Players in a similar capacity in 1930 where he has been ever since. John Heggie, in a warm speech in his inimitable manner, paid tribute to his fellowbooker, Patte, and presented him, on behalf of his associates in head office, with a transistor radio. George Heiber, representing the Distributors, presented Patte with an electric razor. R.W.Bolstad, president of Famous Players, was the host assisted by George Destounis his executive vice-president; Angus MacCunn, senior vice-president; Bob Eves and Bill Summerville, vice-presidents of the Western and Eastern Divisions and Gene Fitzgibbons and Ken Easton, vice-presidents of the Company’s Communications Divisions. DICK GEERING DIES IN TORONTO Lawrence G. Geering, who retired as Chief General Auditor for Famous Players after 46 years of service, died in Toronto on Christmas Day. Dick, as he was best known, had been ill for several months. He was born in England in 1890 and came to Canada in 1916 and joined Famous Players in 1920, the year of the Company’s incorporation. Surviving Dick are two daughters, Beverley (Mrs. Graham Henderson) and Marion (Mrs. Alex Gordon.)