Rick Harrison:  

Life Born in 1955 and raised in Owen Sound. Still friends with some of the people with whom I went to public (Dufferin) and high school. University without degree - calculus was my nemesis in obtaining a B.Sc., lost interest in completing an arts degree. Got sidetracked into music industry through campus radio. Worked with Sam The Record Man on Yonge Street for 26 years. Have a huge record and book library. Then got a job at Crux Theological Books at Wycliffe College, U of T. Recession led to reduced hours so I took a part-time job with the Canadian Cancer Society before both positions ended in 2010. Had a period of unemployment before taking a job at Sunrise Records in September 2010, which lasted almost two years. Experienced another period of unemployment before working part-time as a courier at A-Way Express, then landing my current job with the University of Toronto Bookstore. Significant accomplishments (to me at least): Came back to faith in Jesus Christ in August 1989 after falling away during high school and university. Became a vegetarian in December 1989 after reading John Robbins' Diet For A New America. Gave up caffeine addiction. Did a number of personal growth workshops and spiritual retreats before discovering and benefiting immensely from Listening Prayer/Christian Counselling. Raged a bit, cried a bit, was severely depressed several times, forgave a lot, made amends, and finally accepted who I am. (No, I'm not gay. Or alcoholic.) Baptised December 30, 1990. Changed name to full name of Frederick from abbreviated name Rick, circa 1992, .confusing many people. . Have been a member of church choir (tenor section) since 1989, worship team since 2001. Have sung (as chorister) Bach Cantata #147, several selections from Handel's Messiah,and lots of other great choral works. Was at Kingsway Baptist Church before transferring membership to Martin Grove Baptist Church. Started writing hymn texts. Won second place in a competition sponsored by the Southern Ontario Chapter of the Hymn Society with "How Can We Sing The Lord's Song?", one of my first efforts. Another hymn text "Diverse, But Not Divided" used in the World Day of Prayer for Christian Unity 2014. Another text "The Former Things Have Come To Pass" chosen for inclusion in a service of new hymn texts, sponsored by the Southern Ontario Chapter of the Hymn Society. Did primary research and supplied material for book on history of Harrison Park written by my uncle. Travelled solo to England in summer of 1986 - London, Edinburgh, Liverpool (Beatles), York, and side trip to Stonehenge. Collected litter on Wimbledon Common in honour of favourite childrens TV characters the Wombles. (Enter Frederick Harrison and Wombles as search term in Google if you want to know more.) Planted trees on several occasions, once several hundred of them in the driving rain. Research art...Expand for more