“Amarjeet Kaur Sidhu moved to Canada in 1975 and has raised 3 daughters and one son, with her eldest daughter graduating from UBC Nursing. She already has 2 granddaughters and a third on the way. She likes cooking, cleaning and spending time with her family. Gardening is one of her passions and she has rescued many homeless plants left behind by departing students and provided a great life for them in the sunny Acadia highrise penthouse. 

Amarjeet enjoyed working at the Acadia Park and Fairview Residences for almost all her years at UBC. She took pleasure in the interactions with international students and their families ranging from children to seniors. She is very grateful for the wonderful and supportive staff in Student Housing and her many coworkers over the years. More recently, and up until her retirement, Amarjeet worked as a Front Desk Service Representative at Ponderosa Commons. We all wish her a wonderful retirement.”

— Mahara Silva, Building Service Manager

“James Leung starting working for our department as a service worker during our summer season, while still an engineering student. After he graduated with a Civil Engineering degree, he decided to stay on at UBC, since the job market was not what he had hoped. After 3 years, James moved into a Lamp Changer position, and then in 1992 he was promoted to a Utility Worker. He enjoys his job very much and that is why he has stayed. Over the years he has mentored new staff, training them in the many aspects of residence building repairs. He has a great ability to problem solve and offers assistance when he sees an opportunity.

Outside of work James enjoys working out, fishing and watching hockey. He has two children. His son has worked in student residence as well and his daughter recently got married, so family life is good!”

— Mahara Silva, Building Services Manager

“I made the decision to retire for family reasons and because of my age. It is a great honor and privilege to have been able to work for such a great and noble institution of learning like UBC for the last 13 years. I am enjoying retirement and just want to wish UBC and everyone that is still actively working for the institution to create more impact for our community and the rest of the world. Take care.”

— Jack Duarte

“Peter Ferrari has retired!  Many people lost money on this longstanding bet, and in true Ferrari fashion he played his last card on July 31, 2021 after 31 years at UBC.

Peter joined UBC on April 4, 1990 as a carpenter. To give you some perspective on how long ago that was, here are a few notable events from that year:

1. The Berlin Wall is officially demolished
2. Operation Desert Shield begins
3. Channel Tunnel workers from the United Kingdom and France meet 40 meters beneath the English Channel seabed, establishing the first ground connection between the United Kingdom and the mainland of Europe since the last ice age 
4. And perhaps most fitting — The Simpsons is aired on TV for the very first time

Peter contributed immensely to the growth and direction at SHCS over his many years with our department. As he progressed through his career he was always able to bring a fresh approach and new ideas to each stage, equally impressing and frustrating everyone that worked with him! His many years as Head Tradesperson saw him transform and transition the SHCS Trades from the “old way” to a dynamic and technically competent group that continues to flourish as we grow at a rapid pace.

In his personal life Peter is a very avid skier with close ties to Banff where he’s often found (mostly) on the hill. Only his love for TMZ supersedes his skiing.  Recently Peter has become a grandfather and has wasted no time in getting his grandson interested in his love for carpentry. From the photos we’ve seen this six year old grandchild looks to be an expert at using BOTH a router and chop saw.

All kidding aside, we wish Peter all the best in his retirement. He will be missed!”

— Andrew Powter, Associate Director, Facilities and Building Services

“During her ten years with UBC, Evelyn Chernoff worked with the residence dining team, sharing her ever-present smile and cheerful attitude with guests and co-workers. Evelyn made fast friends with her team and enjoyed social outings and gatherings with them outside of work. Evelyn has maintained property in the Philippines and is looking forward to returning there as soon as she is able to travel. She plans to split her time between Canada and the Philippines.”

— Loriann McGowan, Associate Director, Residence Dining