Editor: An iconic Langley business closes its doors and a gentleman auctioneer retires.
Central Auction has provided furniture and collectibles to local merchants and the average person for over 45 years.
Bill Lee is the go-to antique appraiser with a vast knowledge of antique furniture and collectibles. He is a classy guy with quick wit and dry humour that has drawn people to his auction from all over the Lower Mainland.
Forget the reality TV nonsense and go to the auction for real entertainment. The regulars size up the greenhorns and tension builds the moment before the hammer strikes.
Many a time we have come home with a chair, lamp or china that we did not intend to buy.
The household mystery boxes were also lots of fun, with a mix of Christmas ornaments, tools and toys. You were never quite sure what you were getting until the end. We still have our concrete Buddha as part of the outdoor feng shui in our backyard.
We have special purchases, too, that we will never part with.
One in particular is a rocking pig with a big red bow, named Sally.
Each of our grandchildren love this pig, much to the chagrin of our sons. There was the infamous pig-napping one year. A family member texted the pictures of Sally on her way to Victoria once they were on the ferry. Under great protest the pig was eventually returned to our living room for all to enjoy.
We will miss Central Auction, the memories of bidding wars won and lost and a special person, Mr. Bill Lee.
Charline & Mark Hooper,
Coquitlam