Seraphim "Joe" Fortes
One of the best-known of British Columbia's early Black pioneers would have to be Seraphim "Joe" Fortes, a man who has had much written about his presence in Vancouver from 1885 to 1922. Despite the many words describing his life in Vancouver, however, very little appears to be known about the man himself. Had the reported autobiography he was writing ever been found, then possibly a more complete picture of Joe Fortes would be available.
What is known is that he arrived in Vancouver aboard a three-masted barque, the Robert Kerr on which he worked as an able-bodied seaman. barque, the Robert Kerr, on which he and arrived in Vancouver on September 7, 1885.
In his early years in Vancouver, Joe Fortes worked as a porter and a bartender, eventually settling in a small cottage on English Bay near Stanley Park. With his home so close to the water, it is no surprise that he became the official lifeguard and keeper of the beach, where he saved many lives and taught hundreds of children how to swim. Archival notes attribute Joe with establishing English Bay as a primary swimming beach for 'the residents of Vancouver. The location today is still one of the most popular swimming and sunbathing areas in the Lower Mainland.
Joe Fortes appears to have been a much-loved man by the people he came into contact with, as all reports describe him as warm, friendly, and a dedicated hard-worker, all qualities that Few could find fault with. He was adored by children, and parents could always feel safe when sending their young off to the beach when they knew that Joe would be there to watch over them.
For his efforts as a lifeguard and special constable, the City of Vancouver honored Joe in 1910 with an "illuminated address" in gratitude for his achievement, which he hung on the wall of his cabin – one of his proudest possessions.
Seraphim "Joe" Fortes received his greatest testimony following his death on February 4, 1922, when the city staged a public funeral, attended by hundreds of his friends and admirers. To further honour him, a fountain was erected near the site of his home, from funds largely donated by the children of the City, and the library contained within the West End Community Center on Denman Street bears his name.
The fountain was created by sculptor Charles Marega and is situated in Alexandra Park, on English Bay. It depicts Joe's face above three children splashing around in water and bears the inscription "Little Children loved Him."
The memory of Seraphim "Joe" Fortes lives on and is a further testimony to the part that he and other Blacks have played as members of the community in which they lived.