Kim Barraclough
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 23/99) - When Linda Johnston dropped by to what she thought was a regular summer barbecue at her friend's Yellowknife home, she had no idea she would walk out the door with two tickets to paradise.

Johnston, a mother of three who has worked for 15 years as a nurse and administrator for the Great Slave Medical Clinic, got the surprise of her life last Saturday when she found the evening was in fact no normal get together, but rather a night to honour her for her decade and a half of service.

"I just thought it was going to be one of our regular summer barbecues."

But that all changed when she heard the party singing "for she's a jolly good fellow" to her.

"I'm shocked," she added.

"It's worth it to work 15 years."

What really surprised Johnston was when the clinic's owner, and the host of the party, Dr. Peter Kallos presented her with a free trip for two to Hawaii.

"(The trip) totally blew me away," said Johnston.

Johnston added that she and her husband are planning to take the trip in either January or April of next year.

Sarah Kallos, who works as a receptionist at the clinic, said she couldn't think of a better person to receive the honour.

"She's really patient and a lot of fun. She's very hard working and efficient, loyal and you can always count on her," said Kallos.

"She's a really good co-worker."

Kallos was at the party and said she thought it went over well.

"(She) was really surprised," said Kallos.

She added that at the party, along with the presentation of the trip, there were also speeches made thanking Johnston for her dedicated service.

The clinic has been around since Dr. Kallos opened it about 20 years ago. Next to Dr. Kallos himself, Johnston has been working there the longest.

"She's just a very effective individual. There's no drama, (the work) just happens. She's very friendly, she's got a great sense of humour," said Dr. Kallos.

He summed up Johnston and her work in several eloquent words.

"She's a dedicated person and she's terrific at what she does."