Being a proud Canadian coming from a sea-going background, I was first a Watchkeeping/Navigating Officer in both the Deep Sea Merchant Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy (R), having earned my Foreign Going Certificates Of Competency at Strathclyde University School Of Navigation in Glasgow, Scotland, following a family tradition.

Ten years later, I came ashore to take a new job as a Dock Supervisor in the Port of Vancouver before entering the lumber industry in 1977. While on the Waterfront during this time, I expanded my career possibilities by freelance writing for two local daily newspapers, including a local TV Station, and developed my public speaking abilities to the point whereby I was asked to be a guest speaker at various private and public events. I firmly believe in open communication and total customer service, traits honed early while learning the lumber trade from the best in the business.

It was at one of these events I was asked by an attendee if I would like to join a lumber company to which I answered: “I know nothing about the lumber business. “That’s all right,” the fellow replied. We can teach you the basics. What we need is people who can “B.S.” and it’s obvious to me to me you sure can do that.”

I was hired and my new, successful career was underway as was my new company. Then came a time when I found it expedient amalgamate with Skana Forest Products. It’s most often true that bigger is better.

I believe a positive attitude is so important in life. “There are no problems, only projects.” I served two terms as President of the British Columbia Wholesale Lumber Association and in 2010 presented with the prestigious Lumberman Of The Year was named. Life was good.

My Interests away from business include sailing, writing and public speaking, more sailing and being a proud member of the touring patriotic couple Captain & Mrs.Canada whereby every Canada Day and Remembrance Day we dressed in No. 1 formal Canadian dress travelled to a different city in Canada to spread our Canadian pride. In full dress uniform and gown our travels have taken us to England and Buckingham Palace and across the English Channel to France and the Canadian Battlefield Memorials of Vimy Ridge and Buemont Hamel. As Captain and Mrs. Canada, we dressed in proper formal wear in honour of those Canadians who died in battle. We also got great joy in attending functions for children with special needs. As we walked through a group of youngsters they loved to see us and the cry of youngsters calling out “Oh. Look. Is that the Queen?” brings so much joy to my ears as I dutifully walked two paces behind.