I was born an identical twin in Kitchener, Ont. I grew up in a family of 6. As a youth I belonged to Cubs, Scouts and Navy Cadets.
I joined the RCMP in 1962, was stationed in Saskatchewan, enjoyed the variety of duties on general detachment work and retired in 1991. I married my wife, Gerri, in 1968. Gerri is a Social Worker and retired in April 2008. We have two adult sons : one working in Regina and the other in Calgary.
My personal interests include antique and junk collecting which sometimes gets me in trouble with my wife. In addition, I am interested in Mounted Police history and artifacts. I belong to the Saskatoon RCMP Veterans Division. Membership in Toastmasters is an enjoyable learning activity for me. I have been on the Board of Mangers for 9 years at the Calvin Goforth Presbyterian Church.
My first experience with Lions was as a camper at Belwood Lodge in Ontario. I or my brother Don, won Honour Camper of the Year award in 1955. I have a plaque to prove it (maybe my brother won it!). When posted to different communities I saw the valuable work the Lions did in many communities.
I was invited to become a Lion in 1986 while living in Tisdale. Due to job transfers, I also belonged to clubs in North Battleford, Yorkton and am currently with Nutana in Saskatoon. Being in different clubs has shown me that different personalities affect how a club functions. We all need to remember that everyone is a volunteer.
I have held the club positions of President, Past President, Tail Twister, Director, chaired a variety of projects and in the district have been Zone Chairman and Region Chairman. I was honoured to receive recognition for coordinating activities and cooperation between the three clubs in Yorkton (1996). Another proud moment was when I received the Brian Stevenson Award (2006) and the Everyday Hero Award (2009)
My philosophy of Lionism is that all members be involved/included in projects and to honour (never forget) the motto 'We Serve'.
My goal is to create harmony amongst all Lions, to acknowledge various viewpoints and to include all members as much as possible.