I was born and raised in Virden, Manitoba and completed my education there. My wife CLARA and I have celebrated 54 years of marriage and have raised 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys. We also have 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
I was employed by the Manitoba Power Commission in Winnipeg for 2 years. I then went to Radio College of Canada in Toronto and obtained my 2nd Class Certificate for Proficiency in Radio. I joined the Department of transport (later Transport Canada) as a Radio Operator for the next 2 years and worked in Winnipeg; Armstrong Ontario and The Pas, Manitoba. I then took an Air Traffic Control Course and upon completion worked in Winnipeg Control Tower for the next 2 years. I then took my Instrument Flight Rules Course and upon completion worked in Saskatoon tower/terminal for 5 years; Regina tower/terminal for 7 years and Winnipeg Area Control Centre for 2 years. I then returned to Regina as a Supervisor until my retirement in 1990.
I joined Lakeside Lions in 1989 and was sponsored by Lion Lawrence Switzer. I was very proud to sponsor my son Lion Brian into Lakeside Lions. Our family was very saddened with the passing of Brian in 2004. I became club President in 1991. I have served as Zone Chairman twice and Region Chairman twice. I was extension chairman for 31/2 years. I chaired the 2007 MD5 Convention in Regina. I started the Lions Share the Warmth program and chaired it for 8 years. We had every club in 5CE involved and the program was extended to all 4 districts in Saskatchewan. We collected approximately 800,000 warm articles of clothing for needy families.
I have received 2 Brian Stevenson Fellowship Awards; a Garnet Davis Fellowship Award; a Cliff Worden Fellowship Award; a Dog Guide Fellowship Award; an International President Extension Award and a Melvin Jones Fellowship as well as numerous other awards. In 2004 I was inducted into the Lions Hall of Fame.
For many years I coached softball; both adult and children and usually was the coach when any of my children were playing. I am a staunch supporter of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and have had season tickets for over 20 years. I have curled for over 60 years and been to Provincial Playdowns 5 times in Seniors , Masters and with Lions.
I am looking forward to becoming District Governor in 2009. With the many changes forth coming such as re-districting, I think it will be a very exciting and challenging year.