I have been asked to write something about myself. I find it difficult, sometimes, for it feels like bragging. Well, here it goes.
I’m affectionately known as Scotty, for obvious reasons. Only my Mum and a couple of family members call me by my given name.
My Dad immigrated from Scotland in 1954. Mum and the rest of us came a year later, crossing the rough Atlantic Ocean in an old boat in April. That is when my love for water started. The majority of my schooling, therefore, was in Canada but they say I still have an accent!
I am very happily married to Jane (she said to say that) and we have 4 children. She has a boy and a girl from a previous marriage and I have two boys. We have five wonderful grandchildren, 3 boys, 2 girls, and a sixth expected in October. Enough about family…never.
My career included being a Constable with the Toronto Police Force and then a Recreation Supervisor with the City of Scarborough Recreation and Parks Department. I retired in 1998 when the cities amalgamated. We moved to Minden in 2003 when Jane retired from teaching.
I love sailing and many other sports. With sailing, I have been fortunate to have competed in numerous regattas, both locally and internationally. These included sailing, non-stop, around Lake Ontario, representing Lake Ontario in the U.S. Nationals, racing twice in the Rolex Regatta in the Virgin Islands and in the World Championship in Thunderbirds in Canada. I have been a competitive footballer (soccer for you Canadians), badminton player, curler and now dragon boater.
I have become a Certified Competitive Curling Coach, working with children, youth and adults. Presently, I am coaching a Bantam boys’ team.
When the Haliburton Highlands Paddlers group was formed, I wanted to become more involved, not simply a paddler. After taking courses last May and fulfilling requirements over the summer, I am now an Accredited Community Coach and Steersperson. The coaches, organizing committee and members are fabulous. I have thoroughly enjoyed being in the boat and ALWAYS look forward to each session. This has been a most rewarding experience and know that this year will bring more of the same.
Our club is so fortunate to be made up of great people who are committed to the sport.
I am looking forward to another wonderful year with stories to be told and, of course, great paddling.
” PADDLES UP AND TAKE IT AWAY”.