Sport: Figure Skating
Position: Executive Member, Administrator, Official
Year of Induction: 2003
Sport: Figure Skating
Position: Executive Member, Administrator, Official
Year of Induction: 2003
John was born in 1927 in British Columbia, moved to London, Ontario as a child, began figure skating at age 8, and later became active in the London Figure Skating Club. When he moved to Chatham, he became a director of the Chatham Club and remained one for over 30 years. From here he became a director at the Sectional level, then the National level, and ultimately from 1971-73 was President of the Canadian Figure Skating Association (CFSA). During his long tenure as Finance Chairman for CFSA, he was responsible for establishing and maintaining a financially stable organization that has been able to financially assist in the development of skaters to successfully compete at National and World competitions. In the 1960’s when the CFSA lacked money and therefore power, he proposed and implemented a national registration fee of $1.00 per skater in Canada, producing for the CFSA over $100,000 in its initial year. This was followed up with one successful money-making endeavour after another and ultimately with the acquisition of corporate sponsors to support Canada’s elite competitors as well as those aspiring to achieve. He was also a judge, referee, and team leader representing Canada at major events throughout the world.
Awards & Recognitions
In addition, John was an active member of the Chatham Water Commission from 1970 until his death in 1994 at the age of 67.