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2013 03 OKLife - page 3 - DermMedica.indd 1 2/25/2013 12:13:11 PM publisher/editor J. Paul Byrne senior editor Laurie Carter associate editor Dawn Renaud James Lalonde, Goldsmith creative director Mishell Raedeke administration Wendy Letwinetz graphic designer Kristen Joy Baker

contributing writers Jason Beck Michael Botner Laurie Carter Bruce Kemp Shannon Linden Darcy Nybo Gillianne Richards Yvonne Turgeon

contributing Michael Botner 30 photographers Laurie Carter Brian Chambers Year Bruce Kemp Gillianne Richards Ron Sombilon elebrating milestones is noth- “Even after 30 years, we’re hav- Yvonne Turgeon Cing new for Richard Pierson;Milestone in fact, ing new customers who have never that’s his business. Owner of JC before been in the store,” says Rich- Bradley Jewellers in Vernon and ard. What hasn’t changed over the Salmon Arm and now marking his years is the easy-going, welcoming 30th year, Richard reminisces on the atmosphere, and a promise it won’t. many happy moments he’s shared For Richard, marking the 30- okanaganlife.com Laurie Carter with clients over those years. year milestone, is about thanking editor “I’ve been allowed into people’s lives his loyal clients. “The celebration ISSN 08405492 (Okanagan Life) / ISSN 11803975 (Okanagan Business) / and their special moments,” he says. is all about them,” he says. Okanagan Life magazine is a member of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism “One couple came to us for their Association, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Penticton & Wine Country Stop by the store in the heart promise ring, their wedding rings, a Chamber of Commerce, Summerland Chamber of Economic Development of Vernon’s Village Green Mall & Tourism, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Westbank and 25th anniversary ring, a 30th anniversa- District Chamber of Commerce, British Columbia Association of Magazine or 380 Alexander Street NE in ry and wedding rings for their children.” Publishers (BCAMP), City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) and downtown Salmon Arm. For almost all of those years, gold- Circulation Verification Council (CVC). smith James Lalonde has been part of the JC Bradley family and a key part of providing reliable repairs as Okanagan Life is published by well as exquisite customs pieces. Byrne Publishing Group Inc. “Jewellery is about being unique To subscribe: Call 250.861.5399 and showing your style,” says Email [email protected] daughter Chantelle, store manager To advertise: Call 250.861.5399 in Vernon. “Here we can help you Email [email protected] create exactly what you want.” Write to: 814 Lawrence Avenue A style trend watcher, Chantelle’s Kelowna, BC V1Y 6L9 ; or visit brought a fresh approach to the stores adding new lines like the www.okanaganlife.com personal charms of Pandora, the fun Okanagan Life is available at several newsstands and funky jewelry of Thomas Sabo throughout the Valley. For a full list, please visit and the artisan jewellery of Simon G. www.okanaganlife.com/wheretobuy.php The result is a younger and different © 2013, All rights reserved. Opinions and perspectives clientele coming through the doors. expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the ownership or management. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s consent is strictly prohibited.

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4 ig spr n 2013 okanaganlife.com 12 14 contents departments

6 Paul’s Voice

8 Pulse Gold Medal Plates

40 42 12 In Person Jeffrey Carlisle

14 culturista Art ’n’ a Half closet artists strut their stuff

40 high spirits When you know the origin, it’s easy to say the word. Meritage rhymes with heritage

42 who among us T he Robertson family has dreamed up some cool ways to show kids 18 and parents how to eat a rainbow 46 rearview R oof and a loo spell luxury in the great outdoors

features special section

Okanagan Hall of Famers 18 38 Tee up for great golf T heir stories have slipped from the spotlight, I n little more than a decade, the but the accomplishments of these Okanagan okanagan has evolved from a good sports heroes stand the test of time. place to work in a round during the family beach vacation to a full- 26 circle north fledged international golf destination. First Nations culture, fish, furs and gold rush fever—discover them all on this BC tour

Photos by Gillianne Richards, Michael Botner, Bruce Kemp, Laurie Carter and contributed okanaganlife.com spring 2013 5 paul'svoice

The greatest challenges can be

managed with the right team. 1988

At MacKay LLP, we are dedicated to providing our clients with value-added 25 years of memories and cost effective solutions. Our firm’s service is defined by our hands- on approach to client relationships. Through our strong work ethic and commitment to high quality and timely professional service, we can help you Do you remember who was on the successfully navigate through financial waters. cover of the first issue of Okanagan Life? If you don’t have that memory, Audit | Consulting | Tax Compliance | Tax Planning | Accounting you might be surprised to know that your brain most likely does. In this instance, we can find out who was on the cover. In fact, 25 years Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors of Okanagan Life memories can be tested, 500-1620 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna, BC V1Y 9Y2 coached and adjudicated because we tel 250 763.5021 | fax 250 763.3600 | www.mackay.ca have kept copies of each issue. You could read about the Capozzi families, the Kelowna | Vancouver | Surrey | Edmonton | Calgary | Whitehorse | Yellowknife Bennett’s rise to power, David Foster’s Okanagan connections, Duncan Keith’s hockey dream year, Jim Stewart’s cell phone conversation, Judy Tyabji’s baby, the results of 18 Best of theO kanagans and Best Restaurants or thousands of other stories. Such is the preeminent feature of magazines—because they are both tangible and permanent, we can go back and read them again. Scientific studies are providing much evidence that conscious memory Because your smile itself is pretty much an internal rumour. While we are exceptional at storing information, we are poor at retrieving can be amazing too... it. When we look back, the moments we thought we knew do not return clearly; faces get switched, people deleted or added, names edited, locations misattributed and time itself, frozen in puzzlement. We are just beginning to learn how poor our memories really are and that mystifies us humans, because, well, ‘It is not how we remembered it.” Even more mystifying and paradoxical is that new scientific studies are telling us that other regions of the human brain are not only incredibly powerful; they exceed our previously www.simplyamazingsmiles.com 250.762.2521

6 ig spr n 2013 okanaganlife.com paul'svoice held beliefs, by orders of magnitude. How did Daniel Tammet memorize pi to over 22,000 digits and learn a On the prowl again. new language in five days? How do people like actress Marilu Henner remember the vast majority of personal experience and events in her life? The answer is hyperthymesia and while you might forget the name, you must remember it exists. Perhaps brain science is telling us that we are not that different from these savants and that in all likelihood, all human brains are capable of extraordinary tasks and memories, we just don’t realize it yet. New studies point to the amazing power of the visual region of the brain that records billions of memories, but unfortunately, stores them just outside our conscious awareness. MEMBERSHIP NOW AVAILABLE Savants understand that these unconscious images drive most of  New and expanded Clubhouse 2014 our wants, needs and desires in life.  Limited Moorage NOW available Unfortunately, there are many junk scientists making stuff up and  Ask about SOCIAL and CORPORATE that confounds us. The gap widens Memberships now on sale between true science and junk science with scientist’s apparent inability to explain scientific findings in a way that most members of society can understand. Perhaps the biggest barrier to bridging the knowledge gap is within each of us—our own individual reluctance to invest brain energy Don’t miss the 2013 Boat & Leisure Show into trying to understand something Apr. 27 & 28 Everyone Welcome new. Because our brains evolved by www.kelownayachtclub.com finding the easiest solution to any problem, not necessarily the best, we are all cognitive misers. We need to Custom design • Focusing on superior function • Versatility • Finished to fit to your own lifestyle understand that the unconscious mind—is most of the mind. Custom renovations So who was on the cover? He is in this issue, past issues and on our 25th anniversary wine labels! Your powerful unconscious probably knew, but your lazy, conscious self didn’t read the memo. The Murphy Bed Solution With Dream Easy, it is possible to create your dream room that “WORKS” and fits within your budget. Contact us today & let’s talk. John Paul Byrne publisher KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | GRANITE | BEDROOMS [email protected]. www.okanaganlife.com. Mention this add in Okanagan Life and receive a 15% discount Kelowna Showroom Showroom 250.861.3780 www.dreameasykitchens.ca 2443 Highway 97N Toll Free 855.861.3780

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I t’s early Friday morning before the at Waterfront Wines, is hoping his spend no more than your allowance.” shops open when Kelowna Chef Mark local knowledge will put him ahead The allowance is $500 and the task: Filatow comes calling at the back door on the first leg of the competition. match the mystery wine with the perfect of Illichmann’s Meats. It’s day one of “You have to do all your shopping food pairing. Then complete prepara- the Canadian Culinary Championships in Kelowna,” says Head Judge James tions and serve 400 guests at a gala and foodies, Olympians and Canada’s Chatto on the eve of the competi- reception at the lakeside Hotel Eldorado. top chefs have descended on the tion. “You can use all your natural Team Kelowna takes the unmarked Okanagan for a weekend of culi- cunning and ingenuity, you can bottle of red wine and heads to nary mastery. Mark, executive chef haggle and bargain, but you must the restaurant for a late night tast-

T he Winners Gold: Marc St. Jacque, Auberge du Pommier, Toronto Silver: Jamie Stunt, Oz Kafe, Ottawa Bronze: Milton Rebello, Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson Plaza, Regina T he Dishes Plates by Mark Filatow: Mystery Paring: Pork sausage and pierogi (p. 10) Black Box: Pancake and Pear combo Lamb, Bolognese and Stuffed potato crisp. Grand Final: Bar M. Ranch Lamb (pictured) T he Sipping Mystery Wine Competition Opening pour: The View Distraction sparkling wine Mystery wine: Norman Hardie 2010 County Pinot Noir (ON)

The Grand Finale Kelowna: Orofino 2010 Scout Vineyard Syrah Canmore: Joie Farms 2011 Noble Blend Edmonton: Tantalus Vineyard 2010 Chardonnay Saskatoon: Dirty Laundry 2011 Kay-Syrah Regina: See Ya Later Ranch 2010 Pinot Noir Winnipeg: Gray Monk 2011 Gewurztraminer Toronto: Pellar Estates Ice Cuvee (ON) Ottawa: Ashton Brewing Co. la belle terre (ON) Montreal: Malivorie 2011 Gamay (ON) St. John’s: Tawse Winery 2010 Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay (ON)

Best of Show Wines Gold: Black Hills Winery, 2010 Syrah Silver: Tantalus Vineyard, 2010 Chardonnay Bronze: CedarCreek, Platinum Merlot 2009 and Gray Monk, 2011 Gewürztraminer

8 ig spr n 2013 okanaganlife.com pulse

By Yvonne Turgeon

ing. They reach consensus that the Meats, Mark and Wayne are asking for very inexpensive cut, but so tasty and mystery wine is a Pinot Noir. pork belly, knowing the flavour and they’re able to do terrific things with “We opened the wine and we tried it price point is exactly what is needed. it; it lends itself so well to so many with pork, sauerkraut and sweet pota- “Pork belly is very multicultural and a different ways of interpretation. toes, and the very rich flavours ended up lot of different cultures and different “You go to any restaurant now, pork lifting up the wine and making it richer, countries use it,” says manager Judith belly is on the menu in all the trendy bringing everything into balance,” says Mercer. “All the chefs are reinvent- restaurants across Europe and across Waterfront Wines chef Wayne Morris. ing it, using it in different ways than the States,” she says. “It started with Now at the door of Ilichmann’s it has traditionally been used. It’s a the movement to use the whole animal, from snout to squeeze.” Illichmann’s has been serving Kelowna since 1967 and the local family business offers a wide variety of fine deli meats prepared right in the store. Adolf and Theresia Illichmann’s son Thomas has taken the reins and his sons, Jacob and Daniel, are now working in the back while sister Judith manages the storefront. Wholesale orders to local restaurants form a large part of their business as chefs like Mark know it’s the place to go if they want to stand out from the crowd. Later that night, Mark’s creation does not disappoint. Calling on his own Ukrainian heritage, he presents a pork sausage and perigee stuffed with bacon, potato, leek and onion.

clockwise: Chef Mark Filatow; Jennifer Turton- Molgat, The View; the competitors; Mark Filatow; Judith Mercer, Illichmann's Meats.

Photos by Ron Sombilon, Brian Chambers and Yvonne Turgeon. Wine bottle photos contributed. okanaganlife.com spring 2013 9 Clockwise: Olympians Kelsey Serwa and Kristi Richards; Kaitlyn Pittmann helps Team Winnipeg; Tantalus Winery reps; Chef Eden Hrabec with her wine choice, Joie Farms; Wayne Morris and Mark Filatow check the mystery ingredients; artist Barney Bentall.

T he sausage is served on a table- a sausage, but you’ll find the same spoonful of borscht along with a flavours, same carrots, same fennel cucumber roll, a shimiji mushroom, relish and the same potato doughnuts sauerkraut and garnished with we make here in the restaurant.” crunchy bubbles of pork fat. The The potatoes are also locally offering moves Team Kelowna to sourced, grown at Sweet Life Farms, first place after the first night. a regular vendor at both Vernon and Day two brings the black box compe- at the grand finale in Kelowna. Kelowna Farmers’ Markets. Another tition, hosted at the Okanagan College The partnership with the Kelowna popular supplier to the restaurant Culinary Arts School. Faced with only chef and the Silmameen winery is Mission Meats, which brings in 60 minutes on the clock and a box of stems back eight years when Mark beef sides for the spit roasts that get mystery ingredients, Mark and his team purchase Orofino’s very first vin- fired up during the summertime. produce rich sauces of lemon-ginger tage. Tonight, the chosen wine is Growing up in Ontario, Mark came to aioli and cured egg yolk to showcase a Orofino 2010S cout Vineyard Syrah. BC to attend university, but halfway pancake and marinated Anjou pear com- “The grapes are grown 10 minutes through his degree decided he wanted bo. With the seconds ticking down, he south of the winery on an acreage to cook for a living. Graduating from whips up a tasty Bolognese for his sec- owned by a young couple, Murray and culinary school, he’s worked with Chef ond plate and creates an exquisite crisp Maggie Fonteyne,” says John. “The wine Rod Butters at Tofino’s Wickaninnish cylinder of fried potato to showcase is two different clones of Syrah blended Inn and then at Bishop’s and Diva a mix of mashed potato and gruyere, together and you’ll taste black pepper, at the Met in Vancouver. In 2001, he locally sourced from Carmelis Goat black fruit and classic Rhône character- moved to Kelowna to open Fresco (now Cheese Artisan in Kelowna. Running 40 istics. This Syrah is made in the tradi- RauDZ) with Rod and Audrey Surrao seconds over time, Mark faces a penalty tion style of the region of southeastern and serve as sous chef and sommelier. putting the podium just out of reach. France and it has great minerality and Three-and-half years later, Mark A few hours later, Mark is all smiles acid that does really well with food,” was approached to open Waterfront as he stands next to John and Virginia To pair with the big red, Mark created Wines, a perfect sized bistro for Weber of Orofino Vineyard.T hey’re a spicy lamb dish, sourced from the a young chef stepping out on his set to serve 500 plates and glasses Bar M Ranch just south of Ashcroft. own. Now eight years later, he is for the guests arriving at the Delta “The grand finale dish on our menu, one of the culinary elite in Canada, Grand Okanagan. The partnership a Moroccan duo of lamb: braised and with the restaurant’s recent helped place Mark at the top of the shoulder and grilled sirloin,” says expansion to 53 seats inside and podium at the Vancouver Gold Medal Mark. “For the competition, we used 30 on the deck, has plenty of room Plates and the same plate features the neck and shoulder to also make to welcome locals and tourists.

p hotos by Brian Chambers and Yvonne turgeon. Wine bottle photo contributed. 10 ig spr n 2013 okanaganlife.com

inperson Jeffrey Carlisle

fired up leadership

Kelowna fire chief JeffreyC arlisle When Jeffrey retired from the men and women are extraordinary; is a modest man despite his rich military, he went back to school and they do so much in the community.” background. In a career that spans earned his masters degree in leader- Last year Jeffrey applied and decades, he has transferred more than ship. Recently he spent three weeks competed at the national fire academy a dozen times and held every position in Australia teaching firefighters for one of four spots in the Harvard from front line to chief. He moved to from Australia, New Zealand and fellowship program. He got an alter- the Okanagan from Fort McMurray, Hong Kong. “I was coaching deputy nate slot, but is applying again this Alberta, in April of 2008 to become fire chiefs and fire chiefs through a year. If accepted he will spend three Vernon’s fire chief and two years ago program that taught creating orga- weeks at the JFK School of Public accepted the top post in Kelowna. nizational change and the whole Administration, participating in a pro- This forward thinking leader has concept of contemporary leadership.” gram that brings together top leaders been a firefighter since he was a teen- Jeffrey lives contemporary leader- in local government from across the ager. “In 1974 I was recruited into the ship every day with his own crew. “The United States and Canada. “Just getting military,” says Jeffrey. “They had a list Kelowna Fire Department and the that network of those type of leaders of occupations that your aptitude was City of Kelowna are great,” he says. gives you the resources you need when suitable for and I picked firefighter.I “They are very progressive and doing faced with any situation,” he says. was 17 years old and I did not know a fantastic job in a time when it’s However, Jeffrey denies that his what I was getting into. By the summer about restraint and cutbacks. Council goal to participate in this program of 1975 I’d gone through my appren- has a very difficult job and the city points to any political aspirations ticeship training and for whatever manager and his team do a great job.” on his part. “I try to lead by example reason, it just stuck with me. I couldn’t What Jeffrey loves most about instead. In my network, I informally see myself doing anything else.” being Kelowna’s fire chief is the coach a lot of fire officers, not just When Jeffrey was 21, he went to people he works with. “They are an in Kelowna, but folks I’ve been work- Europe and stayed for five years. I“ t extraordinary group. I interviewed ing with in the Okanagan. I can was an amazing education, to go into each of them when I started. I talked see myself doing more of that than a foreign country to work.” Recalling to them about what was important being involved as a politician.” all the transfers and positions over in their work. Openness and trust For the present, Chief Carlisle the years since, he adds, “Twenty-five were extended to me right from the is focused on leading an out- years ago I never would have thought get go. There was a desire by everyone standing team at the Kelowna I’d be the fire chief in Kelowna.” in the department to do better. These Fire Department. —Darcy Nybo

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by Gillianne Richards Art ’n’ a Half Closet artists strut their stuff May 4 & 5

T he master at work. Wielding wet making things, well, kind of beautiful. colourful. He only introduced him- earth between cracks of stone. The Over the years in the quiet of many self to the craft sometime last year, artist, deep in thought, building makeshift studios he would fiddle but you can already tell by the work walls that bide the time before with this or that and teach himself the on the walls and paint on his cheek he returns to his true calling. workings of a dark room or how to that he’s in it for the long haul. Kevin Lousier may not be widely shape a clump of stone into a spiralling “I am a painter that does rock walls known in the art world, but I like to sculpture. He serves an industrious on the side,” he says. I smile and realize think he’s earned a star among the habit, which turns out unassum- I love this wisdom. A voice in the back world’s true artists in some ethereal ing works of art made at the hands of my head quickly decides I am a movie walk of fame. He belongs to a league of a small clock that measures the star who writes magazine articles on of creative souls whose daytime hours ticks and seconds of his spare time. the side. A bit of a stretch perhaps but are spent working as a means to I’ve met many people like Kevin, I’ll run with it. Kevin is not so much the feed the family, but whose midnight closet artists who have incredible dreamer I am though. He’s a doer. Again, oil is fuelled by a different muse. talent, but for one reason or another a trait of the closet artist, someone who For decades it was working behind have never really pursued it as a career. knows how to get things done and do a the gears of a backhoe and most They hold court in the gardens and job well to the end. Almost the oppo- recently turning rubble into garden kitchens of the Okanagan where their site starting point from the stereo- walls that sustains him, along with a paint pots and easels overtake the typical artist who is good at dreaming lifetime of support from his wife, Lori. spots of watering cans and place mats. but not so much at wading through Despite a long history of pushing dirt, The promise of form replacing func- the tedium of making it happen. and a tough outer appearance that says tion and a room of one’s own is slowly The tough part about doing art on he knows the meaning of a hard day’s built in the silence of unpaid time. the side is when you hit the tipping work, his shell belies a deeper sensitiv- Kevin and I sit in his kitchen point on the production line. At some ity that gives him a relentless knack for surrounded by paintings, large and point you want to maybe try to share it.

14 ig spr n 2013 okanaganlife.com How do part-time artists sell their work? Should they just give it away to family and friends or continue to fill their houses?I f you’re not a full time or well established artist, how do you bring your work to the public? Kevin’s answer is both practical and blessed with hope. “I decided to put on my own show.” He pilfered some office space from his son, enlisted the help of his poster packing wife, and built a Facebook page that was soon flooded with artists willing to join him and a handful eager to help. “It was one of those things where you don’t wait for someone else to do it, you do it yourself,” says Kevin. And so he did. This May you can join Kevin and local artists and coordinators Theresa Bishop, Sara Lige, Diana Gillrie and many more for the first annual Art ’n’ a Half. A show for the community that shares the love of art and the effort we take to make it a part of our lives— part-time, full-time, anytime we can. Art ’n’ a Half runs Friday, May 4 and Saturday May 5th at 302–1353 Ellis Street, Kelowna, just across from the library.

Facing page: Creations of a closet artist: works by Kevin Lousier. Below: Kevin Lousier puts the finishing touches on a painting from his first collection.

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Ok anAGAN Ha l l of Fa me r s By Jason Beck

Their athletic exploits Marni Abbott -Peter: An excellent athlete, Marni progressed rapidly and was soon brought us to our feet, Athlete of the Century racing. But one day while doing swelled our hearts Enderby’s Marni Abbott was on her about 75 kilometres per hour speed- way to becoming the next Nancy ing down a run at Silver Star, the with pride, took our Greene. Until age nine, she lived 18-year-old crashed. When she came next door to the woman who would to a stop, Marni realized her legs breath away. Their become Canada’s Female Athlete of wouldn’t move. Not only had she stories have slipped the Century. Naturally, Marni’s first fractured her skull, cheekbone and sports love was skiing, introduced three ribs, but her back was broken from the spotlight, but to the rush of flying down a moun- at the fourth thoracic vertebra. the accomplishments tain slope by her older brother. “I had this understanding within “He enrolled in the ski team and I me, even though I was laying on the of these extraordinary wanted to be just like him,” says Marni. mountain within seconds of break- “I wasn’t going to be the girl who was ing my back, that my life was going Okanagan sports heroes left at home on the couch on Sunday to be different from there on. It was stand the test of time. morning watching Bugs Bunny.” a spiritual sort of experience in a

Photos COURTESY OF BC Sports Hall of fame okanaganlife.com spring 2013 19 way.” Some would have abandoned were these two people that had their sports ambitions right there. everything—balloons, mas- Marni was flown to the GF Strong cots, and all red and white Rehabilitation Centre in Vancouver to and faces painted,” Marni begin the long road of recovery. After laughs. “Everyone kept point- meeting a young Rick Hansen about to ing at these two crazy people embark on his historic Man in Motion and so I get closer and I World Tour, Marni emerged inspired realize it’s my parents!” and with a whole new outlook. In 2005, she married fellow “He’s telling me about how he’s national team veteran Richard going to wheel around the world and Peter. Both have since been I’m thinking to myself, ‘I can’t even inducted into the BC Sports Hall make it to the cafeteria at the end of Fame, served as co-mayors of the hallway,’” she recalls. “If he of the Athlete’s Village at the could do that, then I knew I could 2010 Paralympic Games in do whatever I decided to do, too.” Vancouver, and stand as two of Rather than dwelling on the the most decorated Paralympic overwhelming obstacle placed athletes in Canadian history. abruptly before her, she chose to She currently works for overcome it. “I believe things hap- the BC Wheelchair Basketball pen for a reason, that there are Society, coaches the BC provin- no accidents in life,” she says. cial women’s team, and coor- Besides Rick Hansen and Terry dinates the Let’s Play program Fox, few BC athletes have overcome in BC, which delivers physical more to achieve so much. Within activity programs to children three years of the accident, Marni with and without disabilities. was swimming for Canada at the Like her early role model Pan American Games in Puerto Nancy Greene, Marni has also been Ivan McLelland: Rico, where she won five medals. named an Athlete of the Century, The Golden Goaltender Yet wheelchair basketball is where earning the honour from the BC Marni truly made her mark. She Wheelchair Sports Association Meeting Ivan McLelland today, a quiet, discovered the game in 1988 after in 1999. Nothing better illustrates humble man of 82, you’re struck by a meeting coach Tim Frick and within what she gave to her sport and the sense of calm that seems to surround four years had won a place on the high esteem in which she is held. him. He might be the most “normal” national team. For a dozen years she hockey goaltender you’ll ever meet. In remained a pillar of an internation- Penticton, he’s a living legend. People al dynasty the likes of which the he’s never met say hello to him by sport had never seen. In that time name on the street. Minor hockey Marni and the Canadian women coaches seek him out to speak to won three Paralympic gold med- their teams and the youngsters hang als and one bronze, three straight on his every word. Ivan is friendly, world championship titles, and approachable, level-headed—noth- embarked on an incredible 43-game ing like so many of the clichéd, undefeated streak in Paralympic quirky neurotics who put their and world championship play. bodies in front of 100-mph flying Marni cites being chosen as discs of frozen rubber for a living. Canada’s flag bearer during the On a dysfunctional Penticton Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Vees juggernaut, he was the rock Paralympics as her career highlight. that wouldn’t flinch when the chips She says it was a surreal experience were down. Without knowing his wheeling the maple leaf around backstory, few would pick him the track in front of 80,000 people out of a line-up as the man who made even more special by the fact held the fort during the opening her parents were in the crowd. salvos of the greatest rivalry in “I noticed at the far end there hockey: Canada versus Russia.

Photos COURTESY OF BC Sports Hall of fame 20 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com The Vees represented Canada at the 1955 World Ice Hockey Championships in Germany. Ivan played every minute of an incredible 102 exhibition, league, and playoff games for the Vees on their Cup run. Canadian pride had been bruised the previous year when the Soviet Union embarrassed our team 7–2; the first time the emerging quasi- professional powerhouse knocked Canada off for the world title. Critics said sending the country’s best amateur team was no longer good enough to compete against the best of Soviet Russia—especially a team from tiny Penticton, population approximately 9,000. Apparently Ontario mining town of South Porcupine. If you didn’t the Vees didn’t get the memo. want to end up toiling in a mine your entire life, hockey On March 6, 1955, Ivan and the was one of the few ways out. A New York Rangers scout plucky Penticton boys restored a good spotted him playing Senior A hockey and he was signed deal of Canadian pride in the tour- to the Rangers’ minor league team in Vancouver. Facing page top: nament’s climactic game with a 5–0 The Pacific Coast HockeyL eague Canucks only car- Ivan McLelland in shutout over the Soviets to capture ried one goaltender, so owner Coley Hall dispatched net for the 1954 the world championship. Canadians Ivan to the expansion Penticton Vees in 1951, a town the Penticton Vees. listening at home to Foster Hewitt’s young goaltender had never heard of. No matter, it was Bottom: Ivan radio play-by-play went berserk. Key just going to be a brief stopover—or so he thought. McLelland and Kevin to the Vees’ victory was their unflap- Ivan fell in love with Penticton almost immediately and, Conway in 1995. pable puckstopper, Ivan, who won except for a short spell in Vancouver, he never left. “Coming Above: all eight games for Canada in the from a small mining community to this beautiful setting was Penticton Vees 1955 nine-day tournament, posting a spar- the initial attraction,” says Ivan. “And then the enthusiasm World Champions. Below L–R: kling 0.75 goals against average. of the people in Penticton to hockey. It was like a fairytale.” Robert "Ro" Hindson Ivan’s rise to the pinnacle of Penticton also offered more than picturesque lakes and and Larry Kwong world hockey was just as unlike- fervent fans. Ivan fell in love with Faye, a beautiful girl he will be inducted ly. He was raised in the heart of met his first week in town ice skating at the local pond. into the BC Sports the Depression in the northern They were married for 57 years and raised three children. Hall of Fame in 2013.

In January, two Okanagan athletes were announced as 2013 inductees into the BC Sports Hall of Fame: Naramata’s Robert “Ro” Hindson and Vernon’s Larry Kwong. Hindson is considered one of Canada’s greatest rugby players, an all-round talent who accumulated a then-record 31 international caps. Kwong was the first Chinese-Canadian to play in the NHL when he suited up for the New York Rangers in 1948. These two individuals will be inducted along with the rest of the 2013 induction class at the BC Sports Hall of Fame’s 45th annual Banquet of Champions on September 19, 2013 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

okanaganlife.com spring 2013 21 After getting a serious look from the earlier spotted fellow BC Sports Hall Montreal Canadiens, Ivan retired after of Famers Sandy Robertson and Arnie 396 games in a Vees’ jersey. He turned Hallgren, signed Ted for $4,000. When to coaching minor hockey and was suc- he made his Red Sox debut in 1958, cessful there too, guiding Penticton’s his first major league contract was first-ever midget AAA BC champion- for $8,000. The most he ever received ship team. A young Bob Nicholson, was $16,000, light years from the tens future president and CEO of Hockey of millions thrown around today. Canada, was captain of that team. As the talented rookie found his Ivan later worked as a regional feet on a roster that boasted the leg- manager for Nielson’s Chocolates endary Ted Williams, it became clear and in RV manufacturing. In Ted had an uncanny skill that would 2005, he was inducted into keep any pitcher in the majors. the BC Sports Hall of Fame. He was a Yankee killer. Last year, he self-published a great Among his career highlights, biography of his life entitled Gold Ted underlines one item with rel- Mine to Gold Medal, selling nearly a ish: “Beating the Yankees!” Three thousand copies with no promotion. times that first season he defeated a He donated all proceeds to Penticton’s strong Bronx Bombers team featuring Good Samaritan Society for dementia the likes of Mickey Mantle and Yogi care. Currently, he is pursuing a pub- Berra. “This youth is slick,” said vener- lisher to distribute his story nationwide. able Yankee manager Casey Stengel. As persistent arm and shoulder prob- lems gradually ate away at his shotgun Ted Bowsfield: arm over the next six years, the smoking heater faded and Ted learned to rely on The Penticton Peach a curve and screwball to get by. His best Boston sports writers dubbed overall season came in 1961 going 11-8 him the Penticton Peach, but it’s with the expansion Angels, the only LA safe to say that batters facing Ted er was lucky to play eight games a year starter to post a winning record that Bowsfield’s 105-mph fastball thought for much of his youth, hardly enough year. By age 29, the arm pain was so bad he was anything but sweet. for a pitcher to develop. “I was very for- he hung up his glove for good. He has no Born in Vernon and raised in tunate I made it as far as I did. The odds regrets. “I always felt fortunate that every Penticton, Ted was the first BC ball- of it happening were not too great.” day in the major leagues was a dream player to stick in the major leagues Ted had a number of things in come true. Every day was a blessing.” for an extended period, playing seven his favour. He was a fantastic all- After retiring, Ted managed seasons with the Boston Red Sox, round athlete who excelled in bas- Anaheim Stadium, Seattle’s Kingdome Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels ketball, hockey, and track and field. and the Tacoma Dome. While run- and Kansas City Athletics. He compiled He later turned down basketball ning a consulting business he worked a career win-loss record of 37-39 in scholarships to Gonzaga and Seattle on BC Place Stadium and Toronto’s 215 appearances with 326 strikeouts. University. Penticton was also blessed SkyDome. Today Ted works part-time Ted first started to play catch on with very good semi-pro baseball. as a marshal and junior coordina- visits to his grandparents in Vernon. His By age 15, Ted was playing against tor at Cypress Ridge Golf Course near mother and her two sisters all played men, a tough training ground for a his home in Nipomo, California. on a girls’ baseball team during the war young pitcher learning his craft. Recently, a steady stream of years. “I think my athleticism comes “I could throw hard and I was pretty BC ball players has flowed to the from that side of the family,” he says. wild, but my catcher Sam Drossos was majors. When asked how it feels to Yet it’s a miracle he made it to the big just a wonderful athlete and a great have played some small role in blaz- leagues. There was no Little League in person who could settle me down,” says ing the trail, Ted remains humble. Penticton then, but Ted’s father worked Ted. “To this day we’re still friends.” “They’re good ballplayers and they’ve tirelessly setting up games with teams By his last two years of high school earned their stripes. I give them a in surrounding towns like Hedley, in 1953-54, scouts were circling. His lot of credit for making it there.” Oliver, even Peachland. Ted and his pitches left clouds of smoke and No one knows better than teammates all piled into his father’s old confounded hitters. Boston’s north- the Penticton Peach how Hudson and off they’d go. The lefthand- west scout Earl Johnson, who had tough that road can be.

Photos COURTESY OF BC Sports Hall of fame 22 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com The Amazing Family Athans: BC’s Greatest Sports Clan

Dr. George Athans’ buddies teased him about the rural cottage he bought “out in the boonies” overlook- ing Okanagan Lake. But they weren’t teasing for long. Besides beautiful surroundings and a wise move finan- cially, Dr. Athans suddenly owned an unmatched natural playground perfect for raising a young, sports-minded family—the greatest our province and arguably our country have known. a gold and silver in 1950. He then “We were living the Okanagan ver- retired to focus on his medical prac- sion of the Beach Boys,” says eldest son tice and served as Canadian diving George Jr. “A constant stream of 60s coach at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. rock music, hangin’ out on the beach, George first met Irene Hartzell at water skiing, swimming and diving. aquatic competitions in the late 1930s. We thought everyone lived like that.” Irene, who was Manitoba diving cham- Son of pioneering Greek-Canadian pion and self-taught five-time Canadian parents, George grew up near synchronized swimming title-holder, Vancouver’s Jericho Beach. He became also swam nationally. The couple mar- one of Canada’s best divers, earn- ried in 1950 and moved to Kelowna, ing renown far beyond Vancouver. familiar to both because of its world- Legendary tales are still spun of his famous Regatta. After taking a break to diving off the Burrard Street Bridge. He raise three boys, Irene returned to com- represented Canada at two Olympic petitive masters swimming in her late Games in tower and springboard—the 50s and won piles of Canadian titles first in Berlin in 1936 at age 15. At the plus a few age group world records. 1948 London Olympics, he saved the Here’s Breakfast!... Canadian Olympic Association thousands by pulling double duty as both competing athlete and team doctor. Facing page: Ted Bowsfield baseball cards. At the 1938 British Empire Games, he Above: George Athans Jr. Here’s Lunch!... won two bronze medals and added Below: The Athans family in the early 1970s.

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Photos COURTESY OF Athans Family Collection okanaganlife.com spring 2013 23 Background: Family patriarch and diving champion George Athans in 1948 competition. Right top: Water skiing champion George Athans Jr. Right below: Downhill skier and Olympian Greg Athans.

continued to set masters swimming records into her 80s and still lives in Kelowna at age 90. George Jr. runs “I like to say that Nike stole my After diving and water skiing very his own Montreal-based TV and film mom’s slogan: ‘Just do it,’” jokes successfully in his teens, youngest production and communications com- youngest son Gary. “She just went son Gary chose the thrill of downhill pany. Gary is one of the Okanagan’s out and did it without thinking ski racing. He spent eight years on the most successful residential realtors. too much about it. She probably Canadian alpine ski team highlighted If there were a Canadian hall of has more titles than all of us.” by representing Canada at the 1984 fame for entire families, the Athans clan George and Irene encouraged Winter Olympics where he finished would certainly be included—by unani- the boys, but let them choose their 20th in the downhill. That season he mous first-ballot vote. On quantity, qual- own paths. George Jr. won the world was ranked 17th in the world. After ity and diversity, even other great ath- water skiing championship twice retiring he worked at Big White and letic family acts like the Hulls, Patricks, (1971, 1973), held the Canadian title for Whistler and ran a water skiing school. Howes, Sutters or Staals don’t stack up. 10 years and was one of the young- “We grew up in the right environ- So what does it feel like to est Order of Canada recipients ever ment at the right place at the right be considered BC’s and arguably at age 21. Forced into early retire- time,” says George Jr. “If you wanted Canada’s first family of sport? ment by a knee injury, he was a CBC to be involved in sports, what bet- “It gives me a tingle up my spine,” sports commentator for 16 years. ter place than a lake in front of you, says Gary. Greg became a freestyle skiing pio- five ski hills within forty minutes’ “It’s quite the tribute,” agrees neer before the discipline was added to drive, and other athletic facilities. All George Jr. the Winter Olympics. The undisputed you had to do was apply yourself.” And the family history doesn’t best of his era, he won four world over- Today, downtown Kelowna has appear to be complete. Gary’s son all titles, two world mogul champion- crowded in around the Athans fam- Isaac has won Okanagan skiing ships and one world ballet crown. He ily home, once considered “out in the events, while 12-year-old Marcus was also an accomplished water skier, boonies.” Dr. Athans passed away in won the Canadian junior waterski- winning eight national titles. Following 2007 at the age of 86, a year after his ing championship last summer. retirement, he became one of Canada’s middle son Greg succumbed to dia- Look out, the next generation has leading professional photographers. betes complications at age 51. Irene taken up the Athans family torch.

Photos COURTESY OF Athans Family Collection 24 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com Compare... before you decide

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The Hazeltons/Ksan fish, furs and gold rush fever—discover them Fort St. James Prince Rupert all on this Northern BC Prince George Skidegate/ tour. It’s just one option Haida Gwaii Barkerville for exploring your own backyard in a province British Columbia that’s bigger than Britain and France combined. Port Hardy N Day trip or expedition, Kelowna get out there and W E Nanaimo take a look. S Vancouver Circle

Story and photos by Laurie Carter

Haida Heritage Centre, Haida Gwaii 26 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com Balance Rock.

Traditional Haida motif, canoes and pole carvings at Haida Heritage Centre. Haida Gwaii Shadows cast by the mellow eve- sive waves of smallpox depopulated ning light sharply defined the whole villages, reducing the popula- ridges, rolls and peaks to the west tion by as much as 90 per cent. Bill of the ferry landing at Skidegate Reid is remembered for helping to on Graham Island. This is the larg- reclaim that heritage with his famed est and most northerly of the 150 canoe Loo Taas. A major focus of some islands that make up the Haida our trip was to learn more about Gwaii archipelago also known as current canoe carvers and to inves- the Queen Charlotte Islands. Driving tigate Haida culture in general. the few kilometres into the ambi- We took advantage of a rare tiously named Queen Charlotte City, sunny day to start by photograph- I was immediately struck by indi- ing a replica of Loo Taas, floating cators of the region’s independent at a mooring in the bay facing the spirit—a selection of roadside signs glass and beam longhouses of the that left no doubt about local atti- Haida Heritage Centre. We spent tudes toward a northern pipeline. time shooting the outdoor totem Not that independence is a surpris- poles, but didn’t explore the inte- ing characteristic for people who live rior exhibits because we planned to at the farthest edge of Canada, separat- return for the Loo Taas 25th anni- ed from mainland BC by often-stormy isolation by carving superb canoes to versary celebration in two days. Hecate Strait. For millennia before con- carry their expert paddlers on regular We spent those days exploring tact the Haida made such a handsome trading missions to the area of pres- along Highway 16, a coastal road living from the abundant sea that ent day Prince Rupert and as far along squeezed between pebble beaches their population likely topped 10,000 the coast as Alaska and Mexico. and the practically impenetrable and they had plenty of free time for The art and skill of canoe carv- forest of towering cedar and spruce artistic pursuits. They developed a ing was nearly lost, along with so before it swings inland to the village distinct language and mastered their much of Haida culture, as succes- of Port Clements and finally north to

okanaganlife.com spring 2013 27 Masset and, at the top of the island, the Haida village of Old Masset. There we met renowned argillite carver, Christian White, who is equally well known for his work in wood, including poles and canoes. He was immensely generous with his knowledge of Haida people and ways, illustrating every major point with a story, his delivery echoing the oral tradition of his ancestors. Christian passed us off to John Bennett, a carver and boat builder who invited us to join his family for Friday night dinner, Haida style: fresh crab, three Harbour at Queen Charlotte City. salmon dishes, vegetables and huck- leberry pie. Later we spent the night with Christian’s cousin, April White, an engineer turned artist whose work lines the walls of her Eagles Feast House B&B and sells from major galleries. In our travels we found that art- istry is imbedded in the Haida DNA. We expected talent from Christian, John and April. But then there was the two-storey totem in John’s living room, carved as an Emily Carr Replica of Bill Reid's canoe Loo Taas. art school project by his son, and the eye-popping textiles designed by his wife Joyce who has been exhibited at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. At the Haida Centre, interpreters and even the manager all mentioned aspirations to attend or having already attended Emily Carr in addition to other degrees and qualifications. And Haida Heritage being a part of the celebration at the Centre built Haida Centre drove the point home in the style of even more strongly as every generation the traditional proudly paraded in their best regalia. longhouse. Seeing the living culture of today made our daytrip Moresby Explorer Haida Watchman boat tour from Morseby Island to Walter Russ and his wife Mary at the abandoned village of K’uuna K'uuna Llanagaay Llanagaay (Skedans) on Louise Island (Skedans). even more poignant. As Haida watchman Walter Russ escorted us around the site, explaining the purpose and original appearance of the few standing poles and moss-covered remnants fast being reclaimed by the forest, I was haunted by the specter of a great culture nearly destroyed—and Haida man dressed for celebrations immensely heartened by it current at the Haida Heritage Centre. strength and sense of renewal.

28 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com Haida ceremonial dancers. Carver Christian White is widely known for his work in argillite and wood.

Eagles are a common sight on Haida Gwaii. Haida carver John Bennett with a cedar log destined to become a canoe.

John Bennett canoe in progress.

Starting young.

Historic photo of mortuary pole Poles at abandoned village of Partially carved canoe abandoned in the forest. at Skedans. Skedans inspired Emily Carr. Craftsmen likely died in smallpox epidemic.

Wildlife sighting on Moresby Explorer expedition to Skedans.

Next generation Roadside sign makes political statement. in full regalia.

okanaganlife.com spring 2013 29 Highway 16 We reconnected with Highway 16 for a railway that would eventually on the mainland, leaving the Haida become the Canadian National. behind to meet their neighbours Another aspect of coastal his- and trading partners the Tsimshian, tory is preserved just down the Gitxsan and Carrier peoples and to highway in Port Edward at the explore the beginnings of modern BC. North Pacific Cannery National The city of Prince Rupert was a Historic Site. Established in 1889, huge surprise. From the activity of the cannery operated for almost a fishing boats in the harbour and the century and is the oldest remain- towering derricks of the container ing fish cannery on the West Coast Prince Rupert's Cow Bay. port (seen from the ferry), I had the of North America. I was intrigued idea this was purely a working by the social history of the annual town. I thought the only interesting cannery lifestyle, where Chinese, tourist feature would be Cow Bay, Japanese and First Nations work- where herds of day tripping Alaska ers each played very separate roles cruise passengers crowd the cafés under Euro-Canadian management. and shops on port day. But driving On the drive east, more roadside around, we found streets of attrac- signs declared environmental and tive houses and downtown, the political opinions and reminded us knockout art deco city hall deco- of the tragic events associated with rated in unique aboriginal motifs. the “highway of tears.” We moved Near the harbour, the Museum into Gitxsan territory and the Ksan of Northern BC is constructed in Village at the Hazeltons. Here a guide the style of the traditional long- escorted us through Eagle, Wolf, house. It displays treasures of the Fireweed and Frog longhouses (named Tsimshian along with exhibits that for the Gitxsan clans) where the tang explain Prince Rupert’s connection of wood smoke touched the air as with the Titanic and how the city sound and light shows revealed the came into being as the terminus structure and lifestyle of the people. Main processing plant.

Fish dock at North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site. Machine illustrates racial elements of the canning industry.

Longhouse at Ksan Historical Village and Museum. Mariners Memorial, Prince Rupert. North Pacific Cannery.

30 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com okanaganlife.com spring 2013 31 The other highlight of the Hazeltons is the Visitor Centre, where kitschy figures represent different aspects of the local economy and JF serves twice-fried ambrosia from his chip truck. Travelling on through history, Highway 16 often parallels ancient transportation routes that took on huge significance during the fur trade era. A short side-trip brought us to the Fort St. James National Historic Site. Founded in 1806 by Simon Fraser for the Northwest Company, the fort was the second permanent post west of the Rockies. It played an important role in Fraser’s preparations for his 1808 expedition to explore the river he hoped was the Columbia, but that now bears his name. The Northwest and Hudson Bay companies merged in 1821 and from then until it ceased operations in 1952, Fort St. James was a pivotal Hudson Bay fur trading post. The site is restored to represent the year 1896 with interpreters setting the scene. I got so involved in conversa- Costumed interpreter in the Officers' House (B&B) at Fort St. James. tion with Violet Prince, who greeted Violet Prince welcomes visitors to the me in her native Carrier language at Men's House in the Carrier language. the Men’s House, and her daughter-in- law Lindsay Sam in the Trade Store, that I missed the chicken races—but I did get a fresh-baked ginger snap in the Officers’ House. And I learned something that several university courses on the fur trade had failed to impress on me. For at least half of the post’s long history, dried salmon supplied by the Carrier was the staple diet. Without help from the indigenous peoples, fur traders would quite simply have starved. Lyle Penner tells the story of Chief Kw'eh and James Douglas. I also heard a couple of ver- sions of the story of legendary Fort St. James Chief Kw’eh sparing the life of played a pivotal role James Douglas, the man would oth- in the fur trade. erwise not have become first governor of the newly formed colony of British Columbia in 1858. My big disappointment at Fort St. James was learning too late that we could have stayed overnight in the Officer’s House Lindsay Sam in the Trade Store. B&B. Next time for sure.

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The happy town drunk.

Miss Playfair demonstrates gold panning.

Street players make Barkerville lively. Mr. Grimsby

Barkerville To complete the circle, we made Williams Creek, Barkerville was sulted our daily activities schedule, the big swing south onto Highway born. As a veteran of historic towns we’d decided to join the Chinatown 97 at Prince George, but only for a from Williamsburg to Upper Canada tour. Archeologist Ying-Ying Chen quick run to Quesnel, where a hard Village, I’m here to say that the larg- guided us on an utterly fascinat- left took us into the mountains est historic site in our province ing walk through Cino-Euro rela- and our final stop on the heritage is top drawer, with over 100 his- tions in colonial times. Startling to trail. We pulled into Barkerville toric structures still standing and our Euro-centric worldview was the six days after the 150th anniver- a cast of characters who wrote the notion that the Chinese regarded sary of the gold strike Billy Barker book on bringing history to life. the indigenous people with favour registered on August 21, 1862. We’d been warned to budget because they belonged there, while Gold fever had already reached two days for our visit and getting our Euro-ancestors were foreign epidemic proportions. The Fraser smarter after the disappointment devils to be kept at bay. According Valley gold rush of 1858 had led to at Fort St. James, booked accom- to Ying-Ying, the segregated the creation of the colony of British modations onsite at the Kelly and Chinatown was as much their idea Columbia to ward off American King House B&B, right on Main as it was that of their neighbours. expansionism. The first strikes Street across from St. Saviour’s Working our way backwards to in Cariboo country were made in Church and the schoolhouse. the Barkerville orientation, we began 1859 and 1860, but the rush didn’t “Wecome to Cariboo” proclaimed to meet the cast of street players who gain momentum until word got a sign in Chinese characters over the would speak to us in terms of “my out in 1861. Then, stand back. arch that separates Chinatown from time (1862)” and “your time (2012)”. We With Billy Barker’s strike on the rest of Barkerville. Having con- chatted with them so frequently that

34 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com Costumed interpreters conduct tours and interact with visitors.

The Cornish waterwheel.

Judge Begbie and his clerk, O'Brien, hold court.

Fool's gold.

Ying-Ying Chen in Chinatown. Wagon ride.

they finally broke down and talked seasons at the historic site. ing wives so the men could settle frankly about real life at Barkerville. Barkerville is a small world down to family life. But Florence One player who lives in nearby indeed. Attilla Kallai, the lively, had other ideas. What a story! Wells and moves to Barkerville for loveable drunk we dubbed Johnny A session in court where Judge the summer, said the end of the Depp, turned out to be engaged to Matthew Baillie Begbie (Timothy season is like “having a Victorial Tracy Froese, the lady in red. And Sutherland) soundly upbraided me for rug pulled out from under you.” James Douglas (no relation to the taking a photo without asking, “May Miss Playfair (Lynette Candy), former colonial governor), who man- I,” wrapped up in the saloon where we whose lively repartee with Mr. ages the place, has produced twin shared a pint with his honour and his Grimsby (Dave Brown) at the Cornish actors-of-the-future with Danette clerk Peter O’Reilly (Stewart Cawood), waterwheel keeps even fidgety kids Boucher—The Bride of Barkerville. both long-term Barkerville veterans riveted, said, “I put my first dress Talk about entertainment with and passionate about their roles. Like [costume] on when I was five.” Her lots of laughter and a few tears. the other players, they’ve meticulously dad was chief conservator. As a kid, Danette’s one-woman show depict- researched their characters and these Lynette and the 19 other kids on site ing the life of Florence Wilson so two were quick to defend Begbie, had to be in school in the morning, enthralled me that I came home who they assert was unjustly known but “afternoons we were expected and bought a book about the bride as “the hanging judge,” but who did to be at a display being helpful.” ships. Yes, Florence’s tale is the bring law and order to the colony, Mr. Grimsby’s been on the water- story of a woman brought to this For great family entertainment wheel for 25-plus seasons and the country to help stabilize the over- and easy-learning history, no British two of them have wracked up 52 whelmingly male society by provid- Columbian should miss Barkerville.

okanaganlife.com spring 2013 35 Vital Link

BC Ferries operates crucial links for in to a sudden impulse and headed for included their shore accommodations. any Northern BC circle tour. For me, the purser’s desk. What a difference it We dashed to the railings to watch the 15-hour Inside Passage cruise made to abandon laptops and at least eagles, porpoises, humpbacks and, to from Port Hardy at the northern tip some of our camera gear and move freely me the biggest thrill, a rare sea otter of Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert on deck throughout the day. And I can’t lolling on its back in the gentle swell. on the North Coast was a voyage I’d say enough about the opportunity to We didn’t bother taking in the longed to make. And I was equally stretch out on a comfy bunk to write my afternoon movie in The Raven Lounge, excited about the crossing of the poten- notes and snatch a little nap. In future, but I did browse the well-stocked gift tially wild Hecate Strait from Prince I’ll definitely book a cabin in advance. shop, we ate breakfast and lunch in the Rupert to Skidegate on Haida Gwaii. Apparently the stars were in perfect Canoe Cafe and treated ourselves to A heavy overcast and remnants of alignment that day, because an hour table linens, Okanagan wine and a top- a light drizzle didn’t augur well for the into the voyage, patches of blue began to drawer buffet in the Vista Restaurant scenic element of our trip on Northern appear behind rips in the clouds. From for dinner, complete with dolphin sea- Expedition as we boarded in the dark. then until the dazzling sunset, we sailed show beyond the expansive windows. The vessel felt different from the short- under clear skies. For a time we lounged After a shoreside overnight in Prince trip ferries between the mainland and on the sheltered sun deck, chatting Rupert, I got us fixed up with a cabin the Island as we sought the passenger with passengers we would meet again first thing when we boarded Northern lounges via passages lined with num- the next day on the run to Haida Gwaii. Adventure heading for Haida Gwaii. bered cabins. I was kicking myself for One family was on a combination of This voyage offered less mountain not investigating this option, then gave BC Ferries Vacations package tours that scenery, but I did get to know one par- ticular humpback very well. We sailed from sunny warmth in Port Hardy through a cool damp wall of fog to more sunshine beyond. The waters of Hecate Straight remained obstinately peaceful (I love a good blow) and sunset gold touched the totems on the shoreline near Skidegate seven hours One of several whale sightings aboard later. It was great knowing we still had Northern Adventure sailing from the return trip to look forward to. Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii. On this trip I ticked three items off my bucket list—the Inside Passage, Haida Gwaii and Barkerville—and realized that other stops should have been on it. In BC, there’s just so much to discover.

Sailing into a fog bank as we leave Prince Rupert. Lighthouse stations on the Inside Passage.

Taking in the scenery from the sun deck.

Northern Expedition loading at Port Hardy for the Inside Passage run to Prince Rupert.

36 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com

Tee up for great golf Just when you think you’ve finally managed to tackle Courses throughout our region every challenge that local golf courses can throw at your provide a wide range of amenities to drivers, wedges and putters, another course opens up. complement your golf experience. In little more than a decade, the Okanagan has evolved Highly qualified pros (including a from a good place to work in a round on the week- former LPGA player), offer private end to a full-fledged international golf destination. and group instruction. Whether Course designers must think they’ve died and gone you’re picking up a club for the first to heaven with the wealth of varied terrain. I person- time, trying to correct that nasty ally wish they’d stick to wide flat fairways on the Valley slice or honing your short game, floor, but it’s easy to see why they can’t resist the potential there’s nothing like a lesson from for elevated tee boxes, tumbling water hazards, pine for- an expert to ramp up your play. est or sagebrush roughs, and accuracy-testing approaches Our courses offer well-stocked pro dog legging around rocky outcrops and canyon walls. shops, excellent practice facilities and Fabled names among course designers like Nicklaus, food service options from snack shacks Furber, Cooke, Trent Jones and Norman are linked with to fine dining. Time to polish up the our links and they’ve tested the best in the sport. I can clubs and start swinging. —Laurie Carter still feel the thrill of seeing Garcia, Couples, Mickelson and Weir tee up for the first of two PGA Skins Games hosted by one of the Okanagan’s premier venues. Options for play are as varied as the landscape with enough friendly 9-hole layouts and tee placements on even the toughest championship courses to give us high-handicappers a chance to save a little face. Our great climate means we’re used to a long season here. At this time of year we face some pretty tough choices when the links are open and there’s still great snow in the alpine. But really, you know you’re ready to start warming up that swing. It’s easy to get into the habit of playing the neighbour- hood course, but that leaves so many fairways and greens unchallenged. Now’s the time to make a New (Golf) Year’s resolution to try at least a few different courses throughout the Okanagan—and there’s even more variety when you trek a little north and check out venues in the Shuswap where a whole different array of lake and mountain views make it tough to keep your mind on the game.

Photos Laurie carter and contributed 38 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com Celebrating 100 years Public welcome Banquets and meetings The Harvest Grille Casual setting, spectacular view… & a menu to tempt every palate

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okanaganlife.com spring 2013 39 highspirits

Murray Jones, Platinum Bench Estate Winery, Black Sage Road. Meritage by Michael Botner backgrounder When you know the origin, it’s easy to say the word. Skip the fancy French inflection. Meritage rhymes with heritage.

The name “meritage” originated in single varietals such as Cabernet primarily in California, and changed California when a group of wineries Sauvignon or Merlot as long as the its name to The Meritage Alliance. wanted to create their own unique name wines contained at least 75 per cent of A number of BC wineries have for red and white Bordeaux-style wines. the grape on the label. But they did not bought into the Meritage concept Bordeaux as a brand is akin to recognize high quality Bordeaux-style and a few have joined the alliance. As Champagne, jealously guarded and blends made by meticulously combining long as the BC wineries are part of the strictly regulated by the French different varieties to get the best out of Vintners Quality Alliance program, Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system, each. The result, which varies depend- they can describe a wine as Meritage which covers everything from grape ing on vintage, terroir, barrel aging on the label if the wine is composed of varieties used, viticultural methods and so on, reflects the skill and talent a blend of two or more of the named and yield restrictions to minimum of the winemaker, the highest expres- varieties and one of those variet- alcoholic content and winemaking sion of the winemaker’s liquid art. ies does not exceed 90 per cent. techniques for each area. In principle, When a small number of Napa For a red wine, the blend includes the standards—and quality—are high- Valley wineries formed The Meritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, est for wines at the top of the pyramid, Association in 1988, they selected the Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenêre which represent only one or two per name (an amalgam of merit, for the best and two others of minor significance. cent of the region’s total production. quality wines produced by the winery, Similar rules apply to white Bordeaux- Rules in the United States, enforced and heritage, for the Bordeaux tradition style blends, using Sauvignon Blanc, by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, of blends) by way of a contest. By 2009, Sémillon and Muscadelle, some- Firearms and Explosives, allowed for it had grown to over 250 members, times called Sauvignon Vert.

Photo by michael botner 40 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com Highlighting a selection of red wines inspired by traditional Bordeaux varieties, sometimes called Meritage reds, the five star rating system stresses value for price.

HEAVEN’S GATE PLATINUM BENCH 2010 REVELATION 2010 BENCHMARK RED Summerland, Okanagan Valley Oliver, Okanagan Valley HHHH1/2 $24.90 HHHH1/2 $24.90 Recently-minted winery has hit a Spicy elegance is the hallmark of this home-run with this sensational blend intriguing blend, which includes a of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and small quantity of Gamay Noir with the Merlot. Complex palate delivers richly- usual varieties. It features nuances of textured, concentrated, layered flavours cassis, black cherry, cocoa, chili pepper, M iCHAL Mosny tobacco and leather backed by chalky of fruit and nut cake with butterscotch Winemaker and viticulturist and mint. Pair with filet mignon. tannins. Try beef in a mole sauce. Sonoran Estate Winery

The Okanagan lures winemakers from around the world, but Michal Mosny, who arrived in April 2012, is likely the only one from Slovakia where winemaking dates to the seventh century BC. With courses in 3 MILE CHÂTEAU LA GORCE business and economics under his belt, his 2010 CABERNET MERLOT MÉDOC, CRU BOURGEOIS experience includes running a small family- Penticton, Okanagan Valley Blaignan, Bordeaux owned “hobby” winery and working as an HHHH $24.90 HHHH1/2 $24.95 international standards analyst and internal Delectable blend of Merlot, Cabernet Splendid, non-classified Bordeaux red quality auditor at Hubert J.E., Slovakia’s largest Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Médoc’s northern tongue shows wine company and said to be the first outside features succulent plum, black cherry plump fruit, refined personality. Flavours France to make sparkling wines using the and raspberry fruit, and notes of milk suggest blueberry, black currant, black original champagne method. After a stint at chocolate, white pepper, cedar and tomato cherry, olive, mocha, cedar and pencil Kettle Valley Winery in Naramata, he moved purée, framed by ripe, round, creamy shavings, supported by chalky tannins. across the lake to Summerland’s Sonoran tannins. Pairs with poultry, pork and lamb. Accompanies roast lamb or beef. Estate Winery. A challenging year, Michal spent 2012 “visiting a lot of wineries and learning about the different wine styles and growing conditions,” while navigating a new, more open and friendly work arrangement. “Here I am the winemaker, but I also work in the vineyard with the owner, Arjan Smits, who MC WATTERS COLLECTION 2009 SEVEN STONES likes to do most everything by hand.” The MERITAGE, SUNDIAL VINEYARD 2008 STANDING ROCK MERITAGE use of irrigation was the biggest difference Oliver, Okanagan Valley Cawston, Similkameen Valley for him. “When to turn it on and off is crucial,” HHHH1/2 $29.99 HHHH1/2 $32 he says. Pouring some samples of his Reflecting Black Sage terroir, classy A small dose of Petit Verdot, one of promising 2012 wines, still in tank or barrel, red Meritage serves up richly-textured the five main Bordeaux varieties, adds is the best indicator of his skills: an off-dry plum, black currant and fruit, notes of depth and spiciness to this superlative Gewürtzraminer with incisive tropical fruit, mocha, licorice, black pepper, cedar, blend. It features layered, velvety, spice, floral and mineral; a ripe, rich Pinot tobacco and vanilla, bolstered by fine, concentrated raspberry, plum, black Blanc showing tropical fruit, tree fruit and ripe, puckery tannins. Recommended currant, violets, mint, cigar box and grapefruit; a stylish, exuberant Rosé; and a with raspberry cured duck breast. tar. Likes rich meat or tomato sauce. knock-out Merlot suggesting black forest cake.

Photos by michael botner okanaganlife.com spring 2013 41 whoamongus

Photo by Bruce Kemp 42 spring 2013 okanaganlife.com whoamongus

by Bruce Kemp Eat a rainbow, today

Colour-coding is a terrific way to get picky kids to make healthy food choices. Nine-year-old Hannah Robertson and her parents, Kia and Jamie, have dreamed up some cool ways to show kids and parents how it works

As international news headlines warn wrote The Rainbow Bunch, the first book inbow.com/videos/featured-videos) of childhood obesity and related in a planned series, to back up the for his Food Revolution program diseases, an Okanagan nine-year- message of eating different colours. to teach kids (and adults) about the old and her mom are taking action The basic message is that all plants benefits of eating good foods. to help kids achieve a healthy atti- contain phytonutrients, chemicals that But Hannah also developed her tude toward eating, with their Today help to keep people healthy if eaten own fan base and started mak- I Ate a Rainbow books and videos. regularly. Different plants contain dif- ing personal videos for other kids Kia Robertson admits that it’s ferent phytonutrients as indicated by to help them with private eating tough to get kids excited about eat- the colour of the fruits and vegetables issues. Her biggest fan is Ellie-May ing fruit and vegetables. Even though they produce. So to get a balanced from Ireland, but she has also made daughter Hannah isn’t a picky eater diet it makes sense to eat a rainbow of short videos for kids as far away as (she was already choosing carrots the five different colour groups — red, Australia and as close as Calgary. over carrot cake at the age of two), orange, yellow, green and purple — daily. Private videos can sometimes be Kia confesses to struggling with her Today I Ate A Rainbow is a family as little as two minutes in length, own leftover, childhood pickiness. adventure in good health, publishing but they inspire and offer alterna- Then she read that kids really and videography. Public interest grew tives to junk food. In one case she benefit from eating multiple from posts on Facebook and Twitter. introduced a girl in Calgary to frozen colours of fruit and veggies during Because Jamie was already in the com- bananas as a replacement for some the day— and that started it. mercial Internet video business, it of the junk food she was eating. Kia and her husband Jamie pro- wasn’t a big leap to videos on YouTube The family have now created a duced a chart with magnetic stick-ons and eventually their own website. kit containing the chart, with colour because at the time Hannah was into Hannah is a nine-year-old cutie tracking magnets, and the book. Plans charts. “Little kids really like the moti- with real Pippi Longstocking appeal, are in the works for a new book to vation and feeling of accomplishment making her a natural on camera. So far be released this summer called Picky, they get from completing everything they’ve made six videos and attracted Picky Pippa about a picky eater and how on a [daily progress] chart,” says Kia. the attention of celebrity chef Jamie she overcomes her unhealthy habits. From there the project just seemed Oliver, who asked them to appear in Eventually, the goal is to pro- to evolve. The mom and daughter duo a clip last spring (www.todayiateara- duce six more publications based

1 10 10 8 8 am7 am am pm pm pm

S hooting day: Hannah and Work out a rough Shop for ingredients for the Hannah and Kia appear Hannah heads to bed Kia writes promos Kia have breakfast then script and develop day’s recipe. Prepare the on camera while Jamie while Kia and Jamie for Twitter, Facebook select outfits for the shoot, shooting schedule. set (family kitchen) and handles videography. After edit the day’s footage. and Pinterest. trying not to duplicate gather props needed for the shoot, clean up the set Kia sends their work to the broadcast. Rehearse and have family dinner. independent Kelowna clothes that have been the day’s production. film editorN eil Slattery seen on previous videos. to finish the process.

okanaganlife.com spring 2013 43 whoamongus

on the characters in the first book in the series. The characters will offer kids strategies that they can adopt to address issues like cook- ing, gardening, fitness and obesity. New books will follow the style of the original with rhyming text and colourful illustrations. Kia does most of the writing and Hannah consults. Kia arranges to print her work with a print-on-demand company in Kelowna. Kia was trained as a professional massage therapist prior to her col- laboration with Hannah. She had no writing or video experience and turned to husband Jamie for advice on both videography and printing (he worked at a printing company before setting out on his own). Hannah attends North Glenmore Elementary School, which she loves, and says her Grade 4 teacher, Mrs. Letkeman, is “the best teacher in the world. She’s nice and funny and we do awesome projects.” Hannah already knows she would like to work in the newspaper business when she finishes her education, but for the moment she contents herself JOIN US with her online celebrity. Work on her food-related projects—like the videos— MAY 3, 4 & 5 is relegated exclusively to Saturdays. That way Kia and Jamie have the time TO SUPPORT CANADIAN to work with her, and the pressure of homework can be dealt with on Sunday. CANCER SOCIETY Look for links to Hannah’s videos and learn more about helping your kids to healthy eating habits at www.TodayIAteARainbow.com.

2013’s event is 2 day road tour that travels through the Okanagan’s scenic communities, with stops along the way. Vehicles will be show standard and will be attending from different areas of Western Canada. Participation this year is limited to 125 vehicles. Special events include a wine and cheese evening upon registration at the Marriott Fairfield Inn Suites in Kelowna, a Dinner Dance at the Rutland Centennial Hall with resident band “The Goods” and special guests, and a trip back in time on the Kettle Valley Railway on the sunday part of the tour before heading back for an award ceremony back in Kelowna to announce the winner of the inaugural Ray Hossay Memorial Car Club Challenge. Ad donated by Okanagan Life Magazine

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okanaganlife.com spring 2013 45 rearview by Shannon Linden

Happy camper Roof and a loo spell luxury in the great outdoors

Let me tell you about the Taj Mahal. I’m not talking about the for—trailer. I excitedly outfit- world-renowned jewel of cultural and architectural heritage ted it with matching plastic plates in Agra, India. I speak of the colossal and architecturally past- and cups and bowls and real wine its-prime purple-striped travel trailer adorning our driveway. glasses from the Dollar Store. I’ve camped all my life. Growing up, we went to a remote river There’s a little fridge with a little freez- location on Vancouver Island. The water was icy cold but crys- er and, best of all, a little loo. Complete tal clear. There were trails to hike and an old suspension bridge with a single sink and a tiny toilet, we mercilessly terrorized my mother with, running, jumping there’s even a small shower stall. Mind and fearlessly flinging ourselves from side to swinging side. you, if you take the time to shave your Mom spent days stocking our camper with life-saving provi- legs, the water tank drains pretty fast. sions from antibiotic cream and bug spray to the most delectable On our maiden voyage we hit Dutch junk food known to child-kind. There were chips, Cheezies, marsh- Lake, intent upon exploring the Wells mallows and—gasp—pop! But we kids celebrated the cereal most. Grey area with good friends. Confined Greedily garnering the baby-sized boxes, my brother to a tiny camper with two teens, Jillian and I scoffed at token healthy selections like Rice Krispies made her way across the double site and Raison Bran, ripping into the Fruit Loops, magi- to our spacious abode. Sitting across cally delicious Lucky Charms and any other candy-coated from one another at my kitchen table, crunchiness that turned the milk pink. Such delica- chopping sweet peppers for salad, stir- cies were not permitted in our pantry at home. r i n g a l i t t l e t o n i c i n t o g i n , s h e w a v e d Is it any wonder I grew up to marry an avid outdoorsman? her drink into the air. “Would you There’s just one petite problem. My kind of camping includes a sol- look at this place?” she said. “I’m in the id roof over my head and a door that locks. My husband’s version? (bleeping) Taj Mahal.” It wasn’t holy You pack in what you need—shelter and camping cereal included. water, but the Taj was christened. Say what? Five years later, the Taj has taken I’ve laid my smoky head to rest in some remote places, but I’m us places. We’ve traveled internation- no mountain mama. Despite my outdoor experience, I am a girl ally, but some of the best trips have governed by two overriding fears: hungry bears and bad outhouses. been exploring our backyard, in the I can’t sleep for fear of some grizzly kneading at my nylon tent. veneer-walled, green shag carpeted, And don’t even get me started on “the facilities.” If it doesn’t flush… slightly musty, but entirely magical Taj. My husband says I fooled him with tales of catching cray- A couple of years ago my husband fish clinging to river walls and plopping them into a boiling met up with the man whose family pot over a roaring fire (that may have been my brother). I say owned, loved and then outgrew the Taj he tricked me with his fashion-forward shirt and fast car. before us. He was very sick. A short “You said your name was Paul,” I like to remind time later, he left this life; travelling, I him. “You left off the Bunyan part.” hope, someplace spectacular, leaving Imagine my joy, then, when he surprised my son, daughter and us to savour the sweet simplicity of me with a very used, but well loved and meticulously cared togetherness in the purple-paneled Taj.

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