top of page
personal
Vancouver- My Home
In my youth, Vancouver was a favorite destination, an easy and convenient journey from my hometown of Edmonton, .
Early in my hotel career, I was transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver for a temporary assignment while awaiting a new project in California. I stayed only eight months but it made a lasting impression.
As we approached retirement from our careers in Japan, my wife and I talked about moving to Canada. Over the years we visited several Canadian cities but Vancouver was clearly our first choice.
In 2015 we arrived in Vancouver and established our new home located on the campus of the University of British Columbia.
Twenty-two years in Japan
One of the first initiatives I took upon settling into Japan was to enroll in a college to learn Japanese. It proved invaluable during my personal and professional growth as a resident of Japan.
I got married, built careers and skills with Four Seasons, Disney, United Airlines and Rakuten.
I explored the country and neighboring Asia.
My mother got morning sickness after I was born.
Bike Swim Kayak
I grew up in an active, outgoing and adventurous family. We spent summers on prairie lakes and rivers in sailboats and kayaks. Winters saw us riding just about anything that slid across ice and snow.
There has always been a bike in my life, including beach rides in Manhattan Beach and exploring sites in Tokyo.
Vancouver quickly became a cycling playground for me, especially with an e-bike. Day rides around the Metro Vancouver area and overnight rides to the islands nearby.
Bike Swim Kayak
I needed a fitness activity to complement my outdoor walks and cycling. I have swam from a young age but never for fitness. During COVID, the nearby UBC Aquatic Centre offered a safe environment for regular swims as I built endurance and technique.
I now swim 2,500 meters on average four to five times a week.
Record Swim: 5,000 meters
August 29, 2024
I started kayaking at the neighbouring Jericho Beach as a means to be active and explore the ocean around me.
An intensive weekend course in 2023 taught me everything about technique and self-rescue. I now kayak year round.
My favourite kayaking activities is paddling under the full moon in the summer months.
Bike Swim Kayak
If you don't know where you are going, all roads lead there.
I was born and raised in Edmonton, the capital of the Province of Alberta. The city is known for its long hot summer days and its cold, dry and snowy winters.
My early childhood was spent in the Highlands district before moving to Belgravia.
I lived twice in Vancouver, a major Canadian city on the west coast near the US border. It is Canada's most ethnically diverse city, including strong and prominent Asian influences.
My initial residency was in the late 80s when Four Seasons sold the hotel in Edmonton and had nowhere to send me. I was sent to Vancouver until a position elsewhere opened. I lived in Kitsilano.
In 2015 my wife and I chose to retire and live in Vancouver after living and working in Tokyo.
Moving to Santa Barbara in California was like a dream come true for me. A small Southern Californian city with Mediterranean architecture and perfect weather.
Upon arrival in my new home, bought a used car from a surfer I met on the beach. I asked him to teach me to surf and he donated one of his boards for me.
I explored the wineries in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley. the Channel Islands and the coastline.
Surfer dude! I moved to the Los Angeles area and lived briefly on Santa Monica Boulevard before discovering the beach life of Manhattan Beach.
Japan was my home for more than twenty-two years. I went to Tokyo to open the Four Seasons Hotel on a temporary assignment. I enhanced my career, learned Japanese, and met my beautiful wife Yoshiko.
Bernedoodle Dad
Say hello to Luce. In Italian it means "light".
She is a miniature Bernedoodle. a mix of Poodle (intelligent) and Bernese Mountain Dog (goofy).
Luce was born near Sorrento, BC and waited patiently for us to find her there. She shares a birthday with my wife.
Woof!
There is something invigorating and rejuvenating for me about plunging into cold water. I often visit the Lynn Canyon north of Vancouver for a plunge into the icy stream fed directly from the mountains above it. And the chilly waters of English Bay in the winter months.
Yes, it is cold. About 6°C in the winter. It is a mental thing. No one forces you into the water and to submerse your body into the shockly cold environment. You are in control of your mind and the experience.
Electric Transportation
I drive a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt and a 2024 BMW iX50, both fully electric cars. I have a charging station in my parking stall at home.
I pay less than $100 quarterly for the cost of electricity for charging.
I ride a Cube Kathmandu e-bike and together we ride further, explore more and grin more than any bike I have ever owned.
bottom of page