Canning tribute, Blue Mountains best kept secret
Posted by John Malloy on 10/25/2011
With a shout of surprise, and a run-and-jump greeting from his granddaughter from New York, Gord Canning officially became the last person to find out about a celebration in his honour. Internally, it was known as Code Coors Light, a non-specific conference event booked at the Village Conference Centre – really last Friday night was a surprise tribute for Gord Canning, CEO and Chairman of Blue Mountain Resorts, with a guest list near 400, speeches and awards presentations to rival Hollywoods red carpet events. “I knew this would happen one day, that there would be a recognition, thats why I had us build this,” joked Canning, referring to the grand Village Conference Centre. “Thank you for recognizing me, I recognize all of you too.” The night stretched more than five hours with video tributes, plaques and recognition awards, speeches by family, and a four-course meal. Urban Joseph warmed up the microphone as the first speaker. He called Canning a “builder of people and ideas.” “You have earned this respect because you are a powerful leader and you are a great Canadian,” said Joseph. Dan Skelton, president and COO of Blue Mountain Resorts credited Canning with “bringing skiing to the masses.” Andrea Canning, Gords daughter, surprised her dad by visiting from New York with her husband and daughters.”I hit the jackpot,” she said of her Dad. “I strive to be like him.” Canning received plaques and recognition awards from MP Kellie Leitch, MPP Jim Wilson, the Canada Ski Patrol, Collingwood Mayor Sandra Cooper, The Blue Mountain Village Association, National Ski Areas Association and others.
via Simcoe Article: Canning tribute, Blue Mountains best kept secret.
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