Glenn McPHERSON Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from Jan. 5 to Jan. 6, 2013.

McPHERSON, Glenn Ewen
"This above all: to thine own self be true." Glenn Ewen McPherson or "Bunny" passed away on December 19, 2012 at the age of 58. His love genuine, his ears always open, his laughter contagious and his skiing fast; this was Glenn. He was most at home on the slopes of Whistler where he was pivotal in developing the art of freestyle skiing. After a successful career with Labatt Brewing Company in Toronto, Glenn returned home to his West Coast roots where he raised his loving family and worked in marketing and real estate. Glenn will be truly and deeply missed by his loving wife of over 30 years, Kathleen and his four adoring children Kelsey, Travis, Wesley and Cody. He leaves three sisters, Heather, Marilyn and Cathie. There will be a celebration of his life on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 from 2 'til 5 p.m. at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, 3811 Point Grey Road, Vancouver.

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41 Entries

June 28, 2013

Rob Jensen

Sorry to hear of Glenn's passing. A great guy. I remember him from the Saint's boarding house.

February 28, 2013

Charlie Locke

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Glenn. He was an inspiration and a wonderful guy.

January 30, 2013

Frederica & Chris Robertson

Dear Kathleen and Family,
Our hearts go out to all of you at this difficult time. May all your fond memories help you through.

January 29, 2013

John Ball

Kathleen, Kelsey, Travis, Cody & Wesley, please accept my condolences.

Glenn was a mentor, a boss and a friend. From our first meeting at Labatt in Toronto in the mid-80's to a long day in Horseshoe Bay in the late 90's I will always remember Glenn and his unbridled enthusiasm for life.

Ne Oublie - I will never forget

January 29, 2013

Ted Zinkan

Dear Kathkeen, Kelsey, Travis, Wesley and Cody,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Glen and I were friends in school. We shared a lot of good times, laughs and powder snow. He was magic on skis and brought life to the mountain.

January 28, 2013

Miriam and Tony Farrell

Dear Kathleen, Kelsey, Travis, Cody and Wesley,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Glen will be greatly missed in "the hood". May wonderful memories carry you forward.
Tony, Miriam and family

January 25, 2013

Carolyn A

I just heard about Glenn's passing today and was shocked and saddened. Though I haven't seen him for many years, I have thought about him quite a bit - he was such fun to be around, always with a positive outlook and fiercely loyal to his friends and family. I can't imagine how Kathleen and the kids are coping, but I do hope they find some comfort in all the wonderful words people are writing here about him. He will be missed by many.

January 25, 2013

Valerie Wong

My Love to Kathleen, Kelsey, Travis, Cody & Wesley,
Glenn meant much to many. Not only did he patiently teach me to scale the Whistler slopes and corner Hwy 99, but his greatest gift was his generosity of giving to others. He did this sincerely. Glenn wrote the manual for social responsibility well before it became a buzz word. He made me laugh and be thoughtful. His a knack to lighten a situation with a positive perspective was welcomed.
May your journey ahead be healing with the comforting support from your family and friends.
xx Valerie

January 24, 2013

There are no words to describe the sadness that surrounds such a huge loss in your life and your family and friends. We are so heavy with feelings and hope we can extend to you a helping hand if you need us. Much love, Sheera and Peter von Puttkamer

January 24, 2013

Scott Willis

A great loss of a longtime skiing buddy and good friend.So many memorable times with Glenn at Whistler and at the old house in West Van with his parents.He will be sorely missed.My heartfelt thoughts are with Kathleen and the family.

January 24, 2013

Todd McMyn

ODE TO GLENN
One couldn't really believe the times of the late 70's at Whistler the place was alive with legends of larger than life gods and mythical ski beings with names like; Bunny, Zowie Bowie, The Athans Brothers, Buzzard, Wayne Wong and a young pair who tagged along as the little twins Zip and Zap. There were others…for sure but they were later we were the pioneers.
Epic mountains and majestic ski runs with black diamonds on them …none but the fearless and best dare tread.
This was not something you trained for. You found it. It found you…. it lived in your heart.
Strong, Young invincible and all of us we built, nurtured, experimented in pure laboratory like conditions, youthful inventors bound by the knowledge that we were a part of something new and creative and we all created what is now called Freestyle Skiing.
We whooped and yelled like raptors
Were going down under the Gondola! Franz!!!, Blue Chair!!!, we going hiking to the Black bowl. . Lets go let's go…25-30 runs a day we boasted!!!
Ahh. The sweet chirps of the whiskey jacks, the sun on our faces, the sweet smell of spring skiing and pine, the soft powder snow, the huge moguls. The crisp early morning start down a trackless run.

Names like the ski Boot and the Après Lounge. Jim Mckonkey's Ski Shop, Pierre and Margret Trudeau the World Cup. Franz Klammer, Jungle Jim Hunter, Alice Lake, Nordica Yellow Banana Boots, C4's, Bogner…secret codes of this era. Music of Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles floated in the air.

Racers called us Free-doggers…Man we were free…we were kings…Racers sucked

We all witnessed you Glenn as the instantaneous fans whopped, Yeeeahhhhh!!!! As you boogied under the Gondola as the bug –eyed skiers rode the chair up.

Glenn as a young boys skiers you were Zip and Zaps idol, you were Whistler to my brother and I.
Glenn …go easy into the night may the hero of my youth, go happily that you were a part of heaven, that you skied in heaven, and the memories and glory of our youths carry us forward and act like angels of compassion, good times, happiness and togetherness and comfort you in your next existence…and when my brother and I sit around together tired and hardened by age and events reminiscing …the one thing we will always say is, ”Do you remember Glenn …do you remember Glenn under Blue Chair…yeah that was cool ,he was a hot skier , we wanted to be like Glenn he was the best of old Whistler

January 22, 2013

Gordon Munroe

Dear Kathleen - Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family we are deeply shaken by Glenn's passing. He was a great friend and always uplifting to be around. His sense of humor his energy and his stories were uniquely Bunny and always fun. He will be missed.
Our best
Gordon & Cathie Munroe

January 21, 2013

Dear Kathleen. My deepest condolences. I was so saddened to hear the news. Although we didn't see each other over the years the wonderful memories I have of both of you are very fresh in my mind. Glenn was the greatest guy in the world to work for.
Love Cathy Bojeski

January 18, 2013

Alex & Barb v.Kleist

Dear Kathleen, Kelsey,Travis Cody and Wesley
We are so sorry for your loss and pray for strength and comfort from each other,your family and friends. Our thoughts are with you all.

With love from the von Kleist family.

January 16, 2013

Ken and I had such wonderful happy times with you and Glenn over many years. Then when Ken passed away so suddenly, Glenn right away telephoned me with a warm comforting chat . That was so Glenn to do that. Now my heart is with you Kathleen, and as devastatingly tough the path ahead seems, you can and will get through.--
with love to you and your family , Gillian Danby

January 16, 2013

Chris Stovell

I was shocked when my Dad phoned me to deliver the news of Glenn's passing. Glenn and Kathleen had recently attended my brother Daniel's wedding in the summer. Glenn and Kathleen sat in the front row alongside my parents, which I know meant a lot to both my dad and my brother. After the wedding I complained to my dad that we haven't spent nearly enough time with the McPherson's over the years. Glenn and my dad always had a very special relationship in my eyes. Glenn was able to bring a side out of my dad that I have rarely seen, which I always admired. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of my family our sincerest condolences to Kathleen, Kelsey, Travis, Kelsey, Wesley & Cody.

January 16, 2013

Don DeCotiis

Glen was a free spirit. May his spirit be a good place. My condolences to the whole family.

January 16, 2013

Glen was fun free spirited person with a beautiful family. May his spirit be in a good place. My condolences to all the family.

January 15, 2013

Mike and Ann Hurst

Kathy and Family
Our condolences to everyone in the family."Bunny" (I always called him "Rabbit") was a special friend for a long time and he will be missed by all who knew him

January 14, 2013

Dave Aller

Bonjour Kathleen
Please accept our sincerest condolences, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Though I only got to cross paths with Glenn once a year or so over the past thirty years, it was always something I greatly looked forward to and left with great memories. Vancouver won't be the same now....
Dave Aller and Denise Pepin, St-Sauveur, Qc

January 13, 2013

George Morrison

Glenn and I became fast and life long friends after we met on a beach in Caulfeild at the age of seven. We shared many great times over the years. You were bigger than life and I will miss you. My heart goes out to all your family

January 12, 2013

Skip Taylor

Our condolences to all of Glenn's family and friends. Although only an aquantance, he was a great friend to many of our friends and he would always put a smile on my face...a great contributor to the nutbar crazy humor refined over the years of living life in the mountains to the fullest.

January 12, 2013

Darryl Bowie

Many years I have known Glenn. There were many memorable good times, lots of classic times and a few epics. Throughout this time together his most outstanding quality was compassion. He always helped people. His best quality, he was funny. I was always envious of his skiing ability. My deepest sympathy Kathleen, Kelsey, Travis, Cody and Wesley…Glenn will be sorely missed.

January 10, 2013

Julie Duncan (nee Griffiths)

My heart goes out to you Kathleen, Travis, Cody, Wesley, and Kelsey. Each of you was the light of his life, his pride and joy. Glenn will remain forever in my heart as the brother I never had, and he and Auntie Mercia helped me through many a dark day. He will be greatly missed. My hand is in your hand. Love, Ole/Julie

January 10, 2013

George & Sandy Crookshank

Kathleen & Family,
We were saddened to hear of Glenn's passing and are so sorry for your loss. We both had the priviledge of working with Glenn at different times in our careers and always appreciated his kind spirit and willigness to laugh. He will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you.

January 9, 2013

Phil LeGree

I wish you all only good memories of Glenn and am so sorry for your loss.

January 9, 2013

Michael & Amy Raven

Kathleen, Kelsey, Travis, Wesley and Cody;
I was deeply shocked and saddened to find the news on Glenn. We send our deepest condolences and love during this sad and difficult time. May you find comfort and smiles in the legendary memories he has left us all with. Sea to Sky drive will never be the same only it goes much higher for Uncle Glenn now. His teachings and many fun times will be cherished. Love Munch.

January 9, 2013

Aards

Dear Kathleen. My deepest condolences. I was so saddened to hear the news, though we didn't see much of each other over the years the wonderful memories I have of both of you are very fresh in my mind. Love

January 9, 2013

Devina and Paul Zalesky

Kathleen, Kelsey, Travis, Wesley, and Cody,
We always found Glenn wonderful to be around. At all times engaging and wanting to make you smile with a quick-witted remark and that fast, perfectly timed side glance. We will remember him as THE Master of Ceremonies, who captivated his audience. Our thoughts are with you at this time.

January 8, 2013

Sue and Don Ogden

Kathleen and Family, We are so sorry for the loss of your husband and Father.In sympathy our hearts go out to all of you.

January 8, 2013

Dear Kathleen and entire family of Glenn.....
May the fond memories of Glenn help guide you through this difficult time.

He will live forever in our hearts.....

Anita (from Chicago)

January 8, 2013

Matt & Paula Littledale

A kind soul is gone before his time. McPherson family, we are so sorry for your loss. Glenn taught me a great deal about freestyle skiing and the
importance of helping others, two of
his many attributes. He will be remembered fondly in our hearts.

January 8, 2013

Darcy & Heidi Kernaghan

Dear Kathleen & family,
I feel truley blessed to have known Glenn, to have shared so many laugh's and to have worked with such a great guy! He will be missed but never forgotten.

January 8, 2013

George Athans

Dear Kathleen: I was so saddened to hear the news of Glenn's death. His amazing skiing ability was only surpassed by his wonderful sarcastic sense of humor. His hilarious tribute to my younger brother Greg was a classic! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss and adjustment. Glenn will be missed greatly but will be long remembered by his many friends.

January 8, 2013

Bill Downie

Unbelievable and sad.
I will miss my periodic encounters with Glenn. They renewed my optimism. My thoughts are with Glenn's family.

January 7, 2013

Dayne & Judy Raven

Kathleen Kelsey Travis Wesley & Cody..We are all in shock and saddened by the news of Glenn's passing. Wonderful memories of FUN, exciting times with our kids in Whistler and Orillia. Here if you need a friend when words replace the tears.Love and HUGS

January 7, 2013

Cathy and Ian Tostenson

Kathleen and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We are sending our deepest condolences to you and the family....
with love

January 7, 2013

David Gradley

McPherson family...I was shocked to hear of Glenn's sudden passing. Glenn was helping me find a suitable home...I am saddened that we can't continue to share the time and laughs we had during this time. My best to you all.

January 7, 2013

Dan McIvor

Sad to hear the news we've lost another one of the old Caulfeild Gang.

January 6, 2013

Mary Coombes

Dearest Kathleen. Our hearts reach out to you and your beautiful family during this extremely sad time. We pray that you will find the strength in one another, family and friends to get you through this very difficult and devastating time in your lives. We are deeply sorry and upset for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers . Love you. Mary Fred Candice Mackenzie and Carley Coombes.

January 6, 2013

Jane Manning

Dear Kathleen,Kelsey,Travis, Wesley and Cody-
Your husband/father introduced me to Whistler! I was dating a great friend of his at the time... Ted had no idea of my ability ( or inability ) as a skier! After skiing The Green Chair for a couple of runs, Glenn politely suggested that he met us /me at Dusty's at the end of the day!
Until recently, ( after twice severing my right Achilles Tendon) I have been spotted on The Green Chair and many others!I love Whistler and Glenn will be missed!

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