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Happy ???? birthday, Gary
By Cam Tait
July 4, 2006
"I believe that I haven't done my best work," is something my good friend Gary McPherson said a number of years ago. It's a phrase that echoes in my mind every day. Its echo had a distinctive ring last week when Gary celebrated his birthday. It wouldn't be fair to Gary if I revealed what birthday it was, but let's just say it was one of those memorable birthdays - perhaps a decade birthday? I met Gary in 1979 and over the years he has taught me many things. Most of all, Gary is a role model for all of us, and he offers a universal message: attitude can take you anywhere you want to go.
Gary got polio as when he was nine years old and has used a wheelchair for...oops, that might give his away his age. He can't breath without a respirator and developed frog breathing as a young man. Gary sucks air into his mouth with his tongue and then sends it to his lungs. Often, when he speaks, he stops mid-sentence to suck more air to continue his thoughts. And over the years Gary has had a lot to talk about in his various roles: president of the Paralympic Sports Association; president of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association; general manager of the Alberta Northern Lights Wheelchair Basketball Society; the first-ever chair of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities; a lecturer at the University of Alberta; executive director of the Canadian Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, and an author. He has received some of the highest accolades - including an officer in the Order of Canada. But he hides his decorations well. In a biography by Gerald Hawkins, Rolling On, it is revealed that Gary has boxes of awards and plaques in the basement.
He's been married to his wife Val for...oops, almost gave it away again. They have two teenage children who are very involved in sports in south Edmonton. Sure, Gary has been a softball coach and a soccer coach. But for people who know him personally, they will tell you that Gary is one of the best coaches they've ever had. Not a sports coach, mind you, but a coach of opportunities and dreams. I count myself as one of his players: a phone call from Gary comes regularly to say hello. He gives encouragement. Always. If he knows you're on a special project or assignment, Gary will call the night before and offer a few words of advice or support. He sees potential in everyone he meets, and sometimes he points it out when you don't see it yourself.
One of the things I admire most about Gary is how he has made inroads in almost every aspect of life, and how he promotes the issues of people with disabilities. He isn't in-your-face about it, but presents it with honesty and experience - and a sprinkle of very good humour.
I know Gary hasn't done his best work yet at the age of...oops, I almost did it again! He could be making some news in the future - and like his age - I'm not going to speculate what that might be. Gary always keeps us guessing. Just remember his name. Gary McPherson will continue to lead by example and inspire. Meet Gary yourself at garymcpherson.com.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments, ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
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