Canadian Yachting October 2022 - 21

wind
Shifts
Paul M. Rellinger, Editor-in-chief, The Port Hole
An organization - any organization, really - is only as good
as the people involved.
You can have all the technology, systems and bells 'n' whistles
in place but, when all is said and done, the passion of those
who make it all work will be the determining factor, the difference
maker, in any success met.
Since the birth of CPS-ECP in 1938, when Fred Dane, George
Ruel and G. William Bowman came together to form the Windsor
Squadron, our organization has seen countless members
gift their time and extraordinary talents to the betterment
of their squadrons, their respective communities and to our
national mission.
While this is not new, every now and then we're introduced
to a member who has taken his or her commitment to the
cause to a whole other level. In this issue of The Port Hole, we
bring you two individuals who have left an indelible footprint
on the furtherance of on-water safety.
Before I laid eyes on the commendation that was read before
John Gullick's acceptance of the 2021 Volunteer of the Year
Award from the Canadian Safe Boating Council, I truly thought
I was the busiest guy on the face of this earth. Truth is, I can't
hold a candle to this guy and, I'm guessing, neither can most
of you. Now I'm left with one burning question: When does
John sleep?
John's commendation, printed in full in this edition, is as impressive
as they come; a resumé brimming with voluntarism aimed
at ensuring thousands - yes, thousands and then some - have
stayed safe on the water, whatever their activity. His commitment
to that one objective is truly off the charts. That leads me
to one more question: What took the CSBC so long to bestow
this honour on John? Don't get me wrong. It's wonderful that
Published by Authority
of the Board of Directors
Editor-in-Chief
Paul Rellinger
Canadian Power
and Sail Squadrons
Art Director
Vanessa Schmidt
Graphic Designer
Nour Bawab
it has recognized him but it was clearly long overdue.
With COVID and all, I've had the pleasure of meeting John but
once. Although our encounter was brief, I was struck by two
things, First, he's all business when it comes to water safety
and, second, well, he's all business when it comes to water
safety. In doing so, he's as grand a CPS-ECP ambassador as
there is. We're lucky for his affiliation.
Then there's Ghislain Arsenault, a tribute to whom is also in
this edition. A member of the Trois-Rivières Squadron since
1979, Ghislain recently passed but his legacy remains assured.
Squadron commander, district commander, CPS-ECP board
director, Canadian Power Squadrons Foundation director,
assistant National Training Officer...the list goes on and on
and on to the tune of 43 Merit Marks accumulated. A teacher
by profession, Ghislain's tireless work furthering CPS-ECP
education efforts is unmatched. I commend his squadron for
bringing to our collective attention the contributions Ghislain
made. That they did so speaks volumes as to not only the key
roles he fulfilled but also the fact that he is, and will continue
to be, dearly missed.
It's good to be reminded that we share our CPS-ECP affiliation
with such people. These are but two examples. There
are so many others. But more than that, it's important that
we be inspired by their dedication. Why? Because it makes us
feel good about our membership. After all, would John and
Ghislain have given all that time and effort if CPS-ECP, and its
mandate, wasn't worth their full attention? I think not.
As always, any contribution to The Port Hole is most welcome.
Email your articles and/or photos to me directly at communication-chair@cps-ecp.org
or to theporthole@cps-ecp.ca ■
Proofreaders
Louise White, SN
Photographer
Don Butt, AP
Published 6 times per year:
February, April, May, June, October,
December, Copy deadline is ten
weeks prior to publication. Editorial
copy and correspondence
should be sent to theporthole@
cps-ecp.ca
Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons
| Escadrilles canadiennes
de plaisance
26 Golden Gate Court
Toronto, ON M1P 3A5
1-888-CPS-BOAT
F. 416-293-2445
theporthole@cps-ecp.ca
www.cps-ecp.ca
CANADIANYACHTING.CA
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http://www.cps-ecp.ca http://www.CANADIANYACHTING.CA
Canadian Yachting October 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting October 2022
