My Dad... My Rock

My dad, when I think of my Dad I think strength, courage, positivity, glass half full, anything is possible, think outside of the box, generous, sensitive, very headstrong, leader, loving, caring, with a geat big heart.

I have always admired my Mom and Dad's relationship and their wonderful story. They had me when they were 18 in 1966. Not in the plans to have a child so young, but they were committed to each other and committeed to being parents. They were married in April 1966 and had me in July 1966. They figured out what they needed to do and headed to Uranium City, Saskatchewan where Gary took a job working in a Uranium mine.

They tell me of the doctor who delivered me who had lost his family and been a bit of a drinker and was quite intoxicated the morning I was born, he didn't drop me on my head, for that we are grateful! Mom stayed in the hospital, it was back in the day where you were actually admitted for 5 days.  Dad bought mom a camera as a gift, and played in a baseball tournament that weekend, he asked my mom if he could borrow her new camera for the tournament lol...

They stayed in Uranium City for almost a year, and then headed to Regina where Gary began his career for what is now a competitor to McKillican.  He started in the warehouse learning all the products and worked his way up and through every role in Distribution.  The best way to do it as he really had an appreciation and understanding of what was required in those roles, which served him well in management , leadership, and starting his own business down the road. My dad was always very motivated, and an excellent provider for his family.  He was promoted and transferred several times in a short period.  We moved from Regina to Saskatoon, where my brother Chris was born.  On to Sherwood Park, and Vancouver where Gary worked for Corporate Office. As a kid I hated moving, making new friends, it always seemed overwelming to me to start all over again from ground zero...As a result in reflection, it taught me to be resilient to change, and to be a strong relationship builder. It was at this time Gary had been thinking of venturing out onto his own, and decided that Edmonton would be the place to start this new chapter.  In August 1978 McKillican Hardwoods Limited was Born.  

Mom and my Dad worked together, and my Dad talks about ordering a rail car of lumber, unloading it himself, going out and selling it and delivering it that week month after month ...that's what it takes, and he definitely had what it took to be successful.

34 years later McKillican has grown in Western Canada and the US with 24 locations.  I have been fortunate to work with the company since I graduated high school.  It has taught me many things working in the family business. I learned I loved business and interacting with people and developing relationships.  I learned working with your Dad can have some challenges, and we both learned separating the Father/Daughter relationship from the work relationship can be a challenge.  I remember when I was 18 and just starting Gary as I call him at work was walking back to his office and I was working on the Sales Desk, he had a call that I was tying to transfer, I said "Dad" there is a call for you, he said its "Gary"at work...as it should be, but took some getting used to! 

My dad always wanted to ensure that just because I was his daughter that I would work as hard or harder than anyone and no special treatment was given....The first vehicle I drove as a chip hanger, going into the shops and updating all of the Wilsonart laminate boards, calling on the architects and the designers, was a green 1978 Jeep Waganeer, it was a beaut, leaked antifreeze and oil and I would pray I would make it to all of my calls without needing a tow truck to get me back to the office! On all but one occasion I made it back without a tow truck!

I have learned so many things from my dad about business and about life.  He has been one of my mentors, and I am so very proud of his accomplishments.  He has taught me resilience. That you can get knocked down, but you get back up, you don't complain about it, you can choose your attitude, and you can overcome anything you put your mind to.  He doesn't know the word NO and it is not possible, and does not probably realize how much I have lived by that mantra, through his examples.

Dad I love you dearly, and we have expereinced so much together.  I am so grateful to have learned so many great lessons in business, and so many great lessons in life from you.  You have taught me that no matter how successful one becomes, that you stay true to you and remember where you have come from. I always admired that in you, that you can relate as well to someone who is a driver or works in the warehouse, as you can to VP's and owners of companies and one position is not any more valuable than the other.

Your perspective on life is wonderful, and has helped me immensely, you really never have sweated the small stuff, always looking at the bigger picture, and I work towards this daily.  You have a huge heart, and your generosity over the years to me and the kids is overwhelming, as there is nothing you would not do for us.  Thank you.  You have always been my Rock someone I look to for strength and direction, and am so grateful to have you in my life.

Much Love...

Your daughter xoxoxoxo

A song from me to you Dad it sums up how I see you....

Like A Rock...Bob Seger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keIvA2wSPZc