My introduction to orchids was the product of “happen-stance”.  I was traveling to Toronto, Ontario by train on a Mothers’ Day weekend in the early 1980’s when a freak spring snow storm caused the train to be delayed in London, Ontario.  We were told it would be a few hours before the train could proceed to Toronto and we could either enjoy their complimentary train cuisine or disembark until the scheduled departure.  I chose the latter and proceeded to take a walk through the downtown core of London.  I stopped at the Holiday Inn there to warm up, grab a coffee and proceed on my journey.  In the lobby, I noticed a sign directing visitors to the London Orchid Society Show being held at the hotel that weekend.  I was intrigued and decided to take it in.  I was amazed at the wide array of flowers described as orchids and the vibrant colors they came in.  I hadn’t yet purchased a gift for Mothers’ Day so I decided to buy a miniature Phalaenopsis which was described to me as the new direction in orchid breeding.  With that, I was hooked.

Within a few months I was busy trying to find out more about the orchid shows and places where I could purchase and learn more of these treasures.  I had obtained the names of three “local” vendors – Great Lakes Orchids and Taylor Orchids in Michigan and Huronview Nurseries in Sarnia, Ontario.  They were very helpful in providing direction and guidance and I soon had three two-tier fluorescent lighting systems in the second bedroom of my apartment.  Through these retailers, I had obtained the names of a few other orchid enthusiasts in Windsor and in 1985 we held the first meeting of the Windsor Orchid Society.

I attended as many orchid shows as I could and was curious about the judging system.  Through the encouragement of Gerda Ferrington and Terry Kennedy I was allowed to silently observe the judging of those orchids selected for AOS awards.  Unfortunately, the relentless demands of my work as a financial accountant for Chrysler did not allow me to commit myself to the judging program and so it wasn’t until I retired in 2008 that I began the process, through Don Garling, at the Great Lakes Judging Center.

In 2009, I started construction of my greenhouse which now houses about 600 orchids.  I have always loved Cattleyas but have extended my collection to include many Phragmipediums and Bulbophyllums – something I can attribute to my many discussions about those genera with the late Dick Wagner.

Now retired, I live with my orchids and my little Bichon Frise, Lily, in Chatham, Ontario.  My passion for orchids, the judging program and my participation in it has introduced me to so many people and good friends I would never have had the pleasure of meeting otherwise.  Orchids and orchid related activities now occupy about 80% of my time – all because of that fateful Mothers’ Day weekend.  You never know when something might happen that changes the course of your life and your interests.