I was born in Winnipeg, Canada in 1942 of immigrant/refugee parents. My community was Mennonite of Dutch/Russian background and I remain a member of and involved with this faith and cultural community. That background has influenced many of my interests, decisions and relationships.
Leona and I were married in 1965 and adopted two daughters, Shanti and Tara while working in Bangladesh in 1972-74 as Director of the Mennonite Central Committee program. We have four grandchildren, Leo, Sachin, Mila and Colette.
My studies included 3 Universities. A Bachelor of Commerce from University of Manitoba in 1964, B.A. in Economics from Goshen College in Indiana in 1965 and MBA from Harvard Business School in 1967. The years in the United States including involvement with the Civil Rights Movement and as a pacifist was engaged with the anti-war movement re Vietnam. These experiences influenced my views and later my career.
I joined the family furniture business directly after Harvard and remain involved to this day. I assumed the CEO role in 1984 and am currently Executive Chairman. Palliser Furniture is a producer and marketer of upholstered furniture with production facilities in Canada and Mexico and marketing throughout North America. In addition, Palliser has a substantial position in real estate. The family is also involved in retail and furnishing related to airports.
My interest in international affairs resulted in a split career where approximately 50% of my time has been devoted to business and the balance to various international involvements related to human rights, economic development, immigration and refugees. This includes assignments to Bangladesh, Thailand/Cambodia, Somalia, Soviet Union plus non-resident assignments in a number of other countries.
Writing has always been an interest and over the years this has resulted in reports, analytical pieces related to problems, speeches and other forms of dialogue. This website is designed to allow some of the variety of writing to be exposed and available to persons who might be interested.
Leona and I continue to live in Winnipeg but built a home in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and make this our winter residence.
A CV follows as a separate item and contains more specific detail.