Consequential Conversations - Intro with hosts Bob and Bill

Most in Port Alberni have never heard of our local university. The university was the brainchild of a fellow who unfortunately was permanently injured on the job - 5 days in back in 1977. He didn't give up and instead he found ways to support injured persons by creating this incredible learning opportunity that now reaches dozens of countries worldwide. Do yourself a favour and listen in to a man that I consider to be a local hero.

Our guest today was instrumental in so many things we now take for granted in Port Alberni. His background work on the Ty Watson house may well be his best accomplishment among so many others. Very impressive yet quiet fellow.

Today's podcast features Jim and Noreen Pelk. Residents of the area since 1989 and contributors to the community ever since. They spent their working careers in the automotive sales industry and also in advocacy efforts through the political world. Enjoy!

How many people have you met that were once a bouncer and then a realtor? A most interesting fellow and a wonderful interview.

Lovely couple to interview in their home. They have quite the history in the area within the logging industry. Impressive people!

Today's chat was held with Freeman of the City - Mr. Kenn Whiteman. Kenn moved to Port Alberni in 1978 some 48 years ago. Since then he's has contributed more to this community than one can imagine. Have a listen to a wonderful man.

It's not often one gets to sit down with the former mayor of a city in his home. But that's what Bob and I did a couple of weeks ago. Wonderful man who continues to give everything he has, and a bit more to Port Alberni. We're all better because of him. Enjoy

Wonderful interview with Sarah Falls former music teacher in the Alberni Valley.

Bill is yet another longtime Port Alberni resident. He has owned/operated various businesses associated with logging and road building among other things. A real get 'er done kind of guy. This was a wonderful interview packed with things I knew little about. Definitely worth the time to get to know this amazing man.

Tom Hertel is an icon in the Alberni Valley. Not only has he led the local business known as Hertel Meats for dozens of years he also has many other skills. An artist, fine woodworking skills demonstrated by his incredible hand made musical instruments. Incredible man. Enjoy getting to know him a bit better.

Absolute joy to meet Mary in her home today. She is a very proud and happy woman who loves Port Alberni and the area. She came to the area when both she and her husband Charlie were 24 years old. That's some 78 years ago! she gave us glimpses of her past with quick stories about golfing (yes, a hole in one on the 2nd hole!), Haggard's Cove and the hard work out there, the store across from Cherry Creek Fire Hall, the sports store in the Alberni Mall and more. What a delight!

Tom Watts will tell you that he's led an incredible life and that he has! His stories were fascinating yet presented with a humble flavour. An early goal of his was to be the Athlete of the year....He reached that goal and then some. Enjoy the next 1/2 hour plus with this fine gentleman. I sure did!

This man was born with a hockey stick. His life has surrounded hockey and because of that we in the Alberni Valley have benefitted along the way. Instrumental in acquiring the Bulldogs and certainly in keeping them running as a community owned team for many years. Ron also helped organize the fantastic U17 tournament that came to the area around 2009. He's done lots and it doesn't look like he's about to stop. Enjoy meeting this fellow.

Dewayne Parfitt has served Port Alberni in many volunteer roles over the years. A past winner of the Chamber's coveted Citizen of the Year Award Dewayne is a Port Alberni advocate and promoter. You'll enjoy this consequential conversation!

Bob and I visited Ed Spencer today at his home in Port Alberni. Ed is a pioneer of the valley and at 99 years old (nearly 100) he has many stories to tell. For me it was wonderful to understand the impact of the Spencer family. A farming family back in the day. Today much of their original land has local housing including homes, condo's etc. plus much of the wonderful Kitsuksis Dyke is within the original Spencer homestead. Both Ed and Larry were a joy to listen to.

This is our first episode and it's a good one! We interview Tom McEvay a well-known local man who has been instrumental in the development of many large projects in the Alberni Valley. A key one is the AV Multiplex home of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Without Tom's tenacity we wouldn't have the Multiplex today, it's that simple. He is also the man behind the wrestling program in Port Alberni, a program admired by every community in the province. Tom and his wife live at beautiful Sproat Lake having moved there some 48 years ago.

Join us as we broadcast our introductory podcast - Consequential Conversations. Today's podcast features cohosts Bob Cole and Bill Collette who between them have lived in the Alberni Valley for....close to 93 years. Bill moved here 13 years ago....