Board of Directors

Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative Board

To learn more about our members and their key roles see the ‘About Us’ section of this website or, contact us.

CURRENT MEMBERS:

2024 Board Members

(Photo taken January 2024)

Born April 2 1950 Amsterdam Netherlands; married 52 years to my wife Elaine.

Have two adult children, five grand children, and three great grand children.

Worked as a logger for 52 years, joined the forest co-op in 2000 as the IWA Representative. Served the CLCFC as Vice Chair and Chairman of the Board as well as Chairman of QalaYit Community Forest Board.

Tim McGonigle, current Mayor for The Town of Lake Cowichan and Vice Chair of CLCFC; I have been the Town’s representative on the board for 16 years. Worked on the organizing committee to host the AGM for the Community Forest Association alongside other directors. Happy to be reappointed for this term as well.

Ed James is a retired forest worker with over 50 years of experience. He was an owner of a scaling company and after retirement, he continued to consult to forest companies to scale timber.

He has been with CLCFCo-Op since 2015.

In retirement he has many hobbies including woodworking and gardening.

Richard Weir joined CLCF Co-op in 2001. Worked over 50 years in forest industry, starting with tree planting, then on to sawmill where I operated forklift for many years. I was a safety instructor for forklift operator’s, a volunteer fireman in Mesachie Lake for 25 yrs and a director on Lake Cowichan Credit Union board for 15 yrs.

Retired business consultant and resident of the Cowichan Valley for 35 years. Married and we share our home with two cats and a wonderful puppy.

Ross is a lifetime Laker who served as the Mayor of Lake Cowichan from 2008-2018. During this time, he was an alternate on the CLCFC Board prior to becoming a Director in 2019. Part of his work history included twenty-seven years in the Forest industry. The love for his family and community has kept him actively involved as a volunteer.

I have worked in the forest industry for my entire career, retired in 2018. Was primarily employed as a Stationary steam engineer and Millwright in the sawmill and pulp and paper industry.

I served as an elected Director on the Cowichan Valley Regional District board for 22 years, 4 years as Chairperson.

Currently do contract supervision during boiler maintenance shutdowns.

-Chair, Committee of the Whole Electoral Area Representative, Union of BC Municipalities Executive (UBCM)

-Chair, Environment Committee,

– Member, Indigenous Relation Committee Past President, Association of Vancouver Island & Coastal Communities(AVICC)

Elected to serve in 2008, I’m passionate about the West Cowichan area, and committed to working hard, and smart, to improve the lives and experiences of those we serve.

Walter Richard (Dick) Orman, born in Orillia, Ontario in 1944.

Joined the Canadian Armed Forces in July 1962 and retired as Chief Warrant Officer, Physician Assistant after serving in Ontario, BC, Alberta, Labrador, Europe and 9 years on HMCS ships.

After retiring in 1991 I began my second career for the Department of National Defense developing and teaching First Aid Courses and Disaster programs.

I became heavily involved in various organizations – Goldstream Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and St. John Ambulance. In 2004, after moving to Honeymoon Bay, I joined the Honeymoon Bay Community Society, Cowichan Lake Chamber of Commerce, carpet bowling, both local, Vancouver Island and BC 55+ Seniors Games.

I am very proud to be a member of the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative.

As a founding member of the Forest Coop, I was born and raised in Lake Cowichan; married 65 plus years to fellow born and raised resident, Dale Weaver. We have 3 children, 8 grandchildren, multiple great and great-great grand children. My husband Dale and I owned a logging truck company (Dale Weaver Trucking), a local market (Weaver Market) and a local fuel service station (Tempo Station) for many years in the area.

As a life long resident, I love and value the community I am in; I have been long-term volunteer. I have sat on various committees such as Lady of the Lake, Lake Days, Lake Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, Cowichan Lake Community Forest Coop (CLCFC.)

I have represented our community by sitting 3 years on the Lake Cowichan School District, 3 Years Cowichan Valley School District, 3 terms as Lake Cowichan Town Councillor and 1 term as a CVRD Director of Area I.

Being an active Chairman of PR for the Forest Co-op is very fulfilling and rewarding.

Jada Forrest was born and raised in Lake Cowichan. After graduating high school, Jada started University and moved to Vancouver to complete training in Physio and Occupational Therapy. After returning home to Lake Cowichan Jada purchased, sold, renovated, and upgraded numerous homes in and she soon realized that her deep interest in the real estate industry was something she wanted to pursue as more than a hobby. In early 2021, Jada and her business partner purchased Countrywide Village Realty.

Jada is currently raising her 2 children with her husband here in Lake Cowichan. She enjoys biking, camping, exploring the Cowichan Valley, anything design-related, spending time with her family and friends and is an active member in the community.

Born in Victoria, moved to Lake Cowichan in 1978 and started Lake Cowichan Home Centre. I was a counselor for 2 terms in the 1980s. I am very involved in the community, fire department, Arena Commission, Kinsmen, Kraken Jr B hockey. I retired in 2019 and stepped down from Mayor of Lake Cowichan. I am still volunteering in our community.

Dale Plante was the Executive Vice President for Hexion Inc. and President, Forest Products Division residing in Columbus, Ohio. As President, Forest Products Division since August 2008, Dale was responsible for the Company’s global Forest Products Resins and Formaldehyde business with projected annual revenue of $2.4 billion. He had a worldwide staff of 1500 employees in 40 global facilities.

Mr. Plante joined Hexion in 1981 and during his 36 years in the forest products sector, he was promoted to various positions including Vice President & Managing Director for the FPD European business. Dale and his wife relocated to The Netherlands in August 2005. In 2008 he was promoted to Executive Vice President & President, Global Forest Products Division.

Dale was a Director on several Boards, and Co-Chairman of The American Chemistry Council’s Formaldehyde Panel; a leading industry trade and advocacy organization out of Washington, DC. Dale has a broad range of experience in business, management, operations, sales, marketing, six sigma, technical service, and has a strong safety focus. Retiring in 2017 brought Dale permanently to the Cowichan Valley along with his wife Debra, a retired teacher.

Dale with his son Kyle, own and operate Plante Homes Ltd. and Plante Developments Ltd. Kyle’s background in construction management has been augmented by Dale’s strong business acumen and their shared commitment to construction excellence, building strong relationships with their team, contractors, and customers throughout the Cowichan Valley.

Both companies contribute generously to various charities and sporting clubs (one of the primary sponsors for the Lake Cowichan Junior B Hockey Team which entails a three-year commitment).

Dale is a Rotary Club member and is currently the Treasurer for the Lake Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. He also volunteers weekly at Nourish, packaging food hampers for school children in the Cowichan Valley.

My name is Kristine Sandhu, I was born and raised in Lake Cowichan.

I’m married to a fellow born and raised resident, Jas Sandhu and we have 3 grown children.

I was elected school trustee for SD79 for 9 years and I’m currently on my third term as Councillor for the Town of Lake Cowichan.

In 2019, I was appointed to the Cowichan Valley Watershed Board and was elected as co-chair on the Cowichan Watershed Society.

I’ve volunteered for many community organizations such as president of the Cowichan Lake District Skating Club for over 10 years and secretary on Lake Cowichan Minor Hockey for 2 years.

I was appointed champion for our local Fire Smart program in my neighbourhood in 2020.

I value and love to volunteer in our community.

Shawn Nicholson has over three decades of experience in the British Columbia forest industry. Shawn began his career working on the ground in forestry operations and through hard work and dedication, he quickly learned that becoming a forestry business owner was going to be the goal. With a history of taking on increasingly challenging roles, Shawn gained valuable insights into every aspect of the industry.

Known for his passion for environmental sustainability and responsible forestry management, Shawn’s innovative approach has enabled him to collaborate between business and environmental interests. He has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between industry stakeholders, environmental organizations, government agencies, and First Nations by fostering dialogue and driving positive change. As a lifetime Vancouver Island resident, Shawn is deeply involved in community initiatives and volunteers at various organizations where he is a respected board member; previously serving on the board of directors at Qala:yit Community Forest for over six years.

In these capacities, Shawn plays a key role in shaping policy, promoting best practices, and advocating for the interests of both the industry and the environment. In addition to his volunteer and community work, Shawn owns and operates the Kaatza Group of Companies. Outside of professional endeavors, Shawn enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.

PAST MEMBERS:

Carolyne Austin

Bob Berrow

Jean Brown

Jack Cassey

Brent Clancy

Morreen Coulter

Tara Daly

Dave Darling

George DeLure

George Donnelly

Rita Dustow

Mike Eckert

Pat Foster

Gary Gunderson

Tom Hedley

Brooke Hodson

Jim Humphrey

Dorothy Hunt

Bruce Ingram

David Kidd

Pat Kinney

Wendy Klien

Klaus Kuhn

Dennis LaForge

Sue Lindstrom

Mike MacDonald

Alex Marshall

Ron McKenzie

Eric Nott

Rick Nott

Jack Peake

George Pohn

Carman Rocco

Bill Routley

Jim Scholey

Sheila Service

Sandy Stinson

Roger Wiles

Interested in becoming a member?

Contact us about the process.

2023 Board Members

(Photo taken January 2023)