Presented by Kelowna's Chamber of Commerce and BDO, the "Top 40 Over 40" was created to showcase role models and champions within our community, and to encourage our future leaders. So, without further adieu, here are December's nominees!
David Bond is a managing partner at KPMG accounting and consulting, as well as the president of the Kelowna Art Gallery board, a director with the Institute of Corporate Directors and a committee member on the UBC Okanagan Athletics Scholarship Breakfast Committee.
How long have you lived in Kelowna?
We moved here in the summer of 1997, so almost 20 years.
What is your favourite thing about this community?
Kelowna offers everything you’d want from a larger city (entertainment, amenities and ease of travel to bigger centers) and everything you’d want from a smaller center (less traffic, shorter commutes and access to hiking, skiing and other activities).
If you could change one thing about Kelowna, what would it be?
For more larger companies to realize the benefits of choosing Kelowna as headquarters for their business – as a place where there employees want to live and raise their families.
Who is your hero?
People who can work hard and passionately in their careers but who are always able to maintain their perspective of what’s important in life.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I don’t have a bucket list, but the things I need for a fulfilling life are time with my family, exercise and travel.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
My family of course (wife Lisa and kids, Tate and Reegan). Professionally, it would any accomplishment where I had to preserve and grow to achieve it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Time travel – to see history as it happened and to add in a couple of more hours in the day.
What is your favourite place to go out for dinner in Kelowna?
BNA Brewery and Eatery – great food, atmosphere and people.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
Somewhere warmer.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m still in the top 10 all-time penalty minutes for the UBC Thunderbirds Hockey Team.
Dr. Paul Clark is an optometrist and partner at Iris Kelowna, a member on the B.C. Doctors of Optometry Committee and gives back with the KLO Neighbourhood Association.
How long have you lived in Kelowna?
This year will be 20 years.
What is your favourite thing about this community?
I very much enjoy the community focus on fitness with its diversity of sport venues and outdoor activities.
If you could change one thing about Kelowna, what would it be?
More and safer bike paths. I spent four years in Holland where cycling paths are prioritized and straightened to be the shortest route between two locations. Here in Canada, bike paths tend to parallel roadways.
Who is your hero?
I've always admired Jimmy Carter for his poise and quiet work to make the world better.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I've learned to plan to do achievable objectives which are nevertheless difficult to do and therefore inspiring. It's not about what I want anymore, rather my family and the happiness we can all have together. So anything that makes the family stronger is on my bucket list!
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Most recently I've moved my Optometry practice out of the Mall to Gateway Plaza, it looks and feels great!
Personally though, my world record in the Oita Wheelchair Marathon in 1988. 1:38:27, I can never go that fast again!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The power to resolve conflict through dialogue.
What is your favourite place to go out for dinner in Kelowna?
We live in the Pandosy area, so we enjoy Chutney and Zabb take out.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
I've never been to New York and would still like to go one day.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I love and admire my wife more than anyone.
Though Wentworth Music was started in 1966 by his grandfather, Noel has since expanded the family business to include the Wentworth Music Education Centre. He has been a guitar, bass and band instructor for over 20 years, and had traveled with his students for performances all over the world.
How long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Kelowna. Aside from going to school for two years for Music at Selkirk College in Nelson, B.C., I have lived here my whole life.
What is your favourite thing about this community?
I love the community aspect of things. That our leaders are accessible, that there is opportunity here to try new things and grow. It’s a perfect sized city for me.
If you could change one thing about Kelowna, what would it be?
I honestly don’t have anything to say. I truly love it here. I’m sure if I was involved more with politics I would see a bigger picture and start understanding there is room for improvement and growth.
Who is your hero?
I have a lot of people I admire, like Nicola Tesla, musicians like Nathan East and Carol Kaye, and of course my wife Lora all top the list.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I think I need a bigger bucket; I’ve accomplished so many of the things I dreamt about. If I had to choose though, I’d travel more,help share the love of music and performance to more people, and work on learning (maybe pick up Yoga).
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Being a father to two amazing kids
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
(Psst) Don’t tell anyone, but I already have super powers…
What is your favourite place to go out for dinner in Kelowna?
Zabb Thai Restaurant
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
I think I would go to Italy or Greece. Never been, but pictures look beautiful.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I used to be a hairdresser. I was trained at Vidal Sassoon in Santa Monica. I enjoyed what I was doing, but didn’t feel like it was the real calling for me. I had just won Junior Hairdresser of the Year for B.C., but a week later was paralyzed. I vowed if I was ever able to walk, sing and play guitar again, I would go to music school…but that’s another story.
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