I was born outside of Detroit, Michigan, but grew up mostly in a rural area north east of Toronto. Living in the country with 4 siblings, we were always outside playing and exploring the countryside. I moved to Thunder Bay to attend Lakehead University as a student in the Outdoor Recreation program – the perfect spot to continue camping, hiking, canoeing, and skiing, all while completing an Honours degree program. I then completed my Bachelor of Education program and returned to southern Ontario, making Kingston my new home.

I began as an occasional teacher in the northern parts of the Limestone District School Board, but there were not many full-time positions available so I ended up working as a Literacy Coordinator with Frontier College. I trained community and inmate tutors for literacy and math in the federal prisons in our area – an eye-opening experience that had me joyously returning to teaching in elementary schools! I taught all grades from K to 8 and even did a stint teaching core French. I moved into administration and completed a Masters of Education degree. I worked 21 years as a Vice-Principal and Principle and retired in June, 2021.

My wife, Melanie and I, have three children (each 12 years apart!) and two grandsons. While the youngest is still at home, we like to spend time in Squamish, BC with one daughter and Milton, ON with the other. To round it out, we have two adorable golden doodles named Duke and Ella who keep us active.

Joining the Maple Leaf Tours team was an exciting prospect. I have travelled extensively to see new things, experience new cultures and especially, find great food! But I have to say, that meeting people along the way has always been the best part. As a Tour Director, I have the best of all worlds. Cape Cod, Nashville, Agawa Canyon, Niagara Falls, Montreal … so many places … and always with a bus load of interesting, fun and excited people who are getting away on vacation and living their best lives! I have always been known for my “big laugh” that echoed throughout the hallways in schools, now it travels with me on the bus, where I enjoy so many new people who always teach me new things.

Come travel with us – Maple Leaf Tours – adventure awaits, in beautiful Ontario, across Canada, in the US and overseas!

“Life is simple, life is complex, life is short. Your only real currency is time – use it wisely.” (Michelle Richmond)