Toast to The King, Canada and Rotary: Danny Cassidy
Attendance: (11 members, 0 guests)
Speaker: Gerd Wendler - speaking about his life from the time he came to Canada
Gerd was introduced by Courtney Fisher.
In 1989 Gerd came to Canada as a landed immigrant in Toronto and settled in Saskatoon.
He first became a Rotarian in Saskatoon in 1991.
For the first year he lived in an apartment and bought his first car, a Volvo for $1,000 which he used to travel to Vancouver. He was happy and carefree at that time.
He got his first job at a German mining company and worked there for 2 years before joining Cameco.
His role at a newly opened mine in northern Saskatchewan was as a ventilation engineer and later became part of the mine rescue team. He will always remember helping an injured worker in an accident and how later the man thanked him and felt that Gerd has saved his life.
Later Gerd accepted a position as senior analyst, business development, for Cameco in Saskatoon.
During that time, he continued his education for an MBA at the University of Saskatchewan.
Gerd met his wife Dorothy at a Cameco sponsored MS Society bike ride in 1994 and after their first date they spent nearly every day together. He proposed 4 weeks later and 6 months after that they were married.
After some time at Cameco, Gerd felt there was no more room for advancement, so he took a position as a Director, business development, at St. Lawrence Cement in Montreal. They both moved to Montreal in 1997.
Dorothy is a physiotherapist and began teaching at McGill University.
Gerd became a Rotarian in Westmount in Montreal.
Things did not work out at St. Lawrence Cement as the CEO had created a negative culture in the company and that did not sit well with Gerd.
In 2000 Gerd accepted the position of President at Park Property Management and for the next 26 years he enjoyed working with the many employees and felt like his role fit her personality perfectly.
Gerd is planning to retire from his role this June and is looking forward to his next adventure whatever that may be.
Gerd was thanked by Dave Hardy.
Announcements:
Gordon announced there will be no lunch next Wednesday and next Thursday the pub night will be at Smash in Unionville.
Danny said the business plan update will be emailed to everyone next week sometime.
On behalf of the Board, President Danny nominated Basil Dias as Club President for the Rotary year 2026–27. By a majority vote of those present at the meeting, the nomination was approved with enthusiastic support.
Sergeant at arms: Dave Hardy
No fines but Gerd received a warning for answering a phone call during his speech.
Happy Bucks:
Danny was happy for Basil becoming President
Dave was happy for the business plan
Frank was happy about Gerd’s talk
Arthur was just happy
Saifoo was happy to work with people
As there was nothing more for the good of Rotary President Danny closed the meeting.
Announcements:
Sergeant at arms: Dave Hardy
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