One of the most courageous and outspoken voices for people with disabilities was silenced this weekend when well-known advocate and activist, Gary McPherson, died on Saturday, May 8.
An extraordinary powerhouse of a man and an avid sports enthusiast, Gary advocated tirelessly for athletes with disabilities. He served as president of the Edmonton Paralympic Association, and as president of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association.
A recipient of the Order of Canada and Alberta Order of Excellence, Gary served in a variety of executive roles in associations that promote sport and physical activity for people with disabilities, including as chairman of the board of governors of The Steadward Centre, as vice-chairman of the Alberta Paraplegic Association. He chaired the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities for a decade during Don Getty's premiership.
He was enthusiastically engaged in provincial politics, and ran for the leadership of Progressive Conservatives in 2006 - his first political campaign.
He held an honorary doctorate from the University of Alberta, and lectured in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation in the early years when it was known as the Department of Physical Education.
Gary will be missed by the legions of people whose lives he touched by his determination, humour, lust for life, and unbridled enthusiasm.
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