2015 Honorary Chairperson

First to the Rink; Last to Leave

 Lenard (Len) Wishlow

Len Wishlow  in 1971 started his hockey volunteering and has never looked back.   Born in Blairmore, Alberta April 9 1951, his family moved to Kelowna in 1956 so his father, Fred could work on the “new” Kelowna Floating Bridge (opened in 1958).  Growing up in the North end of Kelowna, with out a T.V. until 1959, Len would hang out at the rink in the winters watching his older brothers, Bill and Don play hockey.  

Wayne North, owner and GM of the Kelowna Buckeroos (BCJHL) from 1971-1982 gave Len his first volunteering position as a doorman.  Len never missed a game; many fans, referees, coaches and players became a friends of Lens.

Len has served as an impressive hockey volunteer since 1971;  1971-82  Kelowna Buckaroo’s (BCJHL), 1982-1985 Kelowna Wing’s (WHL),  1986-1989 Kelowna Packer’s (BCJHL), 1989-1995 Kelowna Spartans (BCJHL).  When the midget tournament started in Kelowna, Len was asked if he wanted to take on one more volunteer position and has never missed a year.  As a devoted hockey fan (season ticket holder of the Kelowna Rockets (WHL) from the first season), Len can not wait  for the hockey season to begin and especially looks forward to working at the Tim Horton’s Midget Tournament.

Len is kind, thoughtful, happy and generous with his time.  He has a very sharp memory and can recall historical details that other people will have forgotten.  Len will stop to have a discussion with his many hockey acquaintances he has meet over the last 55 years in the Kelowna Memorial Arena. 

Having served Kelowna Hockey since 1971, he is recognized as a model of volunteerism for the City of Kelowna,  He is the first to the rink and the last to leave