Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors

But more importantly, his benevolent heart entranced his enthusiasm for friendship. Whether he was working, teaching or playing, Mike showed admiration for the people involved in all of his associations and often referred to them as friends. Clare Magee was one of those friends. Mike and Clare share a history ... Mike as a Student and Clare as an admirable and inspiring Teacher. Their keen connection remained vibrant over the years as they became Colleagues and collectively taught others on many levels, each with their own sincere passion and style. I know that Mike held the highest regard for Clare and treasured memories that undoubtedly grew from the grassroots of their love for Cross Country Skiing. I know most of you here today not only recognize but understand the commendable performance Clare has given to each day of his life as he interacts with everyone in his surroundings. I know Mike did...

Clare presented Mike with this "feather" at a time when things were changing rapidly with in Mike's realm. Mike was very aware of the symbolism and significance of this gift and he immediately kept this feather in his Atlas and used it often to show me the beautiful and exciting sections of his famous bicycle trip in the hopes that his twin brother Bill and myself could return to some of these favouite and most spiritual experiences to spread his ashes to signify all good feelings and optimism. I wish I could share more about this feather but find it extremely emotional...so there is your work for the next while...search out the mean of the Eagle Feather...and you will remember this as another shared learning experience coming from a cherished friendship with Clare Magee. A person most deserving of a highest Achievement Award presented today in Mike's memory. You are the very best Clare!

Blessings of peace and happiness always Clare and thank you for sharing your life with ours!

It was OK, I guess, but I couldn't quite appreciate the enthusiasm one would have for this sport - I found I was either slipping and sliding like it was roller skates I had on, or picking myself up out of the cold, powder snow every few strides. And friends I otherwise respected as athletes and outdoorsmen were wearing knickers and knee socks!! Snowshoeing made imminently more sense for winter travel. But I've been skiing with Clare, following behind him both literally and figuratively, for the 30 something years since, and loving every minute of it.

I first met Clare about 5 years earlier in 1971 as a 15 year old enrolled in the leadership training program, of which Clare was the director, at an Ontario summer camp. I knew one thing when I left a month later - that like the famous Michael Jordan/Gatorade ads of a few years ago - "Be Like Mike" - I wanted to "Be like Clare". Here was this larger-than-life 20 something year old guy who played guitar and banjo, had been an all-Ontario varsity basketball player, could paddle a canoe with strength and grace, and could name and imitate all the bird calls resonating from the forest. But it was his leadership skills, and the conscientious, principled example he set, that influenced me the most.

All of us who have been taught by Clare, and/or taught alongside him know the dedication and professionalism with which he conducts himself. He has been the consummate role-model for many of us. His combination of technical skills, pedagogical prowess, and sheer energy has swept us all along in his wake with our desire to be as effective as he in empowering others to maximize their own potential as skiers and as ski instructors. At our annual instructor briefings and on courses, Clare would be up late at night making sure that every detail of the schedule had been thought through, every handout edited, every possible glitch anticipated and prepared for, and in his subtle but persuasive way, that each of us would be motivated to be similarly prepared. The highlight for many of us at the briefings would be the annual version of the marking video, featuring "skier in red hat", or "man in tights" craftily edited by Clare to challenge our examining skills and consistency.

It's been as much about fun and life-long friendships, as it has been about skills and leadership. Clare's influence has covered all the seasons in the calendar, and through many other forms of outdoor pursuit. Two summers ago, on a portage in Killarney Provincial Park, we met a young man and woman. The man looked at Clare and said something like - I know you - are you Clare Magee? Clare of course answered, yes, the connection was made between a former Seneca College student and his teacher, and some pleasant and sincere catching-up took place. As we prepared to depart, the young man said honestly and humbly to Clare - "I want to thank you for the huge influence you've been on my life", and that he wouldn't have been there - at that time, place and space - had it not been for the relationship and values fostered years before. Many more who have crossed paths with Clare over the years would surely share that sentiment.

Mike Moran was a character, to say the least. A leader, without a doubt. Combining his formidable skills and leadership abilities with his energetic, infectious and humorous ways, Mike was a provincial, national and international ambassador for CANSI and for Nordic skiing. He challenged us to be the best instructors we could be, and led by example. Mike was the most natural skier I have ever met - on skinny skis, telemark or downhill gear. He was both spirited and inspirational. Mike passed away in the fall of 2006. Those who knew him will remember Mike's smile and his laugh the most, but he left us all with a great deal more than that.

It could not be more fitting that the first recipient of this award honoring Mike Moran, should be his friend and colleague Clare Magee. Although one was tall and one not, one somewhat of an extrovert, one less so, Mike and Clare shared a commitment to personal excellence and excellence in leadership which both of them demonstrated not only on snow but in all aspects of their lives. The bar has been set at the highest peg for future recipients of this award - nothing less would reflect the standard set by these two. On behalf of past and present members of the Nordic ski community, our thanks to them both for their inspiration, their dedication and above all their friendship.