I was born in Victoria B.C. November 27, 1963. My family moved into a house along side the 1st fairway of the Mount Brenton Golf Course (Chemainus) in 1964. During high school I was employed in the pro shop and began working on the grounds after graduating 1981. In 1982 I was offered and accepted a full time position with the grounds department at the Cowichan Golf Course. I married Diane on August 2nd 1986 and by December 1,1987 I had moved south again with the acceptance of the Assistant Superintendent position for the soon to open Arbutus Ridge Golf Course. In 1993 we had our 1st daughter (Samantha) and in 1995 we were blessed again with our other daughter (Amy). In 1994, I became a member of the Duncan Fire Department to ensure I would have absolutely no free time.

I have served 16 years on the board of directors for the Vancouver Island Chapter of the BCGSA and currently as President. Have instructed the Turf Management component of the golf program at Camosun College (2000-2002). My hobbies are golf (12 hdcp), fishing, and hockey.

Back to Top

President Plasteras asked me to tell the members of the Western Turf who I am. So I spoke to my therapists and they said in about fifty years I might be able to tell you. This is what happens when you work in the Irrigation industry for 27 years

I was born in Quebec and moved to Nova Scotia soon after. In 1974 we moved to Victoria and I continued my education at Camosun College, University of Victoria and the BC Institute of Technology. I hold a Technologist Diploma in Landscape Horticulture and am a member of the ASTT, Applied Science Technologists of B.C. in Biological Sciences.

In 1978 I started working for Rain bird Canada doing irrigation design for western Canada. At the time I thought this would be a temporary job "until something better came along", but as anyone who has worked in the Irrigation industry can attest, the vortex sucks you in. I worked in the Vancouver Area for ten years, transferred to Toronto and worked with an irrigation contractor there for two years. In 1988 I moved back to the Island to work for the Hunter distributor of Irrigation products.

I currently live on Vancouver Island and work for Eljay Irrigation Ltd., managing the Victoria and the Burnaby branches.

I have been actively involved with the IIABC (Irrigation Industry Association of B.C.) since it's inception in 1978. Over the past 18 years the IIABC has become more involved in the expansion of education to Contractors and end-users of irrigation systems. My passion in the industry is to see equipment used appropriately to eliminate waste, both water waste and financial waste. To this end I volunteer time with the IIABC education classes at their annual conference as well as volunteering with the Local Victoria Water District (CRD) in teaching homeowner workshops aimed at efficient irrigation. I teach and assist local Colleges on the Island with irrigation information for courses taught to students in the landscape and turf fields.

I am certified through the Irrigation Industry Association of B.C. in Golf Irrigation Design, Commercial Irrigation Design and Water Auditing. I am also a Past President of the IIABC and currently serve on the Certification Board of the IIABC.

My goal over the next few years is to help co-ordinate with the WTGA and the IIABC, to achieve our common goals of education and certification of qualified personnel for the advancement of public water use in the in our industry.

Free time you ask? Buy me a bottle of wine at the next conference and I will tell you more than you want to know about music from the 40's and barbershop harmony.

Thanks for your support in letting me serve on the Board for the WTGA; I am looking forward to having the opportunity to have a positive impact on our industry.

Back to Top

Dan J. Rolfe has been a member of the Western Canada Turfgrass Association since 1995.  Actively involved with the association since 1998, Dan has served as a Director, Chair of the WCTA Research Committee, and is now on the Executive as the 2006/2007 President of the Western Canada Turfgrass Association.

Dan’s involvement in the turfgrass industry began, like many, at a young age working on a golf course during the summer months between school years. Gaining much experience as a young turf manager at the Fort Langley Golf Course proved to be a pivotal time in his career endeavors. Construction, renovation and beloved maintenance experience opened doors within the booming turfgrass industry. Moving only kilometers away to Belmont Golf Course in 1992, Dan went on to become the Assistant Superintendent after a few years under tutelage of Golf Course Superintendent Joe Veller. In 1999 Dan moved to Coquitlam B.C. to become the Superintendent at the state of the art facility, Eaglequest Golf Centers. During the spring of 2003, Dan transitioned to the Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam as an Assistant Superintendent, where he worked for three years. With a much satisfying career managing public, semi-private and private golf courses he has now transitioned to a sales & technical position with Oakcreek Golf & Turf Equipment.

Back to Top

This is my second year serving on the Western Canada Turfgrass Association Board.  Since appointed as a director for the WCTA in February of 2005, I have enjoyed the experience of working with a dynamic group of individuals from a wide variety of professions within the turfgrass industry.  Although I have worked within the industry for over 25 years, I am happy to admit that learning never ends.  That is one of the main reasons this association exists and why I have a passion and respect for the WCTA and what it has achieved over the years.  I am inspired to serve another year to aid in enabling the WCTA to share and learn through research, education, literature and networking. 

I am presently employed with the City of Richmond as the Horticulture Trades Foreman, so my horticulture portfolio on the WCTA board fits well with me, and I am pleased to say that the interest within the WCTA horticulture portfolio is growing stronger each year.  Urban Forestry and Beautification are becoming an expectation of our citizens and our customs in urban areas and on the golf courses. 

I am also representing the WCTA board and its membership as a director of the Horticulture Education BC Board.  HEBC was officially launched in April of 2005 and is sanctioned by the Industry Training Authority Act as the Industry Training Organization.  The mandate of HEBC is to promote, develop, co-ordinate the delivery of effective and efficient training and qualifications in the BC ornamental horticulture industry by responding to the skills and training needs of trainees, workers and employers.  This will maintain and even increase the credibility of educators, up the standards of the trade and encourage future employees to enter into this industry as a career.  I look forward to serving the WCTA membership and working within the WCTA board into 2007.

Back to Top

I have been working with the District of West Vancouver since March 2004 as the Turf supervisor. My portfolio includes all the parks and grass areas from Capilano Road to Horseshoe Bay. I also manage and maintain the 34 sports fields within the District. This summer I have been handed the responsibilities of running the Par 3 pitch and putt located in Ambleside Park. I have been in this industry since 1997. I attended and graduated from Old’s College in Alberta with a Diploma in Horticulture with a major in Turf Management. Prior to my career in Horticulture I was employed with Molson Breweries in Manitoba for 17 years.

I look forward to being on the WCTA board. I found my present job advertised on the WCTA job posting website and yes indeed membership does have privileges.

Back to Top

Born and raised in Nanaimo, BC, I began my early Turf years working summers at the Nanaimo Golf & Country Club. After some keen advice from Bruce Harper, I found my way up to Fairview, Alberta and proceeded to receive my Turfgrass Diploma from Fairview College in 1990. During my time at Fairview and the following season after graduation I worked at the Fairwinds Golf Club. I then found myself heading north and spent 10 years in Williams Lake, 9 of those years as Course Superintendent. In 2001, I came to the Mainland and spent the next 5 years with various groups including the West Vancouver and Surrey School Districts. I have finally made it back to the Island and have spent the last year as Parks Supervisor with the West Shore Parks and Rec. (Formally Juan De Fuca).

Personally, my wife and two daughters are enjoying our new residents in Sooke, BC. It’s great to be back to the Island and look forward to serving the membership as a Director of the W.C.T.A. Board.

Back to Top

A passion for the game of golf and the venue it’s played on was my motivation to change careers and get involved in the Golf Course Industry.

I began my Turfgrass experience working part time at both Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club and Eaglequest Golf Center. In 2001 I was offered my first Assistant position at Sun Peaks Resort. My experience at Sun Peaks allowed me the opportunity to manage the existing front nine, while getting hands on construction and grow-in experience on the back nine. During the winter months I transferred over to the Slopes department where operating a snow Cat on the midnight shift was truly a unique experience.

I moved to the Vancouver area in late 2005 where I began working for the Good Golf B.C. group at the Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club. I transferred to Swan-e-Set Bay Resort & Country Club shortly after it was acquired in fall 2006 by the West Coast Golf Group.

Participating on the Board of the W.C.T.A as a director is realizing a 5-year personal goal and I look forward to serving.

Back to Top

My passion for growing quality turfgrass began in 1993 at The Harvest Golf Club with Mr. Garrett Deck. In 1995 I attended Kwantlen College in Langley and graduated in 1997 with a Turfgrass diploma. With all this new wisdom, I joined Mr. Trevor Smith at Predator Ridge in 1997 and had the time of my life working at Predator until 1999 when I secured an assistants position at Myrtle Point in Powell River. In spring of 2000 I was offered the superintendent's position at Sunset Ranch in Kelowna and enjoyed my experiences there until returning to Predator in 2002.

I love my career, this industry and the people involved. My biggest thrill is watching the golf industry change and the effects that we as Superintendents can have on its progression. I am looking forward to getting involved in the WCTA, and appreciate the opportunity to work with the board.

When I am not working I enjoy the company of my two children and my girlfriend. I love Okanagan summers and sneak as many hours on the links or my dirt bike as possible. I look forward to serving you as a director and working with the 2005 WCTA board.

Back to Top

Having been born and raised in the beautiful Alberni Valley, being surrounded by a lush green environment only seems natural. I am currently the Parks Operations Supervisor for the City of Port Alberni and have the privilege of working with a great group of Parks maintenance professionals. Aside from being known as the "Community With A Heart", great fishing, and awesome natural beauty, our Community has pulled together and hosted all 4 BC Summer Games in 1992, Athletes with Disability in1995, Senior Games in 1998, and the Winter games in 2004.

I have always had a great deal of respect for the WCTA and the dedication of it's Directorship. The programming, conferences and networking opportunities have been tremendous. I am thankful for the encouragement and support of my fellow directors and hope to contribute as I can to the group.

On a personal note, my wife Mitzie and I have three wonderful teenaged daughters. I enjoy gardening, reading and volunteering in the community.

Best wishes to all the members of the Western Canada Turfgrass Association.

Back to Top

Over 15 years of experience in the turfgrass industry. First as a groundskeeper through to the position of Golf Course Superintendent, at the Vancouver Golf Club, Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club and the Falls Golf Resort.

A graduate of UBC (1993), University of Guelph (1995), and Penn State University (1998).

Most recently having begun a new career “bend” as a Technical Consultant for the Turfgrass Industry – Sport Turf, Inc (2003-2005) and as of Feb 2006 as an independent consultant.

Have taught numerous classes at Kwantlen University College (in the landscape apprenticeship program), as well as guest speaking in the Turfgrass Management Program.

Previously was a Board of Director for the WCTA (2000-2002). Glad to have returned to the Board as I feel I have a renewed energy, and more experience to move the Association into its next phase.

Back to Top

I never would have thought when I walked into Fallis Equipment to apply for their "receptionist" job that I would actually find a career. Although there have been many changes over the years, I am currently working in my eleventh year in this fabulous industry and I am honored to be a part of it.

For those of you who don't know, I am currently the Operations Manager at A.R. Mower & Supply. Not only do I focus on the golf supply end of the business but I also do all the accounting and advertising for the company.

Outside of my career, most of my time and attention is devoted to my family and friends. I try to travel as much as possible and I enjoy and focus a lot of time on photography.

I look forward to being on the board of the WCTA and seeing what goes on "behind the scenes".

Back to Top