Our Team

Robert grew up in Northwestern Quebec and spent most of his career in leadership positions at colleges in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba, as well as with the Gov’t of Manitoba.Appointments ranged from college Vice-President to Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and Admin in Education. Robert also worked part-time in media as a journalist and a radio broadcaster. A firm believer in giving back to the community, he served as Board Chair of Winnipeg Habitat for Humanity; Assistant Superintendent of St John Ambulance (MB); Judge, Premier’s Volunteer Award Committee (MB), Volunteer Ambassador in the dialysis wing of the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg; and Chair of the Prairie Region Citizen Advisory Committee with Corrections Canada for which he was recognized nationally with the James A. Murphy Award of Excellence.

In 2017, Robert moved to Squamish, B.C. and looking for potential volunteer opportunities, stumbled on the Squamish Men’s Shed. Since then, he served as its President, as well as Vice-President of the Men’s Shed Association of B.C., and now as President of Men’s Sheds Canada. In 2021, he chaired and hosted the first provincial Men’s Shed Conference in Squamish, B.C.

Robert was born and raised in Montreal, and following graduation from Carleton University in Ottawa with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree, joined the family business in 1978. In 1979, he became President of Rampart Partitions at the age of 23, taking over from its founder Karel Elhen, who died in a car accident. The business develops, manufactures, and installs partitions systems, demountable walls, acoustic panels, and baffles, as well as custom solutions for commercial or institutional work environments. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 with the third generation now running this family business.

Robert has been a member of CAFE ( Canadian Association of Family Enterprises), Groupement des Chefs d’enterprises, and President’s Association, as well is current President of CIQMO (Commerce International Québec Montérégie-Ouest), providing front-line export services to companies in Monteregie wishing to expand their activities in international markets.

Now in semi-retirement mode, Robert is based in both Lac-Brome and Brossard, Quebec, where he has been an active member of the Lac-Brome Men’s Shed since January 2023 and Vice-President since July 2023.  As MSC appointed Quebec Ambassador, he is working to increase awareness of Men’s Sheds, and open new Sheds in Quebec and other Francophone areas. Robert was appointed as a Director on the MSC board in November, 2023.

Jim and his wife Brenda both grew up in Orangeville, Ontario, and moved to Port Moody, BC in 1991. Married for 49 years, they have two daughters, two sons, and nine grandchildren and have volunteered extensively with heritage organizations and Girl Guides and Scouts. Jim also has a strong interest in environment and climate change.

Jim learned about Men’s Sheds several years ago and thought it would be a win/win to start one at the Port Moody Station Museum, a heritage site that includes a station built in 1908, as well as vintage train cars.  Jim is currently the Port Moody Men’s Shed Treasurer and has seen first-hand how Men’s Sheds are both valuable to the community and to its members. The Port Moody Men’s Shed is also supported by the Port Moody Legion #119.

Dwayne is a remarkable individual whose resilience and positivity shine through his diverse roles and experiences. A veteran paramedic, he has dedicated his life to serving others, and his journey as a stroke survivor adds profound depth to his understanding of health and recovery. Dwayne has also been a coach and mentor, most recently through his involvement with the Tetra Society and Men’s Sheds, where he fosters community and support for people with disabilities while promoting positive mental health. His advocacy extends beyond conversation—he actively encourages cycling as a way to enhance both physical and mental well-being. Through this multifaceted approach, Dwayne uplifts those around him and serves as an inspiring beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of embracing life’s challenges with courage and determination.

Jan brings close to 50 years of experience as a senior executive in the federal public service, as well as strategic expertise in regulatory and government relations for Canadian and U.S. wireless and satellite telecom companies. He has served as president of his 329-unit condominium Board of Directors and, in collaboration with like-minded volunteers, helped organize a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) involving other condo buildings in his Ambleside neighbourhood. Jan has also been an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels in Ottawa and West Ottawa over the past several years. In 2023, he was one of the organizers of the Ambleside Men’s Shed, which now has over 70 members, and he currently serves as its president. Jan holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Carleton University.

Jerry brings an extensive background in the printing industry, beginning his career as a press operator before moving into sales and eventually running his own company in Winnipeg. He has built a successful track record in sales across multiple companies, covering both printing and steel products in Western Canada. Jerry has served as President of the Woodhaven Men’s Shed for four years, during which time membership has grown from 25 to over 100. Under his leadership, the Woodhaven Men’s Shed now features a band that performs for over-55 seniors’ groups, a stained-glass area, a carving area, a five-foot airplane makers group, as well as social spaces for conversation and coffee. At 81, Jerry remains active and deeply engaged with his family and his community.

Doug brings extensive experience in community development, adult education, and applied learning. He holds a B.Sc. and a Master of Agriculture from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, along with a Certificate in Adult & Continuing Education and a Certified ESL Teaching Certificate. Doug has worked extensively in Canada and abroad as a training specialist and project manager across agriculture and other sectors. He is deeply committed to his community, serving as a volunteer ESL tutor, a broadcast reader for Accessible Media Incorporated Canada, a Board director for House Next Door Society, and health and safety committee chair for Habitat for Humanity. Doug is also an active musician, serving as a chorister and cantor at St. Andrew’s United Church and as a choir member and Board director for the Richard Eaton Singers.

Darrell grew up in Saskatchewan with strong ties to family and sports, including junior hockey, which instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for teamwork and community—values that have guided both his professional career and personal life. He spent 37 years as a CPA, CA in public practice across Saskatchewan and British Columbia. A committed volunteer, Darrell has served as treasurer, director, and president for numerous organizations, including Kinsmen and Rotary clubs, professional associations, sports clubs, Big Brothers, Meals on Wheels, Junior Achievement, and the B.C. Summer Games. After recovering from a stroke, he became involved with Men’s Sheds, attending local meetings and engaging with local and provincial representatives. Darrell believes that not only can he benefit from the support and community that Men’s Sheds fosters, but that he can also make meaningful contributions, and he welcomes the opportunity to do so.