Most of the people I know (including myself) are, well, just average. But every now and then, I discover one or two individuals who are truly extraordinary. Bruce and Peg Gilchrist fall into this category.
I met with Bruce and Peg on May 19 at their home in North Battleford. I knew that the Gilchrists were a remarkable couple before I sat down with them for a serious conversation. But after we said our goodbyes, I realized that I had just witnessed something unique and wonderful.
Bruce Gilchrist was born as one of those “Baby Boomers” to Laverne Gilchrist and Illa Gilchrist (nee Reevie) in Regina. In addition to Bruce, his siblings included two younger brothers and an older sister. The family homestead was west of Milestone. Bruce took his Grades 1 through 12 at Milestone Central School and, later, Bruce attended the School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan (off campus) as a mature student. Formal education is one thing, but Bruce really learned his craft in the real world of business called “Street Smarts.”
Bruce’s first career endeavor, at age 13, was in the newspaper business as a delivery boy. He made good pocket money, but more importantly, he learned a number of lessons including responsibility and the value of a dollar. This was especially important because Bruce’s dad also gave him a generous allowance of 25 cents weekly, so young Bruce certainly didn’t lack for spending money. As a side comment, Bruce was a big fan of the movies while working in a local theatre operating the projectors.
I now turn my attention to Peg. She was born to Orval Schrader and Alice Schrader (nee Charettte) at Arcola and was raised with two sisters and two brothers. During her early childhood, Peg lived on a farm with her family near Forget. At some point, the family moved to work on a farm in the Milestone area. Peg took her Grade 1 at a one-room country school – McCoy School. Then the family moved to yet another farm just a few miles north of Milestone. This resulted in Peg taking her Grades 2 through 10 at Milestone Central School. She then took her Grade 11 at Arcola and her Grade 12 by correspondence while working as a nanny in Regina. She gravitated to work there at a security brokerage firm, Richardson Securities as a “board walker” reading and listing stock values on a chalkboard. Note: this was a forerunner to the computer world of today.
It’s interesting – Peg and Bruce started dating as students when they were teenagers. At that time, Bruce didn’t have a car so they walked everywhere. One hot summer night, Bruce was walking Peg home when they were confronted by the Schrader’s family dog, who did not like Bruce. It bolted out of the veranda to the centre of the road about 25 to 30 feet from the young couple and barked furiously for quite a while until Peg’s dad couldn’t take it any more as it was disrupting his sleep. This prompted him to stick his head out of a window and shout, “For gosh sake Sparky, shut up so Bruce can go home”.
At age 19, both Bruce and Peg left home as a married couple. Bruce being legally underage for marriage, his dad had to sign their marriage papers. The young couple initially made their home in Milestone, a community of 500 where Bruce worked as a grease monkey before landing a job in retail. In 1969, he subsequently attended the technical institute in Moose Jaw where he learned electronics, thereafter opening and managing an appliance and TV repair shop selling color TVs in the Milestone Co-op. As you can see, Bruce was ambitious, steadily climbing the ladder of success. Next he was appointed as assistant manager trainee of the Milestone Credit Union. He transferred with the Credit Union to North Battleford in 1981 where he worked until he opened his own insurance business. Finally, he was his own boss.
After getting married, Peg worked at the Bank of Commerce in Milestone before making a move to the Sherwood Credit Union on Albert Street in Regina where she remained for five years.
Peg was certainly a match for Bruce when it came to ambition, as she, too, climbed the ladder of success.
Peg and Bruce’s child, Kara, was born in Milestone after which Peg continued to work at the Credit Union in Regina. When their second child, Kaelee, was born, they moved to North Battleford where Peg worked for a couple of years in lawyers’ offices and for an architectural firm. She then joined Bruce in the insurance business as his secretary.
After 15 years in insurance, Bruce realized that he was limited in terms of serving his clients because of his illness so he sold his insurance business to a good friend, Myles Remple. But Bruce being an entrepreneur and not allowing his condition to slow his progress so he partnered with three local individuals in a new business adventure of health and wellness promoting Mannatech nutritional supplements. He became one of Canada’s top producers and he is still in the business. People ask, “How much do you make?” Bruce replies, “I don’t know; I haven’t got my last cheque yet,”
In addition, he is in partnership with a young business inventor, Chris Kotelmach from Calgary. Interestingly, Chris enjoyed a stint on the notable Canadian Bachelorette TV program aired this past spring. This team has brought to market from the inception stage all the way through to mass production of an innovative product that can improve the lives of many. It’s named “Cama Cooler,” (“cama” is a Spanish word for “bed”) that can eliminate night sweats.
Bruce also has another cottage industry product – ANTI ANTZ, an organic, nonpoisonous ant killer that the Scouts and other groups sell door to door as a fundraiser. This was one way he has chosen to give back to the community.
From about age 20, Bruce realized there was something seriously wrong with his health when he was diagnosed with very aggressive rheumatoid arthritis. The disease quickly moved throughout his entire body. He was off work for an entire year back then, but by sheer determination he would not allow this disease to destroy his life. He has never given up and is still achieving predetermined goals even while being confined to a wheelchair over the past 15 years. In terms of function, he is essentially a quad paraplegic. Despite this, Bruce is adamant that others have it worse than he. Bruce and Peg’s faith has sustained them through the hard times, and he believes he is surrounded by many angels with Peg being the closest. As difficult as it is for a healthy person to fathom, Bruce feels fortunate despite his condition. His mind is good. With faith and closeness, this family has stuck together and is still trying to add value to others’ lives. Peg has been unwavering in her support for Bruce as she sees to his every need. I’ve seen Peg push him in his wheel chair into the dining hall for the Friday night buffets at the Co-op mall. Bruce is certain that he, “wouldn’t be around,” if it weren’t for her.
Travel and situations as simple as going for coffee with friends pose many barriers and challenges that make it difficult, but one must make the effort to be in the community. The Gilchrists note that, “People not in wheelchairs just don’t get it.” Other simple things like a store with a sign that reads, “wheelchair accessible” means something.
Bruce has aggressively confronted his illness. For example, he designed his own portable lift and transfer systems to help while traveling on airplanes and hotels etc.
He has an extraordinary take on life. Despite his struggle, he still enjoys life.
As mentioned, Bruce and Peg are people of faith. They attend the Alliance Church and have for more than 30 years. Faith has sustained them through the challenges and low points of their lives. Peg is very involved in her church community. She decorates for church functions like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and assists in other areas as much as she is able. This is her ministry. She enjoys attending a group bible study every Wednesday night, and she prays regularly.
I have discussed Bruce’s business exploits. I now turn my attention to Peg and her work history. Peg is certainly a match for Bruce when it comes to business. In high school, she was an introvert. She kept her thoughts, feelings and ideas to herself. But shortly after graduation, she became a confident young woman ready to make her mark in society. I’ve already discussed her early career. After working for Bruce as his secretary, she decided to strike out on her own (she still remained as Bruce’s secretary for some time). In November of 1987, she ventured on another career path by entering into the direct marketing of women’s fashions starting with Weekender Ladies Wear then on to Jockey person to person making each of them big successes. Peg managed these businesses for 30 years and consistently was a top sales producer. She honed her skills as a leader by recruiting, managing and training hundreds of women to run their own business in sales. Then direct marketing in this field closed down for her, so she rebounded and started another new business with their daughter Kaelee. They named it “We Coordinate Yours” which is event planning (weddings, anniversaries and special events etc.). For example, Peg and Kaelee will sit down with a bride and groom and plan the entire wedding. First, attention will be given to the budget (it is critical to work within the budget), the hall, seating, the caterers, the meal, and the bar and decorations are all considered. Peg and Kaelee have the skills to do it all from planning, organizing and decorating to make these events even more successful and enjoyable for all. In short, they have the talent and energy to work with their clients regardless of how challenging they may be..
For years Bruce worked from his office on 100th Street (now the Re/Max Building). Bruce was a broker specializing in disability insurance (ironic to be sure). Over the years, he was fortunate to have three remarkable secretaries including Adeline Thompson who is now a trainer and recruiter high-up in the insurance industry across Canada, Jaki Esquirol, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), and Linda Jackson (Fred Light’s daughter, who came to work after many years of service at Senator Herb Sparrow’s office).
There is more to the story but this should suffice. This essay outlines Bruce and Peg Gilchrist’s life journey and tells how this extraordinary husband and wife team confronts extremely difficult situations with courage and determination. They set a sterling example for the rest of us. I am proud to know them both.
