GM Vancouver Club 1962- 2002

Over the Christmas holidays, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Hans Kummer, my predecessor at The Vancouver Club.

When I arrived at The Vancouver Club in 2002, Hans was the General Manager (the first in the Club's history to hold this title). After 40 years of dedicated service, he had decided to retire.

Hans had been working at the Club since 1962, when he landed in Vancouver from Switzerland at the spritely age of twenty-three, fresh out of hotel school and having served his obligatory term in the Swiss army. Over his 40 years with the Club, he had worked his way up through the ranks: waiter, Maitre d', Chief Steward, Catering Manager... In the early 80s, after The Vancouver Club's merger with the University Club, George Smith was appointed Secretary Manager, and Hans his assistant. When George retired in 1993, Hans took over the office as the newly titled General Manager.

Over the years that followed and throughout the Club's many changes, Hans maintained his professionalism, patience, and humour. The merging of two clubs is no easy task for anyone, but to maintain consistency of service while meeting the needs of two distinct and diverse memberships is an ordeal. Hans was instrumental in the Club's history, executing its evolution through its first merger with the University Club, the integration of women members, and a second merger with the women's only Georgian Club. During his tenure, he faced all manner of economic and social challenges unique to a private club. He understood the inevitable changes required for it to remain relevant, yet remained keenly aware of the need to uphold tradition and decorum in order to succeed.

When I arrived at The Vancouver Club, Hans greeted me warmly and made sure that I knew of the many obstacles that might (and did) come my way. He taught me to celebrate my victories, wish everyone well, and, when something takes a surprising and unanticipated turn, respond with kindness. From Hans, I learned that, as a leader, success is genuinely achieved when one receives the blessing and well wishes of one's predecessor. Each time he returned to visit the Club, I was reassured by those well wishes.

When you've been in a position of responsibility, caring for and grooming a team of staff that become more like family than employees, it's not easy to leave. Two years ago, as I let go of that responsibility and passed the helm of my ship on to its next captain, I thought about Hans. His quiet grace. His encouragement. I never took it for granted.

Thank you for passing the baton.

Rest in peace, kind sir.