By A.P. Crawford, Life Member No. 87 (ap.crawford@skipatrol.ca)
The highest award that a member of the CSP can receive is the Life Membership Award. It is given to recognize regular members of the CSP in good standing who, through their activities and actions, have made meaningful contributions to enhance, grow, or improve programs and practices across one or more of the multiple dimensions of the CSP. Preference is given to nominees whose contributions have had, or are likely to have, significant and positive impact on the CSP nationally.
Since the CSP was founded in 1941, there have been just 97 individuals recognized as life members, starting with Dr. Doug Firth. These individuals are the builders of the CSP we have today and can be easily recognized as they are the ones who have a gold-coloured name and award number bar on their nametags.
In 2025, the CSP was delighted to honour six more individuals. The work of three of them is highlighted below; the other three will be recognized in an upcoming issue of 5/5.
Wyn Smith, Central Zone, Ontario Division
Life Member Award No. 98
Wyn Smith joined the CSP in 1992 in Ontario Division’s Central Zone, making his home at Snow Valley just outside of Barrie. Early on, he became an instructor and then an instructor-trainer, qualifications he retains to this day in both advanced first aid and on snow instruction. Wyn also served as the Snow Valley Resort patrol leader for a number of years. He has received multiple allocades over the y ears including his CSP Award in 2016, being recognized as a Central Zone Life Member in 2017 and Ontario Division Life Member in 2022.
Wyn has held the position of vice-president of training for Central Zone since 2018 and focused on enhancing training outcomes while staying adaptable to the evolving needs of both the training department and patrollers, which included development of in-class training protocols for the 2020-2021 season through the pandemic. Those protocols were adopted across Ontario Division and used through the 2021 training cycle.
Outside of the training realm, Wyn’s leadership has extended to leading efforts to execute the Barrie Ski Swap as swap manager, under strict public health guidelines due to the pandemic, thus preserving a crucial revenue stream for the zone and local patrols at a time when most similar events were cancelled. As swap manager he was also the lead to negotiate a favourable agreement with resort management when the swap venue shifted. This agreement has provided a unique partnership, helping to reduce costs and leverage resort marketing vehicles to reach a broader audience at lower cost.
At the national level, Wyn has served as a member of the national recognition committee where his deep insight, objectivity and passion for the evaluation process was clearly seen. As Nancy Price-Hutley (Recognition Committee chair) noted, “he embodies everything we value in a CSP leader.”
Wyn demonstrates unwavering support for his team (whichever team you are referencing) and openly advocates for wellbeing and fairness. His people management skills are exemplary, bringing a balanced perspective in moments of challenge or conflict. His peers and patrol family hold him in the highest regard for his integrity, fairness and ability to lead with both head and heart. He inspires others to grow, contribute and lead, impacting the CSP and all who serve alongside him.
Congratulations Wyn on being recognized as CSP Life Member No. 98.
Stéphane Niles, Wabanaki Zone, Atlantic West Division
Life Member Award No. 99
Stéphane Niles has made significant and impactful contributions to the CSP at all levels. He not only helps, but he also steps up to lead when he sees it might be necessary, and helps others to lead as well. Most are aware of his highest profile positions on the board of directors including as national chair.
He has been a key player in the updating of the CSP’s strategic plan and the Modernization Symposium held a few years ago, which looked at all aspects of the CSP’s operation. Part of this work included modernization of the training and development aspects which has led to the implementation of the new learning management system (LMS) and the work that continues as it is completely rolled out. He has been an effective communicator of the national vision and his fluency in both languages has been an added asset.
Stéphane, in his role as board chair, provided effective leadership through some difficult processes the CSP has had to undertake, allowing the changes to occur without significant turmoil. The board of directors is a diverse group, and his collaborative style ensured that is has been effective and strategically focussed. He is known for thinking outside the box, which has helped to lead the CSP to a strong, sustainable financial position and allow us to realize the goals of the strategic plan.
Along with his work at the national level, Stéphane puts on the uniform and continues to volunteer on the snow and at various other events. He has been an active member of the CSP for close to 25 years and has worked at all levels and across multiple divisions to lend support. As an example, in the early 2010s, Ontario Division created the CSP’s first workplace certified first aid course which received certification in 2014 from the provincial government. That course was not intended for CSP members and was the result of a huge effort by the team that developed it.
Stéphane embodies the true spirit of the CSP’ phrase “May I help you?” and it was with great pride that he was recognized as Life Member No. 99 in September. Congratulations.
Kenneth Howard, Yukon Zone, Mountain Division
Life Member No. 100
Ken Howard has accomplished much during his 21 years with the CSP as a patroller at Mount Sima in Yukon Zone. He has been involved with multiple key programs including the Mount Sima Junior Patrol Program, the Arctic Winter Games, the zone’s safety program, Mountain Division’s RISK (risk, injury prevention, safety and knowledge) program, and the national safety program, among others.
Ken took the lead role for 15 years working with Mount Sima to run a junior patrol program that provided amazing opportunities for youth to learn valuable skills, and to be the eyes and ears of the patrol on the hill. A number of these individuals went on to become patrollers in their own right.
He initiated the zone’s safety program in 2008 and worked to promote the Alpine Responsibility Code to raise awareness of hill safety at the resort and to collaborate with resort management on multiple safety initiatives. He went on to take the safety (RISK) role within Mountain Division for 13 years, coordinating and supporting safety programs in the zones throughout Alberta and the Yukon. Being part of the national safety team, he played a leadership role at several national annual conferences bringing together safety officers from across Canada.
Ken has been a staunch supporter of the patrol’s off snow events as well, volunteering for countless 365 events including the Yukon River Trail Marathon, the Atlin Music Festival, and the Trail of 98 Road Relay among others. Recently he successfully advocated for the CSP provide the first aid services for a Tom Cochrane concert in Whitehorse this past spring, coordinating the patrol and providing advice and support to the event team to make it a success. This event raised the profile of the CSP and resulted in a valuable donation to the patrol.
In a similar vein, Ken has taken a leadership role for the patrol at the Arctic Winter Games events in both 2007 and 2012, allowing the CSP’s participation to support those events at the highest level.
Ken has been recognized at all levels within the CSP including as a life member in both Mountain Division and Yukon Zone. He is a leader with a particular focus on safety, and one of those people you turn to when dealing with a difficult situation who will give good advice on a complex topic. In the words of one of his nominators, “he is a guy you just genuinely want to hang out with.”
To his long list of recognitions, the CSP was delighted to add National Life Member No. 100 to Ken’s list!
This post is also available in: French