Born in 1964 to Scottish parents who immigrated to Canada, Johnny grew up in a military family, spending most of his childhood in Cold Lake and Sherwood Park, Alberta. Upon graduating from college and having won the Canadian College Hockey Championships, Johnny was drafted by the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. He spent 2 seasons on the farm in the AHL, before making the leap overseas to Germany, where he played the next 15 years. Despite offers to coach, manage, and still play, Johnny retired from professional hockey in 2003 at the age of 39 to embark on a new career in real estate. He took the real estate course offered by the UBC and became a licensed realtor with Royal LePage Kelowna, working out of the Westbank and Peachland offices. “I spent 17 years traveling the world, and I am convinced that Canada is the best country to live in and we are fortunate to live in the best part of that country. The climate, the lifestyle, the opportunities for work and recreation......if the rest of the world knew what we had to offer there would be a stampede to get here!” Johnny came to Peachland in 1994 to have dinner with friends at the renowned Gasthaus on the Lake restaurant, and was so impressed that he and his young family packed their bags up back in Alberta and bought and moved into a house here the next week. “I love it here. I get to live here, and now I get to work here, and I love my job! What could be better?” says Johnny graciously.
Johnny has seen Peachland grow and develop in the 11 years he has been here. It has become more self-contained, with less trips necessary into Westbank and Kelowna for services. “What I really like, is that it has a small town feel to it, but yet we are only 20 minutes away from big-city amenities like a concert or shopping, and 30 minutes from the airport.”
As for the future of Peachland, Johnny says that the new Gateway commercial/residential project and the ever-thriving Gasthaus restaurant have set the standard for development in Peachland. He would love to see a boardwalk constructed the entire length of Beach Avenue for people to use and enjoy. “I think a boardwalk would really define Peachland and make it a destination for people and families to come and use for the day.....roller-blading, biking, walking, jogging, the chance to get outside and enjoy the scenery and fresh air year-round.”
In Johnny's free-time, he likes to stay fit with a refreshing jog along Beach Avenue, or play some shinny hockey with some ex-pros in Kelowna. He also likes to play the occasional game of golf when not spending time with his family. |