A memorial for legendary ski coach and original Whistler councillor Al Raine will be held next week, with loved ones paying tribute to the Sun Peaks mayor and Whistler Village visionary.
A former president of the Whistler Resort Association, and alderman on Whistler’s original council, Raine died last month at 83 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a day after he announced his resignation as Sun Peaks’ first and only mayor.
Set for Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Whistler Conference Centre, the event, organized by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and Tourism Whistler, will feature remarks and remembrances from Raine’s sons, Willy and Charley; brother Bill; his wife, Olympic skier and former Senator Nancy Greene Raine; Olympic skier Derek Robbins; former Blackcomb Mountain president Hugh Smythe; and Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton, among others. The memorial will be simulcast live from Sun Peaks, the ski resort Raine helped build, with speakers delivering remarks from the Sun Peaks Centre.
“A ski icon, Al provided a lifetime of service to both the ski and tourism industries. He had an under-stated demeanour, but was a visionary thinker and brilliant strategist, leaving behind many lasting legacies—including the planning and development of ski resort communities such as Whistler and Sun Peaks,” the RMOW wrote on its event page. “A respected leader, collaborative colleague, esteemed ski coach, thoughtful friend, and loving husband and father; Al was known for his thoughtful perspectives, generous spirit, strong business acumen, and wonderful sense of humour. He will long be remembered by those who knew him.”
The “après-ski style” reception is scheduled for 3:45 to 6 p.m. in the conference centre’s grand foyer. Doors open at 3 p.m. The event will also be recorded and streamed via Zoom. For more information, and the streaming link, click here.
