Big White Ski Resort has created a permanent tribute to a longtime leader of the western Canadian ski industry by naming a well-used bridge at the ski resort after him.
In addition to being a former soldier and Olympic athlete, Jimmie Spencer led the Canada West Ski Areas Association, a ski hill industry group, for more than three decades.
“Few people have influenced and propelled the Canadian ski industry as did Mr. Jimmie Spencer,” the association’s current president, Christopher Nicolson, said.
“The leaders have mentored so many personal lives for the better. Jimmie challenged us to be better than we thought we could be. His legacy will continue through the future leaders of our industry.”
Spencer died last year, and his family was touched by the honour.
“It justifies everything he stood for his entire life,” Andy Spencer, his wife, said.
In addition to his contribution to the Canadian ski industry, Spencer, who immigrated to Canada, was a British soldier for more than three decades.
He entered two Olympic games as a cross-country skier for Great Britain.
Skiers heading to Big White’s central Snow Ghost and Ridge Rocket chairs from the village will now ski under the Jimmie Spencer Memorial Bridge.