Ninety years ago this month — on July 19, 1920 —one of Kimberley’s favourite sons was born. Kimberley’s Frank O’Grady went down to visit Sam last week at his home in Sandpoint, Idaho, and sent along the photo at right, for Sam’s many friends in Kimberley.

Sam was a pioneer on Kimberley’s ski hill, its first manager

In 2003 at Sam Wormington Day in Kimberley, MP Jim Abbott said this with the history provided by Frank O’Grady:

“There is, however, one person who early on had the clear vision, the leadership, the people skills, the unbending determination, the self-confidence and the impeccable timing to start Kimberley along the path of development to make it the world-class resort it is today.

“That person is Sam Wormington.”

Sam skied competitively as a teenager and was also there when the first run on North Start Mountain was cut in the late 30’s.

As Abbott said, “There were no paying jobs available, cutting ski runs kept Sam busy, out of trouble and in good shape for racing in the winter.”

Sam enlisted with the Canadian Army in 1941 and served overseas. He often comes up to Kimberley for Remembrance Day ceremonies and proudly wears his uniform.

Sam was also instrumental in bringing the first lift to North Star Mountain. Working with other ski pioneers in Kimberley, including Roy Moe and Owen Owens, Fred Rogers, Fred Waldie and Buss Houlden from the mine, who helped with engineering and Cominco itself, who donated cash, engineering, labour and mining equ9pment.

Sam became the manager of the ski area in 1958 and in January 1959 the T-Bar lift - 5900 feet long, and a capacity of 500 skiers per hour, went into service.

Sam also organized many of the early ski jumping competitions that came to Kimberley in the 50’s, and the recognition these competitions received is credited with putting Kimberley on the skiing map.

Quoting Mr. Abbott again: “Early in his career Sam’s vision for Kimberley involved looking ahead of with proper coaching, this country could produce world-class competitive skiers.

“Previously only skiers with financial means could participate on the Canadian National Ski Team as the training was done in Europe. Sam was severely criticized in the national press for instigating training of world-class competitive skiers in Canada. In one prominent publication Sam was described as “a cry in the western wilderness.”

“Sam also recognized that the skiers training in western Canada could compete in the high calibre races of the U.S. circuit. The terrain, the coaching (arranged by Sam) and the competition were all right in Canada or next door.

“Sam Wormington deserves full credit for starting the national team-training program on the road to where it is today. It is among the best in the world.

“Sam had the vision to initiate training and coaching in Western Canada that would lead to producing some of the best skiers in the world. Sam was also among the first to recognize disabled people could also enjoy the sport of skiing.

“Sam was a mentor to many young people who worked and played at the Kimberly Ski Hill during the late 50’s and early 60’s when they were in their formative years. They learned from Sam if you have a dream it is worth pursuing. Many of these young Kimberley residents went on to pursue goals in education and personal life that they achieved.”

Happy Birthday to Sam Wormington — a man who made a real difference in Kimberley.