WestGen’s grand opening took place Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. outside their new facility at 1625 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, V3G 2G4. In attendance were the Honourable Judith Guichon, lieutenant governor of British Columbia; the Honourable Norm Letnick, provincial minister of agriculture; Mayor Henry Braun of the city of Abbotsford; Mayor Jack Froese of the township of Langley; Directors Darren Braun and Wendy Dupley of the city of Abbotsford; Abbotsford MLAs, Darryl Plecas and Simon Gibson; as well as both current and retired WestGen staff and board members; and associated press.
Hundreds of farm families took part as well on this perfect summer day to pay witness to the ribbon cutting and tour the majestic new facility. There was food and fun, and a number of educational exhibits, including a contingent of local 4-H calves on display.
“Our former office, now over 60 years old, was built at a time when Langley was primarily a farming community. As the city grew around us, farmers moved eastward into the valley, and so it was time for WestGen to reinvest in its future and move with them. Abbotsford is the new heart of the BC dairy industry and is an ideal location from which to serve our customers in western Canada. This building was designed not only as a more efficient office, but also as a meeting space for our members and owners to use for generations to come. WestGen is a farmer-owned organization, and this is their building,” said WestGen CEO, Chris Parry.
WestGen’s boardroom dedication took place in conjunction with its grand opening activities. In attendance were Gordon and Barbara Souter, many of their close family members, as well as both current and retired WestGen staff and board members, and associated press.
“Gordon Souter is the originator of and best ambassador for WestGen’s ongoing mission to always ‘punch above its weight class.’ May those words inspire all who serve the company in the boardroom,” said Parry.
The boardroom was dedicated in recognition of Gordon “Gordie” Souter’s outstanding contributions to WestGen and the Canadian A.I. industry. Souter was instrumental in establishing the first progeny test program in Canada at what was then the BCAI Centre (now called WestGen), and he was also the first to implement a genetic mating program. He was an innovator throughout his 40-year career, nearly all of which he spent at BCAI with over 20 years as its general manager.
Souter played pivotal industry roles in both developing the structure for the Semex Alliance and in establishing the Canadian Dairy Network. His passion for genetics always evident, Souter is credited with the purchase of both Madawaska Aerostar and his son, Oliveholme Aeroline. Both of these global genetic giants reached million-dose careers, helping to establish long-term financial security for WestGen.
Sadly, shortly after the grand opening, Souter passed away on Aug. 21, surrounded by family. Everyone at WestGen is truly honoured that they had the privilege of expressing their gratitude to Souter at the grand opening, and that they got the chance to be with him again before he passed.
With phase one of WestGen’s move complete, the company is eagerly planning for phase two, which will feature the building of the new barns and laboratory. PD
—Compiled from WestGen news releases
PHOTO 1: Gordon and Barbara Souter.
PHOTO 2: Barbara and Gordon Souter; Chris Parry, CEO of WestGen; and Tony DeGroot, president of WestGen. Photos provided by WestGen.
