2017 Recipients

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Elie Alkhoury – The founder of CANBEST Testing Laboratory in 1985, Elie has been a pioneer on the technical side of the window industry since 1983. Active on the CSA A440 committee since 1990. A true innovator, he was the first AAMA accredited laboratory in Canada. Introduced the use of the “Test Wall”. Pioneered the use of software for window performance testing. Established the first commercial IG testing lab to support the IGMAC certification program.

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Daniel Aubert – Cofounder and general manager: Elite windows and doors 1977- 1989; Cofounder and president: Deltech windows 1990- 1994; Partner and VP sales and marketing: Donat Flamand windows and doors 1994 – 1996; VP sales and marketing: Jeld-Wen DF division 1996 – 1998; Cofounder and general manager: Promax 1999- 2013. Advisor: Promax 2016 – present.

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Gunter Berdan (retired) – Began his career as a designer and tool maker specializing in metal rollforming in 1953. Held significant roles in companies that contributed to the window & door industry. (Brockhouse, Homeshield and Experimental Tool & Die) Started Custom Rollforming Ltd. which he would eventually sell to the Indal Group, remaining as President. After the sale of the company to BayMills in 1987 Gunther went on to create RPM Rollforming Ltd. In 1988, providing significant roll formed products used in window, door and insulated glass manufacturing. Gunther remained active in the industry eventually selling the company in 2009. RPM remains active in the industry today.

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Dan Darcy – Started in the industry with Dor-Seal in 1984 and then worked with Evergreen Door and Baylite Industries before starting Darcy and Associates in 1995. Dan moved his wife and four children from Georgetown, Ontario to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to better serve his Atlantic customers. He was a member of the Fenestration Canada board for 8 years First and continues to be active in the association and serving on committees. Dan is known for his high energy and honour and is known for his high level of customer service.

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Eva Eyterbrad, CPA – Co-founded Capital Tool & Design Limited (CTD), an automotive parts manufacturer in Ontario growing the business into a multinational supplier to the after-market automotive industry. In 2001, acquired Screenco Manufacturing Limited, a small screen fabrication and metal roll forming company that services window and door manufacturer. As the CEO and Chair, she mentored the executive team and provided strategic and board leadership and direction. Was the first female President of Fenestration Canada. She was a great leader in our industry and a huge advocate and supporter of Fenestration Canada, a visionary and entrepreneur with the ability to identify and seize opportunities. A passionate believer in lifelong learning and continuous improvement, she currently sits on the board of the Humber River Hospital and is a member of the World’s Presidents Organization.

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John Hawryluk (Posthume) – John began his business career in the basement of his home in Moncton, N.B. in 1962, moved to its present location at 251 Mill Road in the early 70’s and was a visionary leader in the window and door industry and the first Company to introduce vinyl to the construction industry in Atlantic Canada. In 2008 John turned his company over to his children who formed Arrow Windows, Doors & More Inc. and Best Buy Doors Inc. and his legacy lives on to this day. John was an avid salmon fisherman and enjoyed his camp every weekend on the beautiful Miramichi River.

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Diane Huybers (retired) – 1974 Alumicor Limited – IT Manager operating Alumicor’s first computerized manufacturing software system. 1986 – Founder Computers Mean Business, the reseller for Windowmaker Software. Introduced the first commercially available production and quoting solution for manufacturers of custom windows and doors in North and South America. 2007 –Windowmaker Software Ltd.- Business Manager in North America until retirement on June 30, 2017. Was a member of CWDMA, FC, Fen-Man, NGA, and NWDA/MWDA.

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Jim Krahn (Semi-retired) – Marvin Windows and Doors – 1957 to 1976 & 1984 to his retirement in 2016. He continues at Marvin working part time on Special Projects. Jim served in many capacities including production employee, director of purchasing, plant manager and manager of codes and regulatory affairs. He served in many industry committee and Board capacities on many Associations including CWDMA, FC, CSA, CGSB, IGMA, IGCC, WDMA, NFRC, ASTM, ASHRAE, FMA, International Code Council (ICC) and others. Awarded the (C.P.) Loewen Award in 2011, the CSA 25+ years of service award, the NFRC member of the year award in 2011, the James Krahn Life Time Achievement Award by WDMA in 2016 and the NFRC Life Time Achievement Award in 2017.

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Don Lahanky (Posthume) – The founder of Allsco Building Products and one of the early manufacturers of vinyl windows in Atlantic Canada in the 1980’s and the first to introduce the vinyl jamb door to Atlantic Canada. A benevolent entrepreneur, in 1985 he was Moncton’s first “Entrepreneur of the Year”, and in 1994 the Nation Building Award from the Ukrainian Canadian Business Federation. A contributor to the Canadian Window and Door Industry for over 50 years.

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Jim Park (retired) – Entering the industry in 1971, Jim went on to develop an enviable career as sales professional selling window and door components to fabricators all over North America. Jim developed a sales network that allowed Bayform Ltd. to become the major supplier of rollformed screen products and spacers systems for insulated glass products. Over the years Jim developed relationships with his customers, peers and competitors that that remain today. Although retiring in 2003, Jim’s legacy of honesty, integrity and dedication to our industry is still the measure of a true fenestration professional.

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Armand Patenaude (Posthume) – Started his career, as an associate professor in mechanical engineering at the École Polytechnique, where he oversaw the test program offered to the fenestration industry by the university. In 1981, he started his own test laboratory, Air-Ins inc. Professor, entrepreneur and visionary, Armand has participated very actively in the drafting of the A440 standard. A great pedagogue, he has devoted his entire career to the advancement of our industry. A prize was created in his honor by the AVFQ in 2004, for which he was the first recipient.

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Robert (Bob) Strassburger – Co-founder and President of Strassburger Windows and Doors. The family business started in 1949 installing energy saving products to the residential and commercial industry. In 1984, the company started to manufacture windows and doors, distributing their products throughout Ontario and the US. Their business model is to produce high quality and performing products, tested and conforming to Canadian and American standards. Bob currently sits on the Combustible Window task force. This committee is working to modernize the code provisions applicable to combustible window frames in non-combustible construction.

Jean Tremblay (Posthume) – A lawyer by training. he became executive vice-president and general manager of the AVFQ at its early beginnings. He has devoted almost his entire career to grow the association and defend the interests of the fenestration industry in Quebec. He has always promoted a close interaction between the Quebec association and Fenestration Canada. Jean was the recipient of the Armand Patenaude prize.

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Phil Wake – 1966-91 PPG Canada. As Director of Marketing provided oversight of introduction of PPG’s first generation residential low E glass to Canadian window industry. 1991-2007 Vice President Omniglass Ltd. Helped transform and grow this unique fiberglass framing technology from its Western Canadian base to that of a key supplier of components to major window manufacturers throughout North America and abroad. Board of Directors CWDMA, active with WDMA, AAMA, CSA.

Don Wetmore, CPA (retired) – Joined Homeshield Industries (window components) 1960. As Gen. Mgr. in 1980 added door components. Following Homeshield’s acquisition by Bay Mills in 1982, as Sales and Marketing Mgr. helped grow the company which became Bayform (window products) and Baylite (door products). Joined Evergreen Doors in 1988 and developed their door components division. Served on several door and windows committees for both CSA and CGSB. Remained active in residential door and door component sales and product development until retirement as regional sales manager from Masonite Int. in 2006.

 

2012 Recipients

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François Audette – Portes Dimensions – 1979 Stanley Doors, 1988 formed Portes Dimensions as a small door prehanger. The family business has expanded to 102,000 sq. ft. in in Boisbriand QC with 140 employees. They currently produce over 200,000 steel and wood doors per year.

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Jean Champagne – Resiver – Co-founded Resiver Patio Doors in Beauceville (QC) in 1993. Their business model – to be specialists in fabricating and assembling patio doors sold exclusively to window and door manufacturers – made the company successful both in Canada and United States. Since the beginning, Resiver has always been a proud partner to CWDMA and AIPVFQ. In 2010, Resiver joined Novatech Group and Jean continues as President General Manager.

Dr. A Hakim Elmahdy – National Research Council. For the past 37 years, he has been very active in research on energy analysis, heat and mass transfer, windows, doors, skylights, insulating glass units and insulated wall systems. Active extensive leadership and professional role in SCC, CSA, CGSB, ASTM, ASHRAE, ISO & NFRC, Active on committees in CWDMA and IGMA.

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Jerry Finnen – (retired) – 1958 Dashwood Industries. In his 21 years with Dashwood, he helped them grow into a National Company with over 800 employees. 1980 he joined Golden Windows as a partner and expanded the company throughout Ontario and into the US market. He was President of CWDMA in 1979, on the board of Ontario Lumber & Building Materials Association and the Canadian Manufactures’ Council. He won several awards in advertising and home show displays.

Michael Glover – EcoTay Conference Centre Michael is the Founder of Edgetech IG Ltd. (1985). The new company developed a flexible foam spacer for insulating glass units which was marketed under the name of Super Spacer. For the past twenty years, Michael has been a member of CSA’s A440 window standard committee and he has participated in other industry groups, including IGMAC and NFRC.

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Morgan Hanam – Enermodal Engineering – 1977 Golden Windows, 1999 Enermodal Engineering – Head of Window Division. Morgan’s many contributions to our Industry include CWDMA President 1997-98, committee work for CWDMA, CSA, CGSB, IGMAC, and NFRC. Morgan was the recipient of the CP Loewen Award in 2000 for his strong contribution to the industry and a CSA 25+ year of service award in 2010.

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Patrice Lamy – Verre Select – His interest in decorative glass started in 1980 but it was in 1988 that he founded Verre Select. The company which moved to Terrebonne Quebec in 1990 always built its reputation and its success on innovation and product quality. Today, more than 60 employees work for Verre Select in a 50 000-square foot plant. Verre Select sells its products to more than 200 door prehangers and manufacturers in Quebec, Ontario and in the Maritimes.

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Mervin Lichty – MDL Doors – 1983 founded MDL Doors with his wife Tillie in Brussels, ON. MDL has grown to become one of Ontario’s largest exterior door manufacturers. Mervin has supported Fenestration Canada on the board of directors & several committees.

Gerhard Reichert – Fenestration & Glass Services Ltd. – 1985 Co-inventor of “Super Spacer” at Edgetech IG Ltd., 1989 Edgetech IG Inc., 2008 Glasslam NGI, 2012 Fenestration& Glass Services. He led initiative to promote “Warm Edge Technology” and “High Volume Automatic Production” in insulating glass products worldwide. Gerhard has been active in industry committees at IGMAC, SIGMA & IGMA.

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Jerry Orpe – (retired) 1962 Grant Industries, 1972 Indal Group – Western Aluminum Products, 1976 Window Master, 1979 Westwood Windows, 1981 founded Nose Creek Forest Products that grew into a major millwork supplier to the window industry. He sold to Sauder Industries in 1987 and retired. Jerry was VP of CWDMA in 1977. He served on the committees for metric conversion & CSA standards for wood windows.

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Glenn Syrowitz – Westech Building Products – 1970 Custom extruders, 1980 Co-founded Engineered Profiles in Calgary. Business grew from custom profiles to window and door systems that were sold across Canada. In 1989 EPL was sold to Sauder Industries. In 1994 Westlake bought EPL and it became Westech Building Products. With Glenn’s support as GM, his staff helped start the Win-Door Show & Window & Balcony Safety Program and technical committee support for FC & AAMA since 1990. Glenn continues as GM.

Ray Wakefield – Trulite Industries Ray served twice as President of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Association of Canada (IGMAC) and was instrumental in discussions that led to the merging of IGMAC and its U.S. counterpart – Sealed Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (SIGMA) into the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA). Presently, he is Past President of IGMA as well as IGCC and the current chair of the IGMA Technical Services Committee. Ray also participates on the IGMA Technical Policy Committee. Ray is the Canadian IGMA representative at ASTM and also ISO.

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2009 Recipients

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Glen Abray – (deceased) 1974 Started Peachtree Doors Canada (Div. of Indal), 1983 Divisional VP of Indal Ltd. For North American window and door Companies.

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Jim Blessin – Oakmont Industries Ltd. 1971 Accurate Doors, 1976 Oakmont Doors, 1998 Oakmont bought by Cameron Ashley. In 2007 Jim bought the company.

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Jean-Louis Bonneville – Bonneville Portes et Fenêtres (retired) 1962 Jean-Louis and his two brothers (Dominic and Marcel) bought the company that had started in 1946 by Henri Bonneville. Sales grew from $19,000 in 1946 to over $168 million in 2001. In 1986 the company became Groupe Bocenor Inc. with Jean-Louis as the CEO until his retirement in 2001.

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Harry Buhler – (retired) 1962 Loewen Windows, 1974 Willmar Windows, 1978 Founded All Weather Windows.

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Ray Caravaggio – (retired) 1960 Golden Triangle Windows, became president in 1981. Past president CWDMA, Recipient CP Loewen Award, Active volunteer in Waterloo Region committees.

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Serge Chalifour – Solaris Québec Inc. In 1991 he became president of the company and provided leadership and direction to a group of 20 employee board members. The company currently employs more than 250 employees and is a leader in PVC windows and doors.

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Raymond Dallaire – P.H. TECH For more than 45 years Raymond and PH Tech have been leaders in design and extrusions. The business serves customers in Canada, USA and Overseas. Past president CWDMA, First recipient of the CP Loewen Award.

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Laurie Davies – Omniglass 1971 Dorwin Industries – co-developed fiberglass shapes, 1982 built first fiberglass windows. 1082 Founded Omniglass the first to protrude “thin walled profiles” for windows. Besides Dorwin, 3 American and 3 overseas companies are licensed to use products. Laurie owns16 North American pultrusions & process patents.

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Bernie Dudeck – Paramount Windows Started in sales at the family business in 1958, moved up to General Manager in 1989. A wood window company in the early years, today they build wood, clad wood, vinyl and composite products. Paramount has customers in Mid Canada and the US mid-west and south-west states.

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Larry Elliott – Trimlite 1971 Sauder Industries, 1982 started Trimlite, introduced “brass” to the modern door era, manufacture doorlites and stile & rail doors, plants located in Canada, USA, Vietnam and China.

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Bill Fast – (retired) – 1960’s Allmar Distributors, 1972 Founded Willmar Windows. Company grew to 7 plants across Canada. 1997 Sold to JELD-WEN.

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Jake Fast – Sauder Industries (retired) 1952 Sauder Industries, 1965 to 1994 manager of Richmond door plant. Helped develop “Door Construction Standards” & “Fire Rated Doors”. Past president CWDMA, Recipient CP Loewen Award.

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Robert Gilles – All Weather Windows 1960’s started very young in family business (copper art & doors), 1974 Donat Flamand, 1984 Unique, 1990 Window Tech div of AWW, 1995 amalgamated as All Weather Windows. Director of IGMA.

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Guy Gingras – Supervision – Guy’s father, Joseph began making windows by hand in his garage in 1937. In 1966, Guy and his brothers formed SUPERVISION. Guy held the position of president at of Supervision until the company was sold in 1993 when he retired.

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Pierre Grand’ Maison – (retired) 1988 Thermoplast. 1992-President of Thermoplast. Past president of CWDMA, Recipient of the C.P. Loewen award (2004), President of the Quebec Window & Door Industry Association, Recipient of Armand Patenaude award (2008). Pierre is still active as Corporate Director and Business Advisor for several companies.

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Robert Hunt – Robert Windows 1959 Carhayes Windows, 1961 Founded Robert Hunt Corp. 1998 Bought Robert Windows. Currently active in developing upscale Florida residential & commercial properties.

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Cecil Kline – (retired) Western Aluminum – 1963 Calgary window dealer, 1967 Western Aluminum Products as sales manager, 1972 appointed president.

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Clare Knechtel – KML (retired) 1959 Time Glass Sashless Department, 1965 Hunt Windows, 1982 founded Knechtel Millwork (KML), sold business to Andersen Windows.

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Peter Kohler – Peter Kohler Windows & Entrances 1978 founded Kohler Windows in Debert, NS. They pioneered the sale of PVC windows in the Atlantic region. They developed innovations in design, options and manufacturing processes. Today they market their products in Canada, USA and Europe. He is a recipient of the CP Loewen Award.

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Tom Lesosky – (retired) 1972 Founded Decor Doors in Kelowna, the first steel door manufacturer in the West.

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Len Lockart – Lockwood Windows (retired) Founded Lockwood Windows. Past president CWDMA, Recipient CP Loewen Award

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Paul Loewen – Accurate Dorwin 1960’s as a teenager, worked at the Loewen family business doing odd jobs for 10 cents an hour. In 1975 joined company full time starting in HR and climbed up the ladder in responsibility. He was the Saskatoon branch manager, assistant GM and then President. He left Loewen in 1999. In 2005, he joined Accurate Dorwin. He is a Past President of CWDMA and the Certification Program was started during his presidency.

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Don Martin – Clearwater Doors 1974 Western Pacific Building Centre, 1979 formed Dorland, sold to JELD-WEN, 1997, 2006 Bought Clearwater Door Manufacturing.

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Ron Martini – Starline Windows 1970 bought Starline. The company has manufacturing and distribution outlets in British Columbia, Washington and California.

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Bob Mason – Windows – The business was started in the 40’s by Bob’s father Bruce. Bob and his siblings built a strong loyal customer base. They introduced “pressure treated wood” and “vinyl wrapped wood” to the North American Market.

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John Mathews – Dynamic Architectural Windows & Doors Joined company in 1991. Dynamic specializes exclusively in architect-designed luxury residential projects, supplying signature estate homes and residences across the continent and internationally from their 110,000-sq. ft. Factory in Abbotsford, BC.

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J. F. McCracken – Executive Director CLA (retired) 1967 Spearheaded the developing of CWDMA from CLA woodworking bureau. Active in World Boy Scouts. Received 1st “Pinnacle Award” from Canadian Society of Association Executives.

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Gérard Milette – Milette Doors – 1967 The company began in the wooden door and window business for the local Mauricie region. In 1980, Mr. Milette focused on the manufacturing of solid wood interior and exterior doors. Milette Doors Inc. has become one of the most successful wood door manufacturers.

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Barry Murphy – Therma-Tru Doors 1953 Lloyd Doors, 1973 Premdor, 1979 Stanley Doors, 2001 LBM Marketing. Past president of CWDMA, Recipient of CP Loewen Award.

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Raymond Ouellette – Novatech Group 1974 Les Industries Philias Flamand, 1976 Unik Industries, 1982 founded Novatech Group. Past president of CWDMA, Recipient of CP Loewen Award, Armand Patenaude Award and a Recipient of the Canada Award for Business Excellence.

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Jim Parker – Win-door Consultants 1960 Pilkington Glass, 1973 Hunt Windows, 1986 Indal Building Products, 1990 Engineered Profiles, 1996 Berlinex, 2000 Novatech Glass. 1995 Co-founded the Win-door Show, Recipient of CP Loewen Award.

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Michel Pion – Portes Métaliques Jacob 1983 Started prehanging doors, 1984-5 opened several retail outlets.

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Reg Pollard – Pollard Windows (retired) 1949 N Pollard & Son built first windows. 1955 new building in Burlington, 1964 patented “removable double glazing”. 1972 added prehung doors, 1980 added vinyl windows. Retired in 1995.

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Al Rankin – (retired) – 1973 Dashwood Industries, 1984 Indal – Lock-West Windows, Indal Building Products, Season-Al Industries, 1994 World of Warmth Windows, 1996 Window World Magazine. Chairman of Window Metric Commission, Chairman of CSA A440 Window Standards, Past President of CWDMA. Recipient of CP Loewen Award

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Eddie Rochmann – Mitch & Harry 1987 Founded Rochmann Universal Doors. Developed sales of stock doors & doorlites to retail outlets in Canada & USA from 3 facilities. 2009 started Mitch & Harry to supply composite framing system for doors.

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Stanley Rokicki – Inline Fiberglass 1974 manufactured aluminum windows & doors with unique hardware, 1992 Inline Fiberglass – developed largest line of fiberglass window & door products, developed first Urethane pultrusions. Active in the community and has set up engineering scholarships for development of composite materials.

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Jack Rooney – (retired) 1967 Stanley Berry – 1969 introduced Steel doors, -1973 U.S. Division, 1975 Indal started steel door company which became Peachtree Doors, 1980’s Indal Products, 1986 Peachtree Doors, and 1997 introduced ODL to Canada, 2001 retired.

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Daniel Royer – Groupe Promax. 1985 Founded Celco Doors in St. Romuald, QC. Sold to Masonite Corp. in 1997. Currently partner in Groupe Promax Screen Company.

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Jack Smith – (retired) Stanley Doors 1964 Berry Doors Calgary, 1968 Stanley Berry Toronto, 1976 President Stanley Door Systems Canada, and 1991 President Stanley Door Systems International. Past president CWDMA, CP Loewen Award. HUDAC Maple Leaf Award. Active in the community – Past President Mississauga Rotary Club.

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Ralph Spanier – Calgary Sash & Door 1955 joined father’s millwork & window company in Calgary, 1977 became president. Builds custom wood and clad wood windows for Heritage Buildings and renovations. Community volunteer for 15 years.

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Saul Spears – (retired) 1954 Premium Forest Products, 1971 President of Premium, 1986 went public as Premdor, and 1990 bought Masonite, 2004 sold business.

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Dave Townsend – (retired) Mid 1980s Founded Specialty Doorlites, sold business to Masonite.

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Abe Wiebe – (retired) – 1969 Co-founded Berdick Manufacturing in Winkler Manitoba. Berdick was one of the first to offer PVC windows to the mobile home industry. October 2009 sold the business and has recently retired.

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Barry Yane – Standard Building Products 1958 started Sashless/Security Windows & Doors, 1974 started “2 Plus 2 Doors” which became Standard Doors.

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Dennis Zentner – (retired) 1971 Almetco in Vancouver, 1974 Alcan Bldg. Products in Calgary, and 1989 CBS Building Products. In 1983, with 4 partners, bought Gienow Sash & Door and later Award Windows in Edmonton and Farley Windows in Alexandria.

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