The Founding Patrons Fund was established to support the realization of the Fraser River Discovery Centre (FRDC). Through their extraordinary generosity, ten Founding Patrons each contributed $100K, raising a total of $1M toward the completion of the Centre.
We honour these visionary individuals, families, and organizations for their their longstanding leadership along the Fraser River and their shared commitment to preserving its stories, industries, and ecological significance for future generations.
Ken and Dorothy Mackenzie
For over 45 years, Ken and Dorothy Mackenzie and their family played a leading role in the Fraser River’s towing industry through Harken Towing. Known for their hard work, reliable service, and generous community spirit, the Mackenzie family earned wide respect from customers, colleagues, and neighbours alike. Ken and Dorothy were inducted into the Fraser River Hall of Fame in 1993.
Errol Wintemute
A pioneer in British Columbia’s lumber industry, Errol Wintemute chaired Delta Cedar Products and worked in the sector for over 65 years. Starting in 1934 with Westminster Shook Mills, he went on to establish the successful Delta Cedar and Sunbury Cedar plants. Errol remained active in daily operations well into his 80s and was inducted into the Fraser River Hall of Fame in 1999.
Norman and Mary Cosulich / Niki Cosulich Fairweather
Norman Cosulich and his brother Cecil (father of Niki Cosulich Fairweather) helped shape marine transportation on the upper Fraser through their work with Rivtow. The company’s iconic tugs became a welcome sight along the river and beyond, eventually operating up and down the Pacific Coast. In 2000, Rivtow was acquired by Smit International.
The McDonald Family – Ian, Steve, and David
For three generations, the McDonald family has been connected to the lumber industry in BC. In the early 1900s, J.H. McDonald acquired the BC Manufacturing Company and later Westminster Shook Mills, both eventually sold to the Powell River Company. The next generation founded McDonald Cedar Products in Fort Langley on the Fraser River. In 1977, the company was acquired by Interfor.
The Stewart Family
In 1963, Chick and Marilyn Stewart, with partner Vic Rempel, purchased a sawmill on the banks of the Fraser at Port Kells—establishing S&R Sawmills. The river was central to their operations, providing a route for tugs to deliver logs to the mill. Longtime community supporters, the Stewarts also founded Babine Steelhead Lodge and Northview Golf and Country Club. They were inducted into the Fraser River Hall of Fame in 2003.
Robert “Bob” Osborne (1910–2004)
Known as “Mr. Propeller of British Columbia,” Bob Osborne served the marine industry for over 50 years. Through Osborne Propellers Ltd., he designed and refined ship propellers for vessels of all sizes—solving complex issues related to propulsion and vibration. Remarkably, he continued working well into his 90s, with a legacy of innovation that endures to this day.
Rudy North
Rudy North is the President of North Growth Management Ltd. and a co-founder of Phillips, Hager and North Investment Management Ltd. A passionate environmentalist, Rudy has been actively involved in conservation efforts across the Fraser River Basin, Nature Trust, and Vancouver Aquarium. His generous philanthropy has supported numerous conservation-focused organizations.
Lucille Johnstone
A passionate entrepreneur and river advocate, Lucille Johnstone played a pivotal role in bringing the Fraser River Discovery Centre to life. Her generous bequest helped realize a shared vision—a place where communities can explore and celebrate the Fraser River’s cultural, ecological, and industrial legacy. Her support as a Founding Patron helped make that vision a reality.
Koerner Foundation
With deep ties to BC’s forestry sector and a shared commitment to ecological sustainability, the principals of the Koerner Foundation are long-time supporters of the Fraser River. Their support of Ecotrust and similar conservation organizations reflects their dedication to building a thriving conservation economy along the rain forest coast of North America.
Peter J.G. Bentley
Peter Bentley is Chairman and Director of Canfor Corporation and a Director of its principal subsidiary, Canadian Forest Products Ltd. A respected leader in BC’s forestry sector, Mr. Bentley and his family have left a lasting legacy along the Fraser River. He was inducted into the Fraser River Hall of Fame in 2004 in recognition of his lifelong contributions to industry and community.