4 Aug

Franz “The Overachiever” Wilhelmsen

Recently the Collections department has been sorting through a collection of archival material and artifacts belonging to Franz Wilhelmsen. Most people know him as the father of Whistler, the man responsible for transforming it into best ski resort in North America. With such an amazing life accomplishment came a plethora of awards and honours inside and outside the Whistler community. In 1966 he was named Man of the Year by the Greater Vancouver Visitors and Convention Bureau. Frank Bernard, the Spanish vice-president of the Bureau, presented the Norwegian born Franz with the award for developing the mountain named for the Italian patriot, Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Franz Wilhelmsen! Man of the Year! On the right Annette Wilhelmsen, on the left Ms. British Columbia, 1966

Franz takes a drink during the ceremonial naming of his ski run.

Franz’ life accomplishments and contributions to Canada and the province British Columbia are immense and the recognition of his very successful endeavours are all very well deserved. But the truly lasting legacy of Franz’ life, the one that is and will always be visible to all peoples living and visiting the Whistler area, is the mountain that he saw such great promise in. It is this lasting legacy that will win him the gratitude of generations to come.