Western Fair Association Board members and employees took time Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at the Fair’s AGM to honour a colleague who began working for the Association long before many of those currently working for the Fair were born.
J. Robert Cowan, Q.C., Solicitor to the Western Fair Association for nearly half-a-century has, over the years, provided advice and expertise in a varied set of circumstances.” said Gary McRae, Western Fair Association’s General Manger and CEO. “Bob began working with the Association back in the 1960’s as a young solicitor with the firm Dyer-Brown, working with well-respected local lawyers William Dyer Jr. and Joseph Winter to bring harness racing to Western Fair. By 1975 he was the Association’s Solicitor and to date he has never faltered in providing excellence in his legal support and friendship to the Association. For his service we owe Bob Cowan a debt of gratitude.”
Bob, has been tasked, during his tenure, with issues such as race date applications, the creation and negotiation of the Association’s Joint Venture agreement with the City of London for the popular Sports Centre, borrowing agreements for the Agriplex and intense and drawn-out negotiations with Ontario Lottery Gaming for the slots, plus a host of governance issues and multiple property purchases. “He has played a critical role in the very history of the Association.” said Gary McRae as he introduced Chair, Ken Levy to present Bob with the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions Distinguished Service Award, a fair industry award that recognizes significant accomplishments by individuals to a Fair. The Board of Governors also unanimously appointed J. Robert Cowan as Honourary Counsel to the Western Fair Association. This is the first such appointment in the history of Western Fair and allows Bob to stay involved in the affairs of the Association.
In recent years, Bob was a partner with the law firm of Harrison Pensa. Karen McKay from that firm is the new solicitor for the Association.
Gary McRae
General Manager/CEO
(519) 438-7203 EX 220
gmcrae@westernfair.com
