Darrell MacLachlan, Alberta sport builder, volunteer, mentor dies unexpectedly

By Published On: October 12th, 2020Comments Off on Darrell MacLachlan, Alberta sport builder, volunteer, mentor dies unexpectedly

Darrell MacLachlan, a staple in the Lake Louise FIS World Cup organizing committee, among many other official positions, succumbed to “a brief and aggressive battle with cancer” on Friday, according to an announcement on the race organizer Facebook page.

MacLachlan spent 20 years with the FIS in various roles, including technical delegate for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, chief of race at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic men’s events and chief of race for the men’s Lake Louise World Cup, as well as a stint as the FIS TD commissioner for Canada.

“Our sport has lost a very unique and special individual who was the very essence of the true volunteer,” said David Pym, CEO, Canadian Snowsports Association. “I doubt that you could ever find a single person or entity who had dealings with Darrell in our world who had any negative thoughts about him. He always stepped up when help was needed, and always provided thoughtful advice and leadership in the most positive and friendly way. He was a true leader and mentor and cannot be replaced.”

He was inducted into the Alberta Alpine and Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame in 2014 and most recently into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame for his remarkable lifetime contribution to Canadian skiing.

“Outside the fences, Darrell was the host of the best damn volunteer barn party anywhere in the world,” the announcement stated. “His many friends in the alpine ski racing community will feel his absence and he will be remembered as an iconic builder, mentor and friend.”

Darrell is survived by his partner, Lynne Gibson, his daughter, Alison, son-in-law Bryan and grandsons, Lennox and Everett.

Share This Article

About the Author: SR Staff Report