Who I Am, Where I Live

I live in Vancouver, in an arts-oriented neighborhood that keeps me close to creativity and community. I’m a dad to an adult daughter, whom I raised as a full-time single father from the age of eight. That experience shaped my deepest understanding of the parenting relationship—the bond between a father and child, and the importance of being an active, present part of their life. Daily conversations with my daughter then, and still today, give me ongoing insight into her generation and a richer appreciation of the complexities and wonders of the world.

I’m in a long-term loving, and supportive relationship with my partner. Along the way to get here, I’ve moved through relationships in my youth, a marriage and divorce, as well as the divorce of my parents. I know firsthand the awkward transitions that come with everyone needing to reestablish their own sense of self and rebuild connections after such changes.

I’m surrounded by friends and people who know me well, who give me feedback and support. My brother lives in the United States, my mother is in Norway, and I’ve gone through the loss of a parent. Family, in all its complexity, is part of my story.

I’m also a committed ally to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. I believe that everyone deserves to be seen, respected, and supported in expressing who they are. I’m committed to continuing to learn what authentic allyship means, and to letting that learning evolve my understanding and values over time.

Like many people, I’ve changed careers and roles at work. I’ve been the young visionary, the seasoned contributor, and eventually the older professional navigating what it means to step out of a field I once led. Moving through middle age and transitions—both personal and professional—has shaped me. These experiences haven’t just happened to me; they’ve made me who I am and, I believe, a better person.