The Pantheon of Leather awards were announced today in The Leather Journal. I believe the printed newspaper was released July 30th or 31st, and the online edition was updated today.

As posted on Facebook, I am completely floored, honoured and humbled to get the news that I have been awarded the Pantheon of Leather Canadian Award. There have been so many people behind me and I thank them. This award is for all of you and the role you played in my life!

Even up until yesterday, I was saying to people, “There’s no way in hell I’m going to win that award.”  There were some significant names on the list of nominees this year, and a significant number of names on that list as past winners.  There are so many people that I know who should be recognized for their community involvement and I hope to see their names on the list.

As I said there have been so many people behind me who have pushed me along in my leather life, internationally, who have helped me to grow as a man and I was reflecting on this after a chat I had on Sunday night in San Francisco with a Master I highly respect, and on the way home from San Francisco on Monday.

I know I’m going to forget names in this list – I apologize, mea culpa, but here we go:  My partner Scott, Master Chuck and Thug Rocco, Master Chuck’s family, Brandon and Dan (Producers of Eastern Canada LeatherSIR/Leatherboy), Brad Hill, Dan Perry, Master Tony, Daddy David, David Coburn, Matt Pavelich, Chris Holmgren, Duncan MacLachlan, Master Peter Kinchloe and cub,  Sir Marc, Connor, Dwayne Bryk, Ian, boys matt, marc, & al; Steve, Matt, Justin, Chaz, Dart, Victoria Windsor, The Rochester Rams, Spearhead, The Ottawa Knights, Bear Hug UK, The Black Eagle staff… and so many more.

Years ago when I was a very very young Leatherman, I admit to having looked at Pantheon with somewhat of a cynical eye and skepticism, much like what my attitude used to be towards titleholders.

While it may be easier to sit there and be cynical, I decided to step up to the plate and step out of my comfort zone within the community.  I am always one to try and do my best and even when that may not be the popular decision.  I do my best to remain humble and not let my ego get the best of me.

Most importantly, yes I was very tired and drained after my title year, there were some things that I saw in our broader community that could have lead me to completely walk away from being an active part of our community, I chose to stick around and look beyond the issues and see how I can apply myself for the greater good.  I did take a necessary break and unfortunately work has not allowed me to spend as much time as I would like with my local community.  I am not going away, and you have not heard the last of me.  *GRIN*

It is important to recognize your community and your peers.  We have some amazing people in our community who go out of their way to volunteer and be active in many different way.  Please do what you can to recognize those individuals at the local level, such as through a community builder award; or even at an international level with a Pantheon.

With much gratitude to my community and in service – Thank You!

Congratulations to all of the nominees and those who are being recognized with a Pantheon!