A Message from the Family

From the beginning, John, Edith, Ross and I believed strongly that God’s principles should form the foundation of our business.  Early on, we adopted the Christian principle that ‘a good name is more desirable than great riches.’  Our Christian beliefs and values were central to the operation of our business.

Now, this little box plant has grown into the ‘Gorman Group of companies.’  As one of the founders, it is my wish that the same principles we began with continue to be honoured.

~ Eunice Gorman, one of the founders of Gorman Bros. Lumber

Gorman History

1949
The Beginning
The Beginning

Gorman Bros. Lumber did not begin with a complicated business plan but an informal chat between John and Ross Gorman. One windy winter evening, John went to Ross’ house to have his hair cut. The brothers’ visit during this time brought the unexpected results that we appreciate today.

Their Father’s Shed
Their Father’s Shed

The bitter winter of 1949-1950 resulted in the Gorman’s orchards being frozen so the brothers needed to find an alternate way to provide for their growing families.  Various farming options were bandied about, but ultimately, they decided to make and sell fruit boxes.  Using their father’s shed (which still stands…
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1953
The Old Sawmill
The Old Sawmill

In 1953, the brothers decided to set up a small sawmill.  “The first one was at Dobbin Mountain behind Glenrosa.  We operated there for approximately two years and then moved from there to another camp behind Last Mountain, near the present day Crystal Mountain ski hill.  The logging was done…
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1955
Bunkhouse at Logging Camp
Bunkhouse at Logging Camp

The sense of ‘family’ that has been a Gorman Bros. trademark over the years was already evident.  The logging camp was a perfect example of how everyone pitched in to help.  Clarence Fenton supplied venison, while Eunice and Edith (the wives of John and Ross Gorman) baked bread and pies…
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1964
Oroville Bin & Pallet
Oroville Bin & Pallet

In 1964, John and Ross decided to set up Oroville Bin & Pallet on the American side of the border in the former Zippy building to address the demands of the American market.  The company faced many changes and challenges but its strength was in its versatility. They produced fruit…
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1969
Mill Fire
Mill Fire

On November 21, 1969, disaster struck when an electrical short caused a huge fire that destroyed the mill.  Employees and townspeople helped the firefighters battle the fire throughout the night but all they could do was reduce the flame.  They saved the planer mill, the dry kiln and offices but…
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1978
Christmas Gift
Christmas Gift

After the fire, John and Ross decided to rebuild, but rather than building a dimension mill, they would build a one-inch board mill.  The BC economy was struggling with a recession and the forest industry was hit the worst.  The mill went through some difficult years but together the company pushed…
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1982
Lumby Pole
Lumby Pole

By 1982 it was evident that Gorman Bros. needed more timber.  When MacGillis and Gibbs Company Ltd. of Lumby was put up for sale including the assets of 19,000 cubic meters of AAC (annual allowable cut), Gorman Bros. was interested.  They purchased these assets as well as the pole manufacturing…
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1990
Downie Timber
Downie Timber

In 1990, the Gorman family purchased Downie Timber in Revelstoke, BC which is known for providing premium quality cedar, fir and hemlock products.  Downie Timber’s family legacy and commitment to quality proved a good fit with the Gorman Group of companies which already included Lumby Pole and Oroville Reman and Reload.

1991
40th Anniversary
40th Anniversary

By the 4th decade of operation, the payroll had grown to 230 direct employees with an additional 100 trucking and logging contractors.  The modern plant had found a niche in the specialty markets.  On May 11, 1991, Gorman Bros. had a ‘family reunion’ – well, it actually was a 40th anniversary celebration…
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1996
Transferring Responsibilites
Transferring Responsibilites

John Gorman retired in 1996, passing on his responsibilities to Bill Reedy. At the same time, Ross Gorman turned his responsibilities over to Ron Gorman. John was 79 – long past official retirement age but even at this point said, “I’m not the kind of guy that can quit completely… I…
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1999
The Gorman Edge
The Gorman Edge

In 1999, the  company decided to focus on the finished quality of the lumber.  They created a 60,000 square foot lumber storage facility to keep the lumber dry until it was wrapped and ready to be shipped.  The new Waco Molder replaced the old planer making Gorman Bros.  the first…
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2008
Family Ownership Change
Family Ownership Change

Until April, 2008 the company was owned equally by the Ross Gorman family and the John Gorman family. At this time, Ross and his family purchased the ownership interest from the John Gorman family.

2009
Mill in Danger
Mill in Danger

In 2009, a forest fire threatened the mill.  Gorman Bros. employees joined firefighters in the battle against the fire – volunteering their time and effort.  Though the fire raged across the hill where the mill is situated and even jumped the highway to continue its destructive path down to the…
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2012
Canoe Forest Products
Canoe Forest Products

On November 1, 2012 Canoe Forest Products joined the Gorman Group of companies. Since 1965, the CANOE brand® has distinguished itself as a premium quality plywood provider that is well recognized and valued throughout the world.

2023
Current Day
Current Day

Today, the Gorman Group is managed by Ross and Eunice Gorman’s son in law, Nick Arkle. He brings many years of expertise in leadership and in the forest industry.  He continues to champion the principles the company was founded on.