Page 13 - GormanBros_70th Newsletter_Final_Web

GORMAN GROUP EDGE / ISSUE #1 13

Alan Harrison, Mayor - City of Salmon Arm

The City of Salmon Arm greatly values the contributions Canoe Forest Products has made in
the past, and continues to make today. As a very important employer to our region, a significant
contributor to our tax base and a positive corporate citizen, we appreciate the positive
relationship we have with Canoe Forest Products.

In 2012, the Gorman Group purchased Federated Co-operative’s Canoe plywood operation. The history of
Canoe Forest Products begins long before this. In 1925, the original plant was built by pioneer lumberman R.W.
Bruhn. It was 1965 when the plywood facility was added, and by that time the lumber mill had been destroyed by
fires and rebuilt twice. Eunice Gorman recalls feeling very honoured in the early 1970s when she and Ross were
invited to dinner by the management of Federated Co-op having no idea that their company would, years later,
purchase that business! Recently retired Certified Millwright Brad Murdoch, who started with the company in
1977, looks back on his many years with positivity. “It was a huge part of my life with lots of good memories and
good friends made along the way.” Speaking of the many changes he has seen since he started with the company,
Brad says that, “it’s great to see the improvements being made. The Gorman Group is improving and investing in
equipment.” Canoe Forest Products is known for producing premium plywood and has ensured that they stay a
leader in the industry by continually upgrading and through an ongoing commitment to quality.

It is our history that has helped to shape our company’s character. We have weathered many storms, literally and
figuratively, through our drive to innovate and our agility to adapt. We work closely with the communities we
operate in to create stable well-paying careers. The Gorman Group and family have always prided themselves on
high-quality products. As Eunice Gorman, who reached 100 years of age on August 23rd, 2021, would always take
the opportunity to remind us, “a good name is more desirable than great riches”
(Proverbs 22:1). It is these values that have been central to our business for
the past 70 years and those that will carry us into the future.

Eunice passed away on September 16th, 2021, just 24 days after
celebrating her 100th birthday with family and employees. Eunice had
an important role in the success of the company. A supporter, ideas-
woman, bookkeeper, and so much more, she left her indelible mark on
the Gorman Group. She was loved by all and she will be missed.