Dave Wilson
Community Service Award
2014-15

 

An entrepreneur like his father before him, Wilson turned the family's business away from coal towards residential and commercial fuel, developing the company now known as Wilson Fuels, the largest independent retailer of home heating fuel and gasoline in Atlantic Canada.

Wilson also started Kerr Controls and Smart Energy, based in Truro. His company maintains its headquarters on their original retail coal yard here in Truro.

On the community side, Wilson founded the Truro Bearcats Rugby club in the late 1950s, and served for 16 years as a dedicated scout master, for which he was awarded the Canadian Commemorative Medal. He was involved in the creation of the Truro Spartans Gymnastics Club in the 1970s. He is patron of the Colchester Community Workshops Foundation and has served on numerous boards, including the Colchester YMCA, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and Central Nova Tourism Association. He has contributed to the Rath Eastlink Community Centre Wilson Aquatic Centre, Victoria Park pool slide and countless other projects in the community.

In 2009, the local businessman was named Atlantic Canada Entrepreneur of the Year, and he is a member of the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. Wilson has a great sense of humour. When recognized as Entrepreneur of the year he was interviewed for Progress magazine. He was asked, "What's your next big move?" His answer: "Terrace Hill, the Anglican Cemetery in Truro. Never take yourself too seriously!" A great attitude to live by.

In 2011, Wilson, along with his sister-in-law Rose, received the Canadian Red Cross humanitarian award in recognition of their efforts to improve the community they come from and live in. In 2013 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Civil Law from King's College, an institution with which he and his family have been long associated.

He has had long-time involvement with the ski industry as the owner and chairman of Ski Wentworth and Crabbe Mountain. He also organized the first ski instructor course in Nova Scotia. He was recognized with the Canadian Ski Council's prestigious Founders Award for a lifetime of commitment to and development of the ski industry in Canada. He can still be found making turns down his favourite runs at Ski Wentworth.

The Wilson family is also strong supporters of the Rotary Club of Truro and its many fundraising activities, which benefit the community at large.

The Rotary Club of Truro presented Wilson with its 2014-15 Community Service Award on Feb. 19 at the Best Western Glengarry.