› The Management Team
Richard Ford
Dick was born and raised on a sheep farm near Rotorua, New Zealand. He completed the Agricultural program in NZ at Lincoln College. In 1967 he married Donna and they have 4 grown children. In 1969, Dick had the vision and good fortune to get involved with the irrigation industry in central BC. Together with Donna he has worked to establish Highlands Irrigation as the largest and oldest family owned Irrigation Company in BC. His agricultural background has been a huge asset to his work with ranchers and farmers. Dick is a Certified Irrigation Designer and with over 40 years of experience he has an excellent understanding of all irrigation projects and any water related problems. He and his competent staff have improved the agricultural landscape throughout the Province of BC significantly. Aside from work, Dick’s greatest enjoyment is his 4 children and 3 grand children. He travels to NZ for a few months each winter to work on his own sheep farm, "Woodstock," near Rotorua. He also loves to do rafting expeditions in Canada’s north and he enjoys sailing and skiing.
Donna Ford
Donna was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. While on a working holiday in Britain in 1966 she met Dick Ford – and the rest is history! They were married in 1967 then moved to New Zealand. They moved to Williams Lake, BC. in 1969. Donna studied accounting to prepare for the task of Administrative duties for Highlands Irrigation. Her main focus has always been enjoying her 4 children. In the early 90s she was the BC representative on the National Advisory Council for Aging. She also sat on the Board of Governors at St. Michaels University School in Victoria for 3 years. Fitness is a big part of her life and she loves running, hiking, rafting, golfing and skiing.
Vern Winger
Born and raised in Williams Lake, Vern came to Highlands in 1980 after completing his BScAg at UBC. Vern is married to Glenda and has 2 children. His passion in his ‘rare’ spare time is enjoying Keithly Creek: a family retreat near Likely where Vern loves 4-wheeling and mining in the summer and his snowmobile in the winter months. Vern’s extensive knowledge of irrigation systems is unsurpassed by anyone in BC and is greatly valued by all of our customers.
Collin Sandager
Collin is a "Prairie" man born and raised on a mixed farm in Preeceville, Saskatchewan. At the University of Saskatchewan, he completed his BScAg majoring in Environmental Science. Collin joined Highlands in 2003. He looks after our Kelowna office and our Ag customers in that region. Collin is married to Heather and has 3 very active children plus another on the way. His pleasant manner and his competency combined with his mechanical and agricultural experience is a great asset to Highlands.
Rob Moon
Rob was born and raised on the Deer Park Ranch at Riske Creek BC. The ranch sold in 1980 when Rob and his family moved to Australia. On his return to Canada in 1982 he joined Highlands. He has continued to work in many areas of the Company, but now concentrates on managing our Domestic division. His extensive knowledge, his dedication and work ethic are invaluable to Highlands. Rob is married to Susan and they enjoy travelling around Canada to keep up with their children and grandchildren.
Chris Ford
Chris is the youngest son of Dick and Donna. He has been involved with Highlands Irrigation all of his life. Chris’s post-secondary education was in Tourism/Outdoor Recreation Management at Capilano College. He started his career with Canadian River Expeditions and later owned and operated that company for 5 years. Chris joined Highlands as a full time employee in early 2007. Chris married Alison in June 2008 and ‘Big Ben’ arrived this May. Chris and Ali have established their residence in Kamloops. Chris’s work ethic and his strong people skills complement our goal to give excellent service in this area.
Darlene Wiebe
Darlene joined the staff at Highlands in 1998. She is first on her feet to welcome customers and provide service. Her office adjacent to the front door keeps her busy welcoming our customers She also controls our Accounts Receivable department and her meticulous detail in that role makes the follow up for the rest of Highlands staff and our customers very easy. Darlene is originally a ‘prairie girl’ and now at home in Williams Lake keeps busy looking after Don, their children and grandchildren. She does beautiful sewing and quilting. Although she works long hours in the spring and summer at Highlands she still finds time to produce a beautiful garden.
Barb Van Riesen
Barb’s infectious smile and her great sense of humour keeps our office bright and cheery. She is a high-energy "people" person who keeps a close tab on all the staff. She was raised on Vancouver Island but knows BC well having lived in the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan. Barb joined Highlands in 1995 and she has total responsibility of our Account Payable division. Her dedicated work ethic and her attention to detail are unsurpassed. Barb enjoys life with Jack and their children and their darling little grandgirl.
Kristen Weir
Kristen first came to Highlands in 1993 following her education. She took 'time out' while she worked at home caring for her husband Geoff and her 2 children. Kristen returned to Highlands in 2004 as an executive assistant. Kristen was born in the Chilcotin at Farwell and raised on the Deer Park Ranch. She has a good understanding of ranching and agriculture. Kristen’s communication and organizational skills combined with her calm and practical manner enables her to help both customers and staff to keep projects flowing. Everyone in the ranching community adores her!
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