January 17, 2015 – It is with great sorrow that we report the passing of the founder of the Canadian Ski Marathon. Don MacLeod passed away at his home in New Zealand on January 4, 2015. It was Don’s enthusiasm, persistence and passion for outdoor activities and his spirit of life that the Centennial Marathon Ski Tour was born.

Don MacLeod at the 1st CSM in '67 © CSM

It was entirely Don’s idea.  He was employed by the Centennial Commission in 1967 to organize a Canadian canoe pageant. The Commission didn’t think his ski tour idea would succeed. So, he organized it secretly on his own.

Don thought the Commission wouldn’t know. But, in a chance meeting in an elevator the Chairman of the Commission asked, “How is it going, Don?” and added with a wink and a smile, “and I don’t mean the canoe pageant?”

Well, we all know how well it went and after 48 years it still goes.

This year we should all be skiing in the Marathon to celebrate Don’s life.

Bill Pollock
CSM permanent bib #9