More than 100 people gathered in Toronto's Royal York Hotel to honour George McPherson, Director AES Ontario Region, on the occasion of his retirement.

The date happened to coincide with Ontario's worst tornado in years - an onslaught that spread a wide swath of death and destruction across southern Ontario. Despite the disturbance, and the early departure of some AES staff to assess the impact of the severe storm, proceedings unfolded normally.

Howard Ferguson was MC and the ceremonies were also attended by ADM Jim Bruce and by Ian Rutherford, director general Field Services Directorate. Also in attendance was Mr. McPherson's wife Anne and their five children. Old colleagues in attendance included Syd Buckler and Clarence Penner, associates of Mr. McPherson's while he served as Training Director.

Speeches were made praising Mr. McPherson's 19 years in Training Branch and his eight years as Regional Director. Gifts received included a mantle clock and an illustrated book on birds. Lou Berthelot and Kathy Mowers also handed out gag gifts in a light hearted skit.

Mr. McPherson joined the Meteorological Branch in Vancouver about 35 years ago after completing meteorological studies at the universities of Saskatchewan and Toronto, graduating with a bachelor's and a master's degree respectively. He spent five years in the Whitehorse, Yukon weather office before transferring to Toronto in 1959 to become a training officer. During his years in training he rose to be director and was responsible for producing dozens of training manuals still in use.