By Nick Butler

Henry Wohler, one of the longest-standing ambassadors for Paralympic sport in Canada, has died ©CPCTributes have been paid following the death of Henry Wohler, a longstanding leader in the Canadian Para-Alpine skiing community who was the country's Chef de Mission at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Paralympics.


Wohler served as President of the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS) for 11 years, as well as a number of other roles in skiing and disabled sport in the North American nation, including three years as chairman and chief executive of the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability.

He was also a key official within the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), serving as the body's interim President from January to November 2006 as well as being on the Board of Directors from 1998 until 2011. 

"On behalf of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, our heartfelt condolences to Henry's family, friends and community," said the body's current President Gaétan Tardif in a statement today.

"Henry was a visionary and leader who contributed so much to the development of opportunities in adaptive skiing in Quebec and Canada.

His legacy can be seen in the careers and accomplishments of today's Para-athletes.

"We shared many great times together, particularly in Salt Lake City where he was my Chef de Mission.

"I will miss him dearly."

Being Canadian Chef de Mission at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Paralympics was among Henry Wohler's career highlights ©AFP/Getty ImagesBeing Canadian Chef de Mission at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Paralympics was among Henry Wohler's career highlights ©AFP/Getty Images



A retired school principal, Wohler was also the founder of the Richard Lemieux Foundation which organised and operated the Laurentian Adaptive Ski Programme for the past 36 years, remaining the body's President until his death. 

In Salt Lake City he oversaw a successful performance from the Canadian team in which they finished sixth on the medals table with six golds in a 14 medal haul.

Four of those six victories came in his sport of Alpine skiing.

Wohler's funeral is due to take place March 28 at St. Patrick of the Island Catholic Church in Pincourt, Quebec, with his family having asked that donations be made to CADS or a roof fund for his local church.

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