Leaving an organization in better condition than you found it seems to be Greg Trotter’s mantra. Whether in his professional life or his efforts as a volunteer, Greg has had this effect.
Born and raised in Tisdale, Greg was always involved in both school and extra-curricular activities, including the Lion’s Band, church choir, football, and basketball. In addition at a very early age he worked in the family’s drug store after school.
Thanks to the support of outgoing friends, Greg began to shine during his time at the College of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He was elected as Academic Vice President of the College Students Society in his fourth year.
In January 1979, Greg joined the POW City Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon. Within weeks he was actively involved in the organization and was helping run Telemiracle’s “Off Centre,” the centre not hosting the televised fund-raising marathon, but responsible for the operation of a group of phones and related activities.
As Greg’s professional career moved him from one community to the next, involvement in Kinsmen was a constant. Over the next 25 years he would be a member of five different clubs serving on the executive of each, and eventually rising to Chairman of the Kinsmen Foundation. During his tenure, the profile and fundraising increased, allowing the Foundation to assist even more individuals.
Professionally, after graduating from the U of S, he joined Peat Marwick Mitchell, Chartered Accountants. Greg then gravitated to the area of health care administration and finance. He worked at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert, St. Joseph’s Union Hospital in Lestock, Maidstone Union Hospital and Living Sky Health District. In each of these positions he improved operational practices, whether advancing the hospital’s accounting systems, making computerized system conversations, or improving a facility’s accreditation standing. While in Maidstone, under the direction of Board of Directors of the Hospital, Greg initiated the addition of an on-site physician’s clinic at the hospital.
After 18 years in health care administration, Greg decided the time was right to try something different. In 1999, he accepted a contract position with Early’s Farm & Garden Centre in Saskatoon. A few months later, he became a full-time employee as the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
Greg has accomplished a great deal, personally and professionally. Recently he completed his estate planning and advised Saskatoon Community Foundation that a bequest would be directed to it.
When asked about his generosity. Greg responded, “I am a lot like my Mom and Dad. We want to help others. As a member of the Kinsmen Foundation Board, it was wonderful for me to actually see the results of our work.”
Greg’s gift to Saskatoon Community Foundation will continue to help others for many generations to come. “I’ve done well and I wanted someone else to share the rewards from my estate,” explains Greg. “The charitable sector plays such a valuable role in society, it makes sense to funnel my gift through the Saskatoon Community Foundation.” Greg’s bequest will be added to the Jean and Vern Trotter Family Fund, a fund established by his parents, to assist Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan.