Derek Ryder started hiking, backpacking, canoe tripping, rock climbing and skiing in Ontario in the 1970’s. After moving to Calgary in 1981, he fed his passion with hiking, white water canoeing and downhill skiing in the Rockies. Derek retired in 2011 after 32 years in the oil and gas industry, and now resides in Kananaskis Country. Since retiring, he has expanded his volunteering with the Bow Valley Stewards, with WildSmart as a Wildlife Ambassador, with Alberta Parks Ecology’s research projects, and at Sunshine Village as a Snow Host. He has held several directorship positions in community organizations, has been a member of the Friends of Kananaskis since 2010 and Chair since October 2013.