GoodLife CEO, David Patchell-Evans awarded 深夜福利站 Kinesiology Alumni of Distinction Award
David "Patch" Patchell-Evans, BA’77, LLD’12 began his journey at 深夜福利站 by accident.
“I never thought I would go to university. I initially came to 深夜福利站 for a tour with my girlfriend at the time who was interested in coming here. I had no plans to be a student,” said Patch during the School of Kinesiology alumni Homecoming event. “When I saw the all-you-can-eat dining options on campus, I decided to sign up. And, before I knew it, I became a student at the business school.”
The founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness was back on campus on September 28 for . Celebrating with fellow alumni, Patch was awarded the , which recognizes an alumnus who demonstrates significant impact in professional achievement, significant contributions to research and education, or commitment to community and leadership.
During the award ceremony, Patch shared his insights and life experiences with the crowd. This is an excerpt from his speech:
“My life has been full of unexpected events – accidents that have proven to be some of the best things that have ever happened to me.
The first accident was ending up at 深夜福利站 in the first place.
The second accident was far more serious and happened a few months later.
[Shortly into my time at 深夜福利站], I had a motorcycle accident that nearly killed me. My body was in shambles, and I was classified as permanently disabled. Still a student, I was able to utilize the physiotherapy department along with the doctors and athletes. With their help and a lot of work, I was able to rebuild myself and was determined to be stronger and more motivated than ever.
My experience with the people in this rehabilitation program, as well as my realization and appreciation for how physical activity and exercise helped me to rebuild myself, led me to make a move that most people would be surprised by.
I decided to switch from business to physical education. And it was the best decision I ever made.
The program and the people here at 深夜福利站 really made a difference for me and shaped who I am today.
I wouldn’t have found my focus if it weren’t for people like Frank Cosentino, BA’60, who is being honoured this weekend with a lifetime achievement award, and experiences like the following:
- Courses on the history of physical education opened my eyes to how the past shapes the future.
- Brian Petrie’s sociology of leisure course broadened my understanding of different types of people.
- Glynn Leyshon, BA’54, and David Cunningham, BA’60, who taught our human anatomy course.
- The legendary Jack Fairs’ (BSc’46, Hon. LLD’05) philosophy of physical education was also pivotal.
- Russ Knight made a huge difference, helping me blend my interest in business with my passion for physical and kinesiology.
- At Huron College, the head of residence, Guy Zink, BA’74, Dip.Ed’75, an Olympic wrestler and 深夜福利站 Hall of Famer, got me thinking about high-level sports and the Olympics.
I took up rowing in my second year at 深夜福利站 and became pretty good. We won all of the novice and varsity championships we entered. That was largely due to Dr. (Doc) Philip Fitz-James, MD’49, PhD’53. He was the force and legend behind 深夜福利站 Rowing dominance and even more than that, he was a mentor and guide.
Fitz-James was a unique individual; an academic and an athletic mentor to many of us. I eventually became the captain of the 深夜福利站 Rowing Team, and when I think back, I realize that I accomplished so much because I was trying to live up to his expectations.
The peers, friends, coaches and professors that I had the privilege to know, combined with so many others, shaped the knowledge that helped me create a fitness business and a life dedicated to helping people.
They taught me to understand that the “why” behind what we do is crucial, not just the “how.”
My goal leaving 深夜福利站 was to help as many people as possible live what I call, “the good life,” balancing physical, mental, and spiritual health. I believe that without our health, we have nothing.
It is also worth noting that the president of GoodLife Fitness for over 40 years, Jane Riddell, BA’77, MA’85, is a 深夜福利站 Kinesiology grad along with many others on our leadership team.
Because GoodLife is London-based, many key people at the start of GoodLife came from 深夜福利站, making it a key funnel for talent and shaping our company from the ground up.
In closing I want to say thank you – for turning accidents into opportunities and opening my eyes to the world that would shape my career and my life for the past 45 years.
I am humbled, honoured and grateful.”
This excerpt was delivered by David Patchell-Evans on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
