In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Paul Clark
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Originally from Woodstock, Ont., studied Optometry in Waterloo, then moved to Terrace in 1981. In 1992, we spent a short four years in Holland where my wife is from and decided to come back to Canada and move to the nicest place in Canada. That’s how we came to Kelowna 19 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my wife Karin, she’s beautiful in every way, in her thoughts, her way with others and her sense of family.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hmm, I’ve been to many places racing with the Canadian Paralympic Team, racing wheelchair in Holland 1980, England 1984 and Korea 1988. With the beauty Kelowna has to offer, I really don’t need to go anywhere! But for a trip, I would love to go to New York or Hong Kong.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Princess Auto has so many interesting tools; I guess with my ‘inventive’ tendencies, I’m always after parts that can be repurposed. Before racing wheelchairs were their current design, I was always trying to make them better. I was, in fact, the first to invent the three-wheeled racing chair!
What is your favourite activity?
I have lots of favourite activities like biking, basketball, kayak but I really do enjoy meeting new patients in my Optometry practice.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza because it’s at least a bit healthier?
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Munson Pond is a new hidden gem in Kelowna; check it out, just off Benvoulin on Munson road!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Not recognizing people or remembering their names constantly embarrasses me. I guess most people think my vision is not good if I don’t recognize them. I sometimes remember names while I’m wheeling away, though!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Winning the Oita Wheelchair Marathon in 1988, setting the world best for the marathon distance at 1:38:27. You can see a small video of my victory.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Setting up a weightlifting bench and having all the neighbour kids come over and test their strength. I was never the strongest but I sure was competitive.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am on the board of the KLO Neighbourhood Association. I organize events for the Strong Neighbourhood program. I organize a Wheelchair Basketball Jamboree yearly. I sit on two committees with BC Doctors of Optometry and two committees with Iris the Visual Group.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Of course, vision is extremely important to enjoy the world so I would want to provide better vision care in the world.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Attending Kelowna Rockets games. Go Rockets!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Rotary Beach to watch the kite surfers.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna has great bike paths and it’s a work in progress to have them all connected.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
I wish for my store and practice of Optometry to be successful at reaching as many residents to help them experience better vision.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Two of our children were born in Holland.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Iris the Visual Group, the Kelowna Iris is one of 170 Iris locations in Canada.
What does your business do?
Iris provides the highest quality products and professional services available in the world of eyecare.
How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook: Iris Kelowna
Where can people find your business online?
Iris.ca/kelowna
Why did you get into/start this business?
Dr. Jean started Iris the Visual Group with the intention of helping Canadians see better. As a private Optometrist, having juggled a business with the clinical and sales sides, I was ready to spend more dedicated time with my patients. Iris offers the quality products that complete the experience of better vision I wish for all my patients.
What is the goal of your business?
My business goal is to be proactive with ocular health and vision.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Long ago when I was 15, I broke my back riding a dirt bike, at that age, it was a struggle to fit into society when I had my own challenges to overcome. I think the experience has made me stronger as a person.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
No regrets.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is so important to support local business that provides local jobs and services to our community. Even better if they are local owners! Many consumers don’t understand the price of service. My customers receive great service for what they buy.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why?
Rob Mabey is a good friend of mine who is very inventive. He rides a handcycle like me and as a quad, he figures out mechanical ways to make things work. He has ramps and winch systems he has invented, he always has ideas.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Rob Mabey
Other information you would like to share:
I try to bike to work every day and wish for more Kelowna citizens to make the effort to do the same. Obviously, this takes planning and modifications to daily life but in many cases, it can be done.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!
