Dick Beare: Honoured Lifelong Official
Combining a commitment to fair and accurate timing of ski racing with support of athletes and officials
Canmore (AB) – Timing and results are the lifeblood of alpine ski racing, the objective measurement of the athlete going from start to finish, challenging the slope. Dick Beare, our Honoured Lifetime Official, blended his passion for our sport and expertise with computers to modernize timing and results software, as a pioneer in the digital age.
“It was 1987, the year before the Olympics”, said Dick. “I started skiing with my daughter and we got involved with Skimeisters at Fortress Mountain. We discovered that the timing systems were not very user friendly and did not involve computers. Being a software writer seemed obvious I should get involved.”
What emerged was the timing software known as dTris, which Dick wrote and has maintained for 23 years. Alongside, he reformatted and has maintained Measures Software for results. These became the de-facto standard for many race organizers across Canada. He also set up and has maintained ACA Points, Canada’s National Points Results List, which tracks results of national athletes below the FIS level.
“The data architecture that is the foundation of the fair and smooth operation of our sport tends to be overlooked as it is not front and centre like weather, safety or track surface,” said Nigel Loring, CEO of Alberta Alpine. “But everyone knows it is essential for timing and data to be race-ready, always available and error-free. Every Race Administrator praises Dick not only for making their job easier, but also for being available 24-7 to answer questions and walk them through issues.”
Dick has served as Chief of Timing for every level of our sport, from Nancy Greene Ski League to Nor-Ams to the Canada Winter Games and the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cups. As live timing became popular, he created a program to bring immediate access to results to every parent and grandparent.
His volunteer contribution to alpine ski racing went well beyond the Timing Building. Dick has worked tirelessly for decades in training new officials and race administrators. On the snow, he has supported race organizers at every level as a Level 4 National Official and a FIS TD for Speed Skiing.
Dick notes he has gained many friends through his three decades of dedication to ski racing. He worked alongside retired Canadian FIS TD Commissioner Ted Savage in delivering the results from the World Cups at Lake Louise. He built a fast friendship with National Official Dave Bartle on many races deep in the Canadian Athlete system. And Dick worked closely with respected Race Administrator Phyllis Kennedy (2015 Honoured Official) for the past 20 years.
“Each race is a new experience,” says our 2016 Honoured Official. “I have learnt something new at each race I have been involved in. Life long learning, always something new to learn, don’t assume you know it all. Listen to others and most importantly enjoy what you do. If you don’t enjoy what you do then what’s the point in doing it!”
The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize Dick Beare, our 2016 Honoured Lifetime Official, for three decades of supporting alpine ski racing and speed skiing. The Class of 2016 will be inducted at the Calgary Petroleum Club on Tuesday, November 8th as the feature event of the Alpine Insurance Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame supported by Delbrook Capital. This is a free event for all supporters of alpine ski racers.