Darrell MacLachlan

Darrell Maclachlan was an exceptional alpine ski racing official and a tireless volunteer.  His expertise and dedication to alpine racing helped to present Canada as a leading force on the world stage. 

Darrell MacLachlan was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta.  He started skiing at an early age and in 1969 joined the Paskapoo Ski Club at Canada Olympic Park.  He then moved on to the Sunshine Ski Club in Banff where he developed into a strong racer.  In 1974, Darrell was named to the Alberta Ski Team.  Always a great teammate and friend to all, it was evident that skiing was going to be his calling.

As the years passed, Darrell moved on from his racing career and became a highly qualified alpine racing official and a dedicated volunteer both locally and nationally.  Each November and December, starting in 1992, Darrell took his calm presence out to the Rockies as men’s Chief of Race for the Lake Louise World Cup. It was also at Lake Louise that he mentored many of today’s top race officials. 

Darrell was the Chief of Race for the men’s alpine events at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games held in Whistler and a Technical Delegate at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi .  He became one of the most experienced ski racing FIS technical delegates worldwide and delivered many race events at the highest level. When not doing his race duties, Darrell delivered courses and symposia to ski racing officials. 

Darrell was a natural and charismatic leader who led by example. He motivated a vast army of people to stay involved in ski racing and contribute as he did, with selflessness and respect.

When not on the ski hill, Darrell was a talented construction expert for Karson Builders in Calgary and a part-time professor at the University of Calgary.  However, his daughter Alison was his priority.  He coached her soccer teams growing up and even supported her interest in snowboarding.  Always putting Ali and her family first, “Poppo” will be dearly missed.

Darrell was married to his long-time partner and volunteer buddy, Lynne Gibson.  Darrell and Lynne’s radiant love for one another grew on the Lake Louise downhill track and Panorama ski lifts.  They shared a common bound and many memorable ski days together.  

Darrell passed away from bladder Cancer on October 9, 2020 at 63 years old. “It is a big loss for the Lake Louise organizing committee and the entire Alpine World Cup family” said Markus Waldner, the chief race director of men’s alpine races worldwide. “May Darrell rest in peace”.

Please Note: The ski information gathered here is compiled from a number of sources; it may not be inclusive of all accomplishments. Copyright © 2022, Canadian Ski Museum & Hall of Fame. All Rights Reserved.