Passing of Bernie Leaman

Passing of Bernie Leaman

Passing of Bernie Leaman
August 2, 1936 – May 12, 2019

Bernie Leaman

It is with sadness that OGMA shares the news of the passing of our friend and former royalty of the architectural metal industry in Canada. In our business, occasionally you will come across people who made a real impact on the industry. One of those people was Bernie Leaman of Commercial Aluminum. Bernie was that type of guy you were happy you had the opportunity of meeting. He always greeted people with a smile, was quick to laugh, personable, and fun to talk to… a very charismatic gentleman.

Bernie Leaman started his working life as an office clerk in 1953 at the age of 17 and found his way into the glass and metal business with Millington Brothers Glass in 1955, doing the books, estimating, inside sales, and anything else that needed taking care of in the one man office. That was his start to a long and rewarding career in our industry.

Commercial Aluminum became part of the Indal group in 1965, and in 1969, Bernie was enticed to join the company and run the office for the princely wage of $55 per week. At the company Christmas party in 1976, Ian Moore announced that Bernie had been promoted to president of Commercial Aluminum. A few years later, Bernie opened a branch of Commercial Aluminum in Calgary.

Bernie always had a strong belief in people, their desire to succeed, and a willingness to give them a break. Bernie gave many glaziers their start in business by extending them credit, while making it clear that his trust was not to be taken lightly. “You can’t be in business and stay in business if you are a dishonest person.”

Throughout his time in business, Bernie was a strong supporter of the Metro Toronto Glass Association, the predecessor to the OGMA, and served on its board for eight years as secretary, treasurer, and eventually president. To his final day, he had a plaque hanging in his home office dated June 22, 1977 honoring him as the MTGA “Man of the Hour”, beside the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon him in 1998 by the OGMA.

When asked about the highlights of his career, Bernie cited all the marvelous relationships and friendships he cultivated with customers and suppliers during his career. “I have no negative memories whatsoever about my time in business… I loved every minute of it.” A few years ago, Bernie said that, “everything I am today I owe to what I learned during my years spent at Commercial Aluminum.” We’re going to miss you Bernie.

– Frank Fulton

Why Does This Industry Accept Arbitrary Surcharges?

by Frank Fulton Originally published in Glass Canada Magazine, April 2019 Issue Corporate entities are a lot like governments when they impose a tax. I’m sick and tired of being gouged. Administration fees, facility fees, set up fees, convenience charges, baggage fees, event service fees…call them what you will, they’re all just a means of […]

OGMA Newsletter – April 2019

The OGMA voted in its new board for 2019 at its meeting on February 28. Here are your leaders for the next year: Andrew Dolphin, president (BV Glazing); Jeff Makimoto, vice-president (TAGG Industries); Brian Wiles, treasurer (Walker Glass); and Lee Baker, secretary. The Spring Seminar takes place April 12, 2019, at the Richmond Hill Golf […]

CSC Building Expo 2019

The Ontario Glass & Metal Association invites its members to attend CSC Building Expo, Canada’s longest-running technical trade show for architects, designers, developers, engineers, facility managers, specification writers, and construction professionals. The show takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on February 27, 2019. This year’s theme is Construction, Connectivity, and Wellness. WHY SHOULD […]

The History of Glass

by Frank Fulton Originally published in Glass Canada Magazine, February 2019 Issue This column so happens to mark the 10th anniversary of yours truly. This column just so happens to mark the 10th anniversary of yours truly penning You Bet Your Glass for Glass Canada magazine. One of my favourite columns over the years was also […]

OGMA Newsletter – February 2019

OAKVILLE GLASS AND MIRROR CLOSED: After more than 50 years in business, Dieter and Ingrid Ringler decided it was time to retire and closed the doors at Oakville Glass and Mirror for the last time on January 10. Oakville Glass was a long-time dedicated member of the OGMA and both Dieter and his son Steven […]

Auction Notice

After more than fifty years in business, Oakville Glass and Mirror will be winding down business effective January 10, 2019. After the last day of business, the company will be holding an auction on January 19, 2019, to liquidate all company assets. For more details on the auction, please click here.

Show me the (Government) Money

by Frank Fulton Originally published in Glass Canada Magazine, December 2018 Issue The money is out there for the taking and anybody can go after it. If you and your company pay taxes in Canada and read the newspapers, you must often feel that every special interest group in the country and those who know […]

OGMA Newsletter – December 2018

FALL SEMINAR: The November seminar on demystifying the bonding process and Certificate of Recognition was hugely informative. The OGMA would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our presenters from bonding specialists, Petrela, Winter, and Associates, and COR trainers, 4S Consulting. Attendees picked up some critical information on bid bonding and how to comply with […]

Reminder: Save the Dates for Windoor 2018

The Ontario Glass & Metal Association invites you to attend Fenestration Canada’s Windoor event, December 3-5, 2018, in Quebec City. The event showcases the best of the window and door industry, attracting manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, and other industry professionals from all over the world. Windoor gives you an opportunity to network, learn, and conduct business. […]