An Industry Leader Retires

Guy Aird began his career in 1962 with a summer job selling seasonal goods.  It was here that he noticed many people working on hardware specifications with some products originating from England and Sweden.

Eager to travel in Europe in a practical way, he contacted the agent representing those firms and solicited a job as an apprentice in both countries.  The response was positive and he embarked as a passenger on a cargo ship.  He was away for 2 years at William Newman and Sons in Birmingham, England, and at ASSA Stenman in Eskilstuna, Sweden

When he returned to Canada, he was immediately employed by Madison Products, representatives of both William Newman and ASSA Stenman on a national scale, where he eventually became sales manager until he left to pursue his studies in Business Administration at night school. 

At the 1974 DHI convention in Chicago, he discovered the Baldwin Hardware Co. which was a revelation in the decorative aspect of the Architectural Hardware industry.  Baldwin provided an opportunity for Guy to start his own business in 1976 by appointing him their sole Canadian distributor at the time.  He maintained his relationship with Baldwin since that time.  (For more information, visit www.palladio-AHC.com)

As a member of DHI since 1964, he was first involved at the chapter level as the Public Relation’s officer which was then a new requirement for each chapter from DHI International.  He was subsequently appointed as Regional Director for two years which allowed him to participate at several DHI International board meetings.  During this time, he was nominated as the outstanding DHI Regional Director two years in a row.  He also attended the official inaugural meeting of DHI Canada in Ottawa on June 6, 1991 with the late Ian Devine as the first President.

Guy went on to become president of DHI Canada for a two year term from 1993-1995.  As the spokesman for DHI Canada on the International board, he strongly advocated and obtained a percentage of financial contribution to DHI Canada proportionate to the contribution of the Canadian membership, in lieu of a small recurrent yearly remittance.  He also proposed a legal intellectual property status, confirmed with an individual seal, concerning hardware specifications written by an AHC.  Consequently, no one could alter or use those specifications without the consultant’s approval.  The consultant had to be in good standing with DHI  which then had a compulsory updating program every 2 years.  While the idea was given due attention, it was regrettably never enforced.

Also during Guy’s term as DHI Canada president, the Canadian board with strong support from the Ontario Chapter, hosted the DHI International Convention in Toronto, which was followed some years later by another great convention in Vancouver.  Both were outstanding successes.  There was also a well-remembered Canada Conference in Quebec City. 

Guy credits the late Les Groves for his mentorship and friendship over many years.  Les was an absolutely unique and indispensable director of DHI Canada for many years.  He will always be remembered by all who know him for his generous contribution to DHI Canada.

Guy is still involved with the Quebec Chapter and his wife Andree is active as a professional linguist and translator.  Andree collaborated on the translation of AHC1 and AHC2, and recently helped translate the Fire Door Inspection Guide. 

Guy’s son Frederic, an industrial designer, is now taking the over the family business, and his daughter Sophie is marketing manager for Bell Astral.

With his recent retirement, Guy will have more time to dote on his four beautiful granddaughters, his lock museum and tying fishing flies.  But as Guy embarks on the next phase of his life, the Canadian door and hardware industry will face a very big void that is not easily filled.  Guy is one of a kind in so many ways and he’s a true gentleman. 

Enjoy your retirement Guy!  You earned it.