Dr. Gerald  Korn (& Audrey)

Gerald was born in London, England. At an early age, he decided that a career in Medicine was his ideal. He entered medical school at the age of 17 and graduated 5^1/2 years later.

Whilst as a medical student, he met and became engaged to Audrey, also born a Londoner, and they were married over 57 years ago.

After a 2-year stint as a Medical Officer in the Royal Air Force, he undertook specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Seeing an opportunity to practice his specialty in a new environment, the family, now grown to four with Julia and Paul, moved to Saskatoon in 1957. He lived and worked there until 1972, transferring to Vancouver. During their Saskatoon sojourn, Gerald acted as Head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the City Hospital.

Wine and food have been a major part of Gerald's and his family interests.

Sparked at an early age by visits to an uncle's wine importing business located under the river Thames where Gerald and Audrey sniffed air and tasting its source, wine in all its glory became a fascination that had to be explored.

Saskatoon, not being culturally adapted to their interest in wine and food particularly, they had to wait until they reached British Columbia before they could enjoy the fruits of the earth - the grape in particular. At first, exploring wines in the early 1970's was a bit of a challenge but later it became easier with the abundance of wine to all.

Introduced by a member of La Chaîne in 1974, Gerald and Audrey soon became members and have continued to this day.

Elected to the council and later to become the Bailli, Gerald, with Audrey, attended almost every function over a period of 30 years. After 12 years as Bailli, during which time he oversaw a number of changes in the style of functions, introduced the concept of an annual auction, and saw the membership grow steadily, he felt that it was time to hand over the reigns to Dr. Jane ruddick. On completion of his term as Bailli, Gerald was awarded the Silver Star of Excellence from the Canadian bailliage and, at the same time, Audrey was awarded a Star of excellence for all the support that she has given to Gerald and the whole Vancouver bailliage.

During all the years of membership, he also had time, between delivering babies, to join wine groups, in particular that of Ms. Moira Fitzpatrick, who created wonderful  wine tours of California, Italy and France. Gerald also took time to join the Commanderie of Bordeaux and with Audrey, the International Wine and Food Society.

In the name of Dr. Gerald W. Korn, the Vancouver bailliage has given an annual award to the top student of the Culinary Arts division of the Vancouver Community College. Gerald and Audrey do the honors of presenting the award to the worthy winner every year.

With all the mentions of wine and food, we expect that Gerald is a wine expert and a gourmet cook, something that Gerald modestly denies as he feels that one is always learning about wines. Making a curry or a spaghetti sauce is the about extent of his culinary efforts at home.

Now being completely retired from medical practice and shedding the responsibilities of the Bailli of the Vancouver Chaîne, Gerald has the time to travel more extensively and also has more time to enjoy the grandchildren, both of whom have shown more than a passing interest in wine and food.

Gerald's daughter, Julia, also a member of the Vancouver Chaîne for the past few years, is now it's secretary. Gerald says: "as a family, we will continue to support this fabulous organization and enjoy all that it can offer".