If my Dad was here, I know exactly what he would say. “Are you guys crazy? I don’t deserve this!”

My father, Raymond Côté worked as an employee at Bricker’s shoes in the 1960s and then Mr. Ernie Bricker contacted my Dad to buy his store in 1975. Our family moved to Saskatoon from Edmonton. The store has always remained in the same location since its opening on March 1st, 1939.

I nominated my Dad because first and foremost he taught me everything I know about the shoe business and life. I remember when I first started the shoe business… he patiently began to show me his experience in this wonderful business. It was one thing to learn the “Art of Selling“, and then another having to learn probably the biggest part of the business -the buying of merchandise for the store. This is an animal of its own. It is literally a gamble and guessing game – from choosing styles and sizes to staying inside the budget, it’s always a challenge. There are so many variables along with every decision made.

In the beginning, I would listen and watch the process, and once in awhile, Dad would ask me some advice about the shoes. I remember being petrified in my response and most of the time I always agreed with him, mostly because I didn’t want to make a mistake.

In my training of shoe buying, my Dad began to trust my instincts and I started to be more vocal and confident, like my Dad. My Dad’s favourite saying to my Mom and I was “If that shoe doesn’t sell, I will remind you that you picked it when it’s on sale!” He always made sure that was said in front of the Sales Rep, and he would burst out laughing every time.

My Dad was involved with the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered for the Knights in as many events as he could. He also worked for the Board of Referees on a part time basis, which is basically hearings for people who lost their Employment Benefits and appealed to this small group that my Dad was involved with. Raymond loved this side gig. He met some good coworkers and next thing you know, the female coworkers became great customers!

The strong following of my Dad stands true today, especially in these last 11 months since his passing. On a weekly basis, customers come in and will give their condolences, or ask how Ray is doing. Then I have to inform them of his death and they are instantly saddened by the news. It was also extremely heart warming to receive all the phone calls and cards from customers after he passed. It meant so much to our family.

As I worked with my Dad, day in and day out, I noticed just how experienced Dad was in his field. Customers always loved my Dad and he loved them. Dad dealt with every good and bad scenario with 100% ease. It is only as I wrote this I realize that over all those years, he taught me consciously and subconsciously a key component in this business: Customer Service.

I was once asked by a family friend, Mr. Blain, ”How can you work with your Dad? I could never work with mine. Do you find it difficult? Do you argue?” I proudly answered “We do get along, and I am just learning, so I need to learn from my Dad. He is the professional and I really have no right to question him.” I remember Mr. Blain just looked at me and said “Good job, Daniel!”

As life tends to do, there are always ups and downs, and even more so in business. I remember driving from work together with my Dad, where work talk would always continue. Sometimes it was good, and sometimes not so much. For example, my Dad would tell me that I could have sold more that day, and perhaps I should try different tactics. He gave me his advice on what to do. I would always try his advice and 99% of the time it would work. Although constructive feedback like this was sometimes hard to hear, it made me a better salesperson and businessman in the long run.

The successful selling days were fun and just a great time. One memorable drive home with my “Boss Dad” is when he gave me my first raise. I can almost remember exactly where we were on the way home. I also remember my Dad promoting me to Store Manager. I was extremely excited and this is when I knew this is what I want to do. My Dad showed me the rewards of hard work and ambition.

As Ray was a long-time businessman, he has seen a lot. He saw a couple recessions, many style changes, and new technologies. To survive one recession is a feat alone. His experience in business and life make for legendary status in my books.

My Dad, Raymond, inspired me to be who I am today as a business owner, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. I truly believe that every family member here today knows that Raymond’s calm demeanour made him the man he was. He was so loved by his wife, Lilliane; his sons, Rich and myself; his daughters-in-law, my wife Audrey and Rich’s wife Simone; his grandchildren, Ariel, Joelle, Nicolette, and Gabriel, and Ariel’s husband Braeden; and the short but important relationship he had with his great granddaughter, Aria.

My Dad’s passion to keep Bricker’s Downtown was always important to him. I remember listening in on conversations with Real Estate agents trying to convince my Dad to move the store out of Downtown to either a mall or some sort of new development. Raymond had the same answer for everyone, ”Why should I move when we have the hotels on our path and I am in a prime location. Our Downtown is one of the best in Canada and it’s extremely vibrant.” I also remember being not yet eligible to vote myself, and that Dad voted to have the arena Downtown. With the same question in front of us today, I know he would love this to happen.

I am very proud to say that Raymond has put Bricker’s Shoes on the map, with customers across Canada, and being a Saskatoon staple.

Thank you to those who took the time to come out to this ceremony. Thanks also to the Downtown Saskatoon board and staff for organizing this event. I’m the only one speaking today, but I represent my entire family – we want to thank you for this recognition of our father, husband and grandfather. It means so much to all of us. It warms our hearts more than you will ever know.