The Gowans sold their formalwear business in 2006 ... and now Susan is busier than ever! She is involved in a number of community initiatives, including serving on the Board of Directors of Mission Services. Susan has been at Village Green for almost 20 years. Besides serving on the Board, she co-leads both the Young Adults ministry and a LIFE group, as well as helping out around the church.

Quick take:  Supposedly retired.
Born:  You're only as old as you feel ... so it depends on the day!
Family:  My amazing husband Paul and now 4 wonderful adult children. Son Josh and wife Steph live way up north in Kingfisher Lake, a First Nations Reserve. Daughter Amanda and husband Jon live in London and attend VG.
Education:  Undergrad degree in Fine Arts. Teaching degree with an early childhood specialist. Marketing and business management. Some theology courses. Oh, painting classes too. There are always new things to learn!
Major Influence:  We have been blessed with a number of amazing friends with passionate hearts for God who have taught us how to think and how to do something worthwhile with what we think.
Indispensable:  Books. I always have to have 2 or 3 on the go. Stuart Mclean’s Vinyl Café stories, John Ortberg, John Piper, Francine Rivers, Jan Karon, G.K. Chesterton, Brian McLaren ...
Favourite verse:  The LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. [Micah 6:8]
Comfort food:  Soup – that’s why I enjoy Soup Sundays so much. Oh, and chocolate.
Passions:  Our ministry with the Young Adults. They continually challenge us to think about how life and faith connect and why we believe what we do.
Music:  Casting Crowns, Chris Rice, Jack Johnson, Steve Bell, Michael Buble.
Team:  The Village Green baseball team. Really, it can’t get any better than that drama and sheer raw talent!
Perfect day:  Walking at the cottage with Paul and all our kids together.
Proud moments:  Finally finishing the VG Employee Handbook. Winning "Retailer of the Year” for our business. Receiving a special achievement award from the Addiction Research Foundation for developing the Safegrad program.
Embarrassing moment:  Tripping and splitting my forehead open at our 25th anniversary party ... then having six stitches in the midst of the party and partying on. Great pictures, though!
I'd like to say to the people of VG:  Love God deeply, give generously, serve whole-heartedly, forgive frequently, risk new things daily. He who is faithful will teach you much about who He is.
Bottom Line:  Invest in people.