As the first executive director for the Friends of Upper Fort Garry, Jimm Simon is very excited to be involved in the ongoing development of this new provincial park.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be using new technologies like our app to bring history alive for a new generation,” he said.

For more than 30 years, Simon has worked as a museum planner, manager and consultant. He also lends his time to many other charities. He is the former national board chair of the Canadian Cancer Society, a life member of the Association of Manitoba Museums, and the Pipe Major of the Khartum Shrine Pipes and Drums.

Simon is also working with Community Living Interlake to develop social enterprise businesses for people living with intellectual disabilities.

1. It’s Sunday morning. What are you having for breakfast?

Pancakes made from scratch, syrup made with frozen blueberries, and coffee.

2. If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be?

A business or history professor and author.

3. Who’s your hero?

Jack Layton. He was the most personable politician I’ve ever met and who knows what could have been if not for cancer.

4. Last book you couldn’t put down?

I’ve been reading a lot of Ian Rankin mysteries since I went to Edinburgh last year. They’re a terrific, mindless read and it’s fun to be able to relate to the streets and pubs in the stories.

5. Who was your childhood celebrity crush?

Stevie Nicks. I’ve been a fan since before Fleetwood Mac.

6. What’s the last song you downloaded?

Barenaked Ladies’Silverballalbum.

7. If you could see one concert, what would it be?

Pink Floyd reunion.

8. What’s the best thing about Winnipeg?

My wife is from here.

9. What’s your weirdest habit?

I play bagpipes.

10. What’s your biggest pet peeve?

I have two: Rap music is an oxymoron, and hot herbal drinks are not kinds of tea.

11. What’s your fast-food guilty pleasure?

A&W teenburger and root beer.

12. What was your most embarrassing moment?

I play bagpipes in public.

13. Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with?

Ernest Hemingway.

14. What’s your favourite vacation destination?

I’m torn between Disneyworld and Scotland.

15. What is your favourite TV show?

Embarrassingly, its Deadliest Catch, but I’m really liking the new Steven Colbert show.

16. What’s your favourite movie?

Jeremiah Johnsonor The Usual Suspects.

17. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Invisibility.

18. What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?

Canoe the Nahanni River.

19. If we’re buying, you’re having ...

Single-malt scotch, preferably Dhalwhinnie.

20. What are your words to live by?

“Take the time to enjoy every sandwich.” Warren Zevon said it.