1988 - The Ivan P. Phelan Award - The highest award presented by the Canadian Direct Sellers Association named in honour of CGG Lieutenant-Colonel Ivan P. Phelan, MC (1917-1992) - Executive with Avon, Canada.

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Musée Canadian Grenadier Guards Museum

2024 Recipient Lewis Retik, Partner at Gowling WLG Canada - Lewis has consistently provided invaluable support, guidance, and expertise to the members of DSA Canada over the years. Starting his career in a selling role, he has made a significant impact and influenced many direct selling companies through his leadership. Always willing to work for the betterment of the industry, Lewis has been central to the ongoing evolution and success of direct selling in Canada. He has given his time and expertise to various committees and working groups, serving as a volunteer, expert, and spokesperson whenever needed. (Image credit: Mike Pinder Photography)

2024 Recipient Lewis Retik, Partner at Gowling WLG Canada - Lewis has consistently provided invaluable support, guidance, and expertise to the members of DSA Canada over the years. Starting his career in a selling role, he has made a significant impact and influenced many direct selling companies through his leadership. Always willing to work for the betterment of the industry, Lewis has been central to the ongoing evolution and success of direct selling in Canada. He has given his time and expertise to various committees and working groups, serving as a volunteer, expert, and spokesperson whenever needed. (Image credit: Mike Pinder Photography)

Name/Title

1988 - The Ivan P. Phelan Award - The highest award presented by the Canadian Direct Sellers Association named in honour of CGG Lieutenant-Colonel Ivan P. Phelan, MC (1917-1992) - Executive with Avon, Canada.

Scope and Content

1988 - The Ivan P. Phelan Award - The highest award presented by the Canadian Direct Sellers Association named in honour of CGG Lieutenant-Colonel Ivan Patrick Ludger Phelan, MC (1917-1992) in whose honour the award is presented, was the former Vice President and Secretary of Avon Canada Inc., and twice served as Chairman of the Direct Sellers Association. Through his long association with Avon Canada (1935-1972) and the DSA, Mr. Phelan’s contributions epitomized the entrepreneurial style of those leaders who have made the Direct Selling Industry in Canada the success it is today. The award was first presented in 1988 and the Awards Committee, on behalf of the DSA, deemed it appropriate to select Ivan P. Phelan as its first recipient. Mr. Phelan passed away on March 28, 1992. Everyone involved in, or associated with, the industry is invited to nominate candidates for this prestigious award. ABOUT THE AWARD The Ivan P. Phelan Award The DSA's highest recognition, the award is named in honour of the late Ivan P. Phelan, a longtime executive at Avon Canada who was instrumental in establishing and guiding the Association for more than three decades. The award recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to the direct selling industry in Canada. ABOUT THE CGG OFFICER PAST RECIPIENTS Past Recipients 2022 Darren Sketchley, FORMCOR 2021 Tracie Kenzora, USANA Health Sciences 2020 Susan Timmermeister, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. 2019 Gina Bresciani, USANA Health Sciences 2018 Rhancha Trick, Nature’s Sunshine Canada 2017 Helena Alexandre, Arbonne International Canada 2016 Nathalie Cormack, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. 2015 Janice Gerol, The Pampered Chef – Canada Corp. 2014 Joan Lee, Direct Sellers Association of Canada 2013 Dr. Derek Hassay, Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary 2012 Patricia King, Nu Skin Canada Inc. 2011 Angela Abdallah, Amway Canada Corporation 2010 Lynda Rose, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. 2009 Garry Ford, Nature’s Sunshine Products of Canada Limited 2008 Robin Bell, Quixtar Canada Corporation 2007 Ray Patrick, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. 2006 John Prevost, mi3 Solutions 2005 Judson Whiteside, Miller Thomson 2004 James Kalil, Cutco/Vector Marketing Canada Ltd. 2003 Melanie Hayden, PartyLite Gifts, Ltd. 2002 W. Jack Millar, Millar Wyslobicky Kreklewetz LLP 2001 Murray Smith, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. 2000 Jim Hunking, Amway of Canada, Ltd. 1999 Paul Hanson, Nu Skin Canada Inc. 1998 Linda J. Herron, Electrolux Corporation of Canada Inc. 1997 Roberta M. Creber, Partylite Gifts and Ross P. Creber, DSA 1996 Margaret F. Csordas, Beauty Counselors 1995 Vic Prendergast, Shaklee 1994 Jacques Langevin, Avon 1993 Robert H. Bradshaw, Amway 1992 Stephen J. Locke, Shaklee 1991 Gayle Gannon, Creative Circle 1990 Frank Wilson, Amway 1989 Charles L. Snow, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. 1988 CGG Lieutenant-Colonel Ivan P. Phelan, MC - Avon

Created By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Create Date

January 7, 2026

Updated By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Update Date

January 8, 2026