David Francis, member of the Board of Directors of Hike Canada en Marche representing Ontario. David has served on the board since 1997, He was born in the UK and has hiked in the National Parks and trails. He trained and worked as a Ships Pilot in the Port of London until 1981 when he emigrated to Canada with his wife and four boys. In Ontario, he was the Marine Manager of Harbourfront Corporation and later worked for the Royal Commission for the Future of the Ontario Waterfronts. He later had contract positions for developing trails in Simcoe County.
Volunteer positions include School Board Chair, Chair of Georgian College Business Advisory Committee, Badminton Coach, President of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, President of Hike Ontario, Chair of the Hike Ontario Certification Committee, Certified Hike Leader for the Bruce Trail, Oak Ridges Trail, and Ganaraska Hiking Trail.
David has hiked the 500km Ganaraska Hiking Trail and 220 km Oak Ridges Trail end to end. Also 3/4 of the 900 km Bruce Trail. In addition to hiking David is a keen cyclist, and plays Tennis, Table Tennis and badminton. He used to canoe and still sails. He is a naturalist and naturist. He has received recognition awards from Hike Ontario and Oak Ridges Trail Association for contribution to the hiking community.