A Man for all Seasons By Reed Kirkpatrick Fog billows in. Rod races up the stairs to the inflation shed and quickly inflates and releases a ceiling balloon. It disappears in seconds. He dashes back to the weather office and transmits a special observation to warn pilots. Out of breath yet energized, he savours the moment. Rod Chilton has been passionate about the weather since the 1960s when CBC weatherman Bob Fortune first stimulated his interest. Inspired to learn more, Rod went on to major in climatology at the University of Victoria, graduating in 1971. It was at UVic where he met Dr. Stanton Tuller, a microclimatologist, and someone "very instrumental to my development as a climatologist." Initially the relationship was that of teacher-student, but soon evolved into a collaborative relationship with Rod assisting on a number of research projects. Rod launched his professional career with the BC Ministry of Environment where he conducted and contributed to many important research projects. Two of his most interesting and challenging projects were a study of springtime freeze risk in the Saanich Peninsula and a summary of BC climatic regimes. Without exception, these projects underscored the extraordinary diversity of microclimates existing in close proximity. "This is particularly true of the Victoria area due to our topographically-varied landscape and the influence of the Olympic Mountains to the south and southwest, and the Sooke Hills to the west." In the mid-1980s Rod left the government to establish an independent consulting business. Since then the eclectic nature of his projects is a reflection of the exceptional climatic variability of this province, and by extension the agricultural diversity. From researching kiwi-fruit production on the southwest coast of BC to an analysis of temperature response to El Niņo and La Niņa in the BC Interior, his undertakings require integration of local and large-scale climate parameters. With so many stories to relate it is only fitting that he shares his knowledge and experiences through writing. In a recent book entitled Victoria's Varied Weather, edited by his wife Rhoda, he chronicles the transition of our region from one entombed by 1,100 metres of ice to the present day. Rod's latest book presents a critical examination of the enigmatic Younger Dryas rapid climate-change event. A native of the Victoria area, Rod resides in Saanichton with Rhoda and his son Andrew. When not travelling or writing, he continues to observe and savour the weather at Victoria International Airport. Back to Profiles