Thank you Peter Cundill

To my Partners:

I was recently watching “Kung Fu Panda” (okay I am not an intellect) and one of the concepts of the film is the influence of “masters” or mentors. I had the good fortune to work with a master; I worked with Peter Cundill for over a decade.

Kate and I recently visited Peter in London. It was a glorious day with the sun streaming in Peter’s apartment windows overlooking Hyde Park. Peter was as engaging and charming as always.

If I were to describe Peter in a nutshell, it would be passion, patience and discipline. I understand the patience and discipline but seeing Peter again reminded me that I should spend each day with a little more passion. In other words, I ought not to forget to stop and smell the roses as life does have its twists.

People and relationships are a strong part of Peter. I have never heard Peter speak ill of someone. I think that Peter certainly recognizes peoples’ weaknesses but he feels everyone has some good and some bad and that is in fact what makes the world interesting.

Peter was my boss and my coach. While I have long since left the Cundill organization, I do owe an awful lot to Peter Cundill. I know I am not part of his “brand” but I do feel “branded” by him! Working with Peter has given me a framework, a skill set, and I want to ensure that I both respect and acknowledge this.

In other words, thank you Peter for meeting me almost 18 years ago in Bermuda with your McGill notebook. Thank you Peter for introducing me to the hot dog business lunch and Canyon Ranch’s chocolate sauce. Thank you for your investment “Cundillisms”. Most importantly, thank you Peter for your guidance, for your patience, for your generosity and for your friendship.

Tim McElvaine