Hundreds gathered on Friday afternoon to pay tribute to Harry McWatters, the man known as the grandfather of the British Columbia wine industry.

McWatters died peacefully in his sleep in his Summerland home on July 23, at the age of 74.

His accomplishments in the province鈥檚 wine industry included founding Sumac Ridge Estate Winery in Summerland, See Ya Later Ranch in Okanagan Falls and Time Winery in Penticton.

He was also a key figure in forming the B.C. Wine Institute, the Vintners Quality Alliance Canada, the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society and the B.C. Hospitality Foundation.

The celebration of life showcased McWatters鈥� love of wine, with wines for those in attendance and toasts to McWatters鈥� legacy.

鈥淭he family wants smiles, not tears. This is a celebration,鈥� said Albert 鈥淐oke鈥� Roth, MC at the event.

Members of the British Columbia wine industry noted McWatters鈥� tireless dedication to wine.

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鈥淗arry manifested an almost childlike enthusiasm for the industry,鈥� said Brian Schmidt, the son of McWatters鈥� Sumac Ridge partner Lloyd Schmidt. 鈥淗e would go out of his way to stay connected to the industry he cared about.鈥�

John Schreiner, a prolific wine writer, spoke of McWatters鈥� vision and belief in the wine industry.

鈥淗arry had a vision and he made it happen. Dramatically,鈥� Schreiner said. 鈥淗arry was sometimes dramatically ahead of his time.鈥�

Leeann Froese, owner of Town Hall Brands and publicist for McWatters, said he was a gracious, accepting man.

鈥淓veryone was welcome at his table,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e would make time for anyone, no matter what their station in life.鈥�

Suki Sekhon, a Vancouver-based business leader and philanthropist, spoke of McWatters鈥� love of life.

鈥淗e鈥檇 want us to celebrate today,鈥� Sekhon said. 鈥淗e had a great life and he lived every day to the fullest.鈥�

鈥淗e was a man of great passions,鈥� added Mark Lalonde, brother of McWatters鈥� wife Lisa Lalonde.

His children, Christa-Lee and Darrien McWatters, recalled how their father loved and cared about his family.

鈥淗is love for his kids and grandkids was unwavering,鈥� Darrien McWatters said.

鈥淭his is a celebration,鈥� said Christa-Lee McWatters. 鈥淒ad always talked of having a giant party, so thank you all for coming. We miss him and we love him. We are all better for having known him.鈥�

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