History & Founder
The power of fitness to transform a life
Life is full of challenges. Overcoming them is what life is all about.
Just two weeks into his first year at the University of Western Ontario, David Patchell-Evans’ life was changed in an instant. A motorcycle accident left the 20 year-old with broken bones, torn muscles and a severe shoulder injury.
The next 8 months were spent in rehab where he became a little obsessed with how people get stronger and get fit – fast. Determined to return to full physical fitness, he took up rowing, later becoming a member of the 1980 Olympic team. At school he switched from business studies to physical education, graduating with honours.
In 1979 Patchell-Evans saw a big opportunity to share what he had learned about the power of fitness to transform a life. He purchased the small London club he worked out in, and GoodLife came to life in London, Ontario.
Patch, as he likes to be called, had a vision of providing an unequalled club experience for members. Through the past 30 years, GoodLife Fitness has evolved to become the leader in fitness and wellness across Canada. GoodLife is now the largest fitness company in Canada and the fifth largest in the world.
About David Patchell-Evans, Founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness
- Five-Time Canadian Rowing Champion and member of 1980 Olympic team
- International Chairman of (IHRSA) International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association representing 110 million club members in 78 countries
- GoodLife is Platinum Winner of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies Award
- Champion of Autism Research, personally donating over $3 million
- Recipient of Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Medal of Honour, 2007
- International Best Selling Author and respected international speaker
Learn more at Patch Online
