Paddy Mackie, who died in July 1999, is remembered as a scholar, teacher, artist, friend and champion of heritage preservation and restoration.
His family history tells a colourful story of hard work, commitment and adventure. Mackie was a favourite Vernon teacher in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
“So great was his committment to heritage and local history, Mr. Mackie established a foundation to manage his estate which included his family home on Kalamalka Lake,” said Deborah Stuart, with the Vernon and District Heritage Society. “The 1910 heritage property provides a learning centre for students of history, art, music and antiquities.”
The society honours Mackie with an annual award given in his name. Nominations are now being accepted for the Paddy Mackie Heritage Award, given to an individual, couple or group that has made a significant contribution to heritage preservation in the Greater Vernon area.
Mackie was a charter member of the society and the annual award has been given to some of those who shared a love of the area’s history and physical or built heritage. Past winners include: Anna Cail, Dan and Deborah Stuart, Jan and Ken Waldon, Dave Richards, Sharon Lawrence and the Vernon Community Music School, Pay Bayliss and Ken Ellison, Patrick Alan of the Caetani Cultural Society and Faith Harding of the Vernon and District Heritage Society.
Criteria for nominations include: (any or all of the following): outstanding contribution to architectural, natural, or cultural heritage; outstanding personal commitment, leadership or community involvement leading to significant heritage preservation.
Nominations, with supporting material, should be submitted to the Nomination Committee, Paddy Mackie Heritage Award, by March 17. Submissions may be mailed c/o Deborah Stuart, 1800-32 Ave., Vernon, B.C., V1T 2J4, or by e-mail to deb-stuart@shaw.ca.
The membership will vote at the March 17 general meeting, and the presentation will be made at a following meeting.
