Ernie Ottewell receives his lifetime membership award from David Johnson, the president of the Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society.

Ernie Ottewell receives his lifetime membership award from David Johnson, the president of the Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society.

Three members honoured by railway heritage society

Three members of Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society receive lifetime membership awards

Ernie Ottewell

Ernie has been involved in the Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society since its inception in 1988 and has served the organization in many ways over the years. As a Board member, Ernie was involved in early planning and development as well as actively participating in the set up of the museum as it is today. His interest and dedication to the project saw him helping with the refurbishment and transportation of our steam locomotive as it travelled from Montreal to its new home here inside the museum.  Ernie’s dedication and support to the museum’s programmes continues as he serves as a key steam locomotive interpreter for visitors and group tours throughout the year. An able and willing resource, Ernie is an expert in railway history and related artifacts and we are grateful for all the support he has given visitors, staff, members, and other volunteers as we work together to present the region’s railway heritage.

Ken Magnes

Ken has also served the Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society since its beginnings and worked hard generating the community support, financial and otherwise, to build this museum facility.  He served on the Board for many years and was involved in the planning and development of the museum, including working with the curator, who planned the initial exhibits, to establish the mandate that the museum now follows.  A long time businessman in town, Ken continued to dedicate himself to the museum as it developed and initiated many membership campaigns to which he devoted much time and energy.  Ken was also involved in establishing the RHRS’ presence at  Craigellachie by negotiating the lease arrangement we now have with CP to run our satellite museum and gift shop operation there, securing a strong source of sustaining revenue as a result.  Ken, with his wife, Kay, have also maintained the flower beds and containers at the front of the museum for many years, planting and tending to them regularly through the summer months and ensuring that any additional clean-up or maintenance be conducted with regard to the plants, shrubs, and bushes in that area.

Kay Magnes

Kay has supported the efforts of museum establishment and development in many ways over the years being a long time member and volunteer as well as dedicated to assisting her husband in his involvement with the organization.  Her attendance at events and her willingness to pitch in where needed has always been appreciated.  She continues to devote a great deal of time and energy in working on the landscaped flower beds and containers at the front of the museum, ensuring that they always look well-tended and colourful.

Revelstoke Times Review