A reception Wednesday night at the Elks Hall in Salmon Arm to recognized 12 deserving recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medals are awarded to recognize and celebrate significant achievements and extraordinary contributions Canadians have made for the benefit of their fellow citizens and their country.
Okanagan- Shuswap MP Colin Mayes was onhand to present the awarded medals to:
• Jeffrey Smith of Salmon Arm – Smith does volunteer work with the North Okanagan – Shuswap Brain Injury Society, the Salmon Arm SPCA, the local arena society, the Canadian Cancer Society and is a member of the Salmon Arm Lions Club.
• Duncan Myers of Sorrento – Myers works tirelessly to fundraise for worthy causes in his community, including the Shuswap Hospital Foundation, local rotary, and the Haney Heritage House Museum.
• Jack Bowers of Salmon Arm – Bowers has worked with dedication to provide affordable seniors housing in Salmon Arm. Jack is also a long-time member of the Salmar Community Association Board in Salmon Arm.
• Brigadier-General Peter Kilby of Salmon Arm – Kilby has served thirty-two years in the Canadian Armed Forces. Kilby was appointed the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Rocky Mountain Rangers. In civilian life, Kilby was a classroom teacher in the Shuswap.
• Lieutenant-Colonel John Bagshaw of Blind Bay – Bagshaw served as a pilot in the Royal and Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years. Since retiring,l Bagshaw has spent countless hours volunteering and is currently the President of the local Brain Injury Society.
• Judy Dangel of Enderby – Dangel provides economic and social leadership to her community through support of local sports and cultural events. Dangel has been previously recognized as Enderby Woman of the Year, Boss of the Year and Outstanding Woman in Business.
• Philip Wright of Salmon Arm – Wright is an active member of the Salmon Arm and Shuswap Lake Agricultural Association and has contributed greatly to improving and preserving the fair grounds and the annual fall fair. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Salmon Arm Agricultural Association.
• Delores Mori of Salmon Arm – In the late 1980’s Mori became involved in the creation of the Salmon Arm Art Gallery with the Salmon Arm Gallery Association. Mori was key in lobbying the municipal government for gallery space in the heritage brick building it occupies.
•Dr. Brian Ayotte of Salmon Arm -Ayotte retired from medicine in 2011 and continues to serve the healthcare community as President of the Shuswap Hospital Foundation, Director for the Shuswap Hospice Society and Director for the BC & Yukon Heart & Stroke Foundation.
• Douglas Adams of Salmon Arm – Adams retired as a Certified Financial Planner in 2009. Adams is an active Kinsmen member, serves on the board of the Shuswap Community Foundation and the Salmon Arm Museum and Heritage Association.
• Chief Nelson Leon of Chase – Chief Nelson Leon was elected Chief of the Adams Lake Indian Band in March of 2006. Since then he has been a tireless advocate for aboriginal business and governance development for his community.
• Mark Dibblee of Enderby – Dibblee is a retired RCMP Inspector with 31 years of service. Mark currently volunteers on his local Advisory Planning Committee and was previously director of the Interior Provincial Exhibition.
“Our Government is proud to support and celebrate important milestones for Canada, like the Diamond Jubilee. The Diamond Jubilee is an opportunity to celebrate our traditions, history, symbols, values and institutions, particularly the role of the Crown in Canada,” said Mayes.
