Seven Flagstaff residents honoured with Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals *full story* Web Exclusive

During a ceremony held Friday, Sept. 21 in Wainwright, 13 people, including six Flagstaff residents, were awarded a Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee medal from the Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, with a seventh Flagstaff resident receiving the honour earlier this month.

Those who received the medal Friday were June Crone, of Hardisty, Perry Robinson, of Sedgewick, Ralph Sorenson of Killam, Sharleen Chevraux of Killam, Robert Borth of Killam, and Bob Hanrahan, of Daysland. Earlier in September, Sgt. Greg Gerbrandt, NCO of the Killam/Forestburg RCMP detachment was honoured in a special ceremony held by the RCMP, who handed out 300 medals to Alberta RCMP members.

MP for Vegreville-Wainwright, Leon Benoit, who hosted the event, was given a total of 30 medals for his constituency, and said he received 140 nominations. “It’s a difficult job to narrow down 140 nominations to just 30 recipients.”

Benoit said during his opening remarks, “We can all be proud of our community’s record of people helping each other, making our communities the best place to live.

“These outstanding citizens are truly the foundation on which our remarkable country, Canada, has been built… community, by community, by community.”

Three selection committees were formed to narrow down the process, Benoit said.

Benoit explained that this year we are celebrating the Queen’s 60th year on the throne, and the Governor General of Canada created this special award to mark the event.

“All of the recipients this evening have made remarkable contributions, here at home, and in some cases, abroad as well,” Benoit said.

“I thank you all for your amazing service to your communities and to our country, well done.”

MLA for Battle River Wainwright, the honourable Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs, was unable to attend, but sent a congratulatory letter which was read during the ceremony.

Deputy Mayor of Wainwright, Randy Tizzard, and CFB Wainwright Base Commander Major D.W. Yurczyszyn also addressed the attendees, made up of family, friends, and nominators of those being honoured.

His honour, the Lt. Governor, also spoke prior to handing out the medals, saying that he and his wife, her honour Linda Ethell, had attended the memorial service for Premier Lougheed earlier in the day, and flown in for this event.

He mentioned that he remembered Wainwright well from his military days, saying that coming to Wainwright was a nostalgic trip for him, and told some stories from his days at the base.

Prior to awarding each medal, Benoit read a brief summary from each person’s nomination, then gave their reaction to being told they would be receiving the medal, and what it meant to them. He stressed that each recipient’s list of accomplishments was much longer than what he had time to read, and to remember that each entry likely represented hundreds of hours of community service.

Some things were common, Benoit said, “First of all they indicated that there were others more deserving, and most recognized family members, who because they were gone so much, gave great contributions at home.”

Benoit read Robert Borth’s entry as follows, “As Killam’s local pharmacist, Robert has used his business to give back to his community through his store, by hiring students, providing prizes to organizations, and through his support of local musicians and writers.

“Beyond his work as a pharmacist, Robert has served his community as both a volunteer, and a public servant, taking positions on the Recreation Board, the Flagstaff country school committee, as Town Councillor, Lions Club, the Centennial Park Committee, and as trainer and coach of hockey and baseball.

“He also volunteers with the local swim meet, and provides nutritious snacks to hockey teams in the dressing room. Robert is a kind, considerate individual who helps everyone whether he knows them or not.

Benoit reported that upon receiving the news he was selected to receive the honour Robert said, “I am honoured to receive this nomination and medal, and happy that my wife has put up with me for being out doing things all these years.

“I very much appreciate this, and I know the people who nominated me could have nominated themselves. It is what it is about to live in a close-knit community; we want to help each other.

“I have always believed in living by the Golden Rule, in doing unto others as you would have them do to you. Thank you.”

Benoit read a portion of Sharleen Chevraux’s nomination as well, “Being involved in the community is something Sharleen has committed to ever since she was a child, then a mother, then teacher, and in her retirement.

“Sharleen is not afraid of hard work, she began working in her father’s store at age 13 and went on to teach from 1963 to 1997, after her retirement she became a job coach with the Flagstaff Family and Community Services, which helps organize and facilitate a living skills preparation program for 26 troubled adults.

“Always having a love for writing, she began the Flagstaff Creative Writer’s workshop in 1973 and is a founding member of the Writer’s Guild of Alberta.

“She was appointed to the Writers and Publishers Advisory Council to the Minister of Culture, from 1980 to 1983. She has operated Crafty Creations, giving artists a venue to sell their items on consignment.

“She was inducted into the Killam Hall of Fame in 1997 and continues to volunteer in her community today.”

Mrs. Chevraux’s thoughts on receiving this medal were, “The news of this award arrived as a wonderful suprise on my golden wedding anniversary.

“I have always believed in working for and giving back to my community, and never expected recognition such as this; it leaves me thrilled, and humbled, thank you.”

Benoit read the following about June Crone, “June has been an avid volunteer in the community of Hardisty for many years.

“She is the co-founder of the Hardisty Hospital Auxiliary, and has served with them for over 40 years. She spearheaded a committee to work on the purchase of a new handi-van, and has been involved with the United Church and 4H.

“She has always been active in fundraising for and supporting local groups. You can find June at the Hardisty Hospital, helping whenever she can.”

June’s reaction to receiving the medal was, “I didn’t read the notification letter right away. When I did read it, I had to read it over and over again to be sure that what I read was what I thought I read.

“I volunteered with many organizations for the betterment of our community, not for the glory. I feel I have gained more personally from volunteering than I have given.

“I would also like to thank my husband Fred for putting up with my volunteering without complaint for 67 years. A lot of times, though, he was volunteering too.

“I would especially like to thank Carm O’Grady for writing my nomination, and Vicki, Belva, and Noreen, for being sponsors. I am also extremely happy to have family, especially my great-grandsons.”

Benoit had this to say about Bob Hanrahan, “Robert Hanrahan is another individual who understands the importance of giving back to the community you live in.

“As a life member of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association, Daysland Legion, and Daysland Curling Club, he spent his life dedicated to enriching the lives of those around him.

“With 48 years as an volunteer fireman, 20 years as an ambulance driver, a dedicated hockey player and coach, and 70 years plus of dedication working in the funeral service, Mr. Hanrahan clearly does not believe in short-term commitments.

“An excellent athlete, Mr. Hanrahan has represented his community well, in hockey, baseball, golf, and curling, and now at the age of 86, is still participating in golfing, curling, and skating. Always on the go, Mr. Hanrahan can be found around town, lending a helping hand whenever needed.”

Mr. Benoit added that during a visit to Daysland this year, he found Mr. Hanrahan at the top of a stepladder, saying that he hoped that when he was 86, he had as much stamina.

Benoit read Hanrahan’s response to being notified he would receive the medal, “It was a great pleasure to receive this medal.

“I have the Queen’s 25th medal, which I received 35 years ago. It’s quite an honour to receive this one as well. I would like to thank Norman Pennybrook for nominating me, and to all my family who have joined me this evening, thank you.

Mr. Benoit read the following about Perry Robinson, “Perry served as a fireman for 20 years, and has also served as Sergeant at Arms at the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch #55, where his dedication and skill have made him known and respected by the veterans of the entire area.

“His services for Remembrance Day, and indeed individual funeral services are always in high demand.

“The highest honour Mr. Robinson has received has been being accorded the title of ‘Comrade’ by WWII veterans at a funeral of one of their own. He has dedicated himself to so many community organizations and positions, from boy scouts to town council.

When he learned that he was chosen to receive the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, Mr. Robinson stated, “I am astonished, proud, and delighted. Having been a dedicated volunteer for many years, it is nice to be recognized.

“I still do what ever I can, where ever I can. It is a real privilege to be a recipient, on this, her Majesty’s 60th year. Thank you.”

Benoit read the following about Ralph Sorenson. “Ralph Sorenson is Killam’s 2012 Citizen of the Year due to his life-long dedication to his community.

“Whether it is his commitment to sports and recreation, or his time on town council, or as Killam’s local MLA, like all of tonight’s recipients, Mr. Sorenson knows the importance of giving back to the community, and the province he lives in.

“Mr. Sorenson helped build Killam’s first arena, in 1945, and played a key role in the fundraising as well. He is committed to the Killam Baptist Church, serving in all areas of leadership including singing in quartets, trios, and choirs.

“His role in politics began with a role in the Young Social Creditors, he then moved on to serve as Social Credit MLA from 1971 to 1975. From creating floats for the local parade to organizing the annual Charity Auction, Ralph Sorenson never stops giving to his community.”

Benoit added, “I understand this has an extra special meaning for Mr. Sorenson and his wife, Jean, as their Great-grandfather was a United Empire Loyalist, who fought for England.”

When informed that he was chosen as a recipient, Mr. Sorenson was very humble, and said, “This is a great honour for me, to be present tonight, and to be nominated to receive the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.

“I feel very fortunate to live in a sovereign nation as special as Canada. What we receive throughout life in our country is much more than we give, we have freedom, healthcare, and much more.

“In our local community I find many opportunity in which to serve, and to be served. There are many, I’m sure, who are worthy of this nomination, however I wish to thank my nominator, and I will always cherish this medal and remember this evening, and I wish to say, Thank you.”

The evening ended, appropriately, with a toast to her Majesty, the Queen, followed by a brief reception hosted by Mr. Benoit.

At a ceremony at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton, 300 RCMP employees from across the province were recognized on Sept. 12 by The Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, including Killam RCMP Detachment commander, Sgt. Greg Gerbrandt.

During the ceremony, RCMP Chief Superintendant Marlin Degrand said, “Every day I see examples of the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism of our employees in Alberta. I am pleased to see this recognition of some of the many exemplary and deserving people within the RCMP who contribute, day in and day out, to the betterment of their communities and the safety and security of their fellow citizens.”

Sgt. Gerbrandt has spent time serving on the Devon School Board as trustee for two terms, and has also served on two church boards, as well as being a member of the choir.

Within the RCMP, he has also participated in many special units.

Gerbrandt’s thoughts on receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal were, “It’s a big honour to receive this medal, and I think there are many others just as deserving as I to receive it.

I am very happy that someone nominated me, and that I received the award.”