This release was issued under a previous government.
The McDougall Centre ceremony was presided over by His Honour, Col. (Ret’d) the Honourable Donald S. Ethell. The Lieutenant Governor presented medals to his own nominees and to recipients nominated by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, the Canadian Red Cross, RESULTS Canada, the Royal Canadian Air Force Association and the Submariner’s Association of Canada.
Medals were also presented on behalf of the Chancellery of Honours to Officers and Members of the Order of Canada. Honourees hailed from Calgary, Airdrie, Bragg Creek and High River. A list of recipients is attached.
“This group of outstanding individuals represents the spirit of service and excellence that this medal was created to honour,” said Lieutenant Governor Ethell. “They have offered remarkable contributions in a diverse range of areas and have made a lasting difference in the lives of others. The Diamond Jubilee Medal is a way for us to thank them for their dedication and for the inspiration they share with us all.”
Diamond Jubilee medals are being presented at ceremonies across the province, hosted by the Lieutenant Governor and other dignitaries, public bodies and organizations taking part in the program. Ceremonies will continue until the end of February 2013, when the Diamond Jubilee year officially concludes.
The Diamond Jubilee marks the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s ascension to the throne. Further information about the Diamond Jubilee and the medal program is at www.gg.ca/diamondjubilee.
Backgrounder
Recipients of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
November 27 2012, Calgary, Alberta
Gordon Arnell (Calgary)
Gordon Arnell has shared his vision and leadership within the real estate industry and with his community. He has been a mentor for young executives while at the helm of Brookfield Prosperities and he is equally regarded for the support he has offered to institutions such as the Banff Centre and the University of Alberta. He is a Member of the Order of Canada.
Lynne Bell (Calgary)
Lynne Bell’s longstanding support of the Monarchy in Canada includes service as a board member and volunteer with the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust, as a reporter of Royal tours in Canada and a contributor to Majesty Magazine, and as co-author of the book Queen and Consort: Elizabeth and Philip:50 Years of Marriage.
Dr. David Bercuson (Calgary)
David Bercuson is a respected historian, specializing in Canadian, military and diplomatic history. His contributions include service as Director of the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute, a professor at the University of Calgary, an advisor to the Minister of National Defence and a leader with public service organizations. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Guy Choquet (Calgary)
Guy Choquet has served the Canadian Red Cross for more than 30 years. He has brought energy, leadership and compassion to work leading fundraising, mentoring youth in water safety and humanitarian programs and working in disaster response in Canada, the U.S. and Haiti. He has also been active locally, nationally and international with the HIV education movement.
Dr. Robert C. Dickson (Calgary)
Bob Dickson has been an ardent volunteer for RESULTS Canada on every level, from facilitating outreach programs and networking, to organizing fundraisers, to encouraging his fellow volunteers. His commitment to community in Canada and to helping the world’s poorest people is an inspiration to others.
Maureen and Patrick Doherty (Bragg Creek)
As founders of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Foundation, Maureen and Patrick Doherty have touched the lives of thousands of youth in need. They offer a free outdoor ranch experience for children with emotional, physical, mental or financial challenges and also support organizations such as the Mustard Seed Street Ministry and the Calgary Drop-in Centre. Their work also includes partnerships with groups overseas to build and operate schools, orphanages, churches and community centres. They were invested together as Members of the Order of Canada.
Judi Fairholm (Calgary)
Judi Fairholm joined the Canadian Red Cross as a child abuse prevention educator in 1985 and has led the education of more than 5 million people across Canada and around the world. Today, she heads the organization’s work in violence prevention and serves as a leader for the International Red Cross’ Global Strategy on Violence Prevention.
W.O. (Ret’d) John Friedt (Calgary)
John Friedt’s distinguished 25-year military career with the Queen’s Own Rifles, 2nd Battalion included four years of active service during the Second World War and additional overseas tours as a Peacekeeper in Korea and Egypt. After retiring from the Army he continued his commitment to public service through duties with Canada Post and the Corps of Commissionaires.
Inspector Marcia Gonder (Calgary)
Marcia Gonder has been a member of the Alberta Sheriffs for close to 12 years. Her assignments have included duties with three Lieutenant Governors and the current Premier of Alberta. She has served the community as a coach for youth sports and as an organizer for the annual Sheriffs’ Charity Golf Tournament.
George R.D. Goulet (Calgary)
George Goulet is a Métis elder and a respected author, educator and speaker on Louis Riel and Métis history and culture. Over the years, he has shared his considerable knowledge and insights with thousands across Alberta and Canada and has also supported many charitable organizations for children and the needy. He became a historian following an accomplished career as a lawyer.
Michael Gretton (Calgary)
Michael Gretton is a dedicated contributor to the work being done by RESULTS Canada to end extreme poverty around the world. His service leading the RESULTS group in Calgary has helped create considerable progress in the areas of fundraising, public outreach and media awareness.
Patrick Jarvis (Calgary)
Patrick Jarvis has lead work to empower people with disabilities to seek their full potential through sport. He has represented Canada at international Paralympic events and has contributed as past president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and by serving organizations such as the International Paralympic Committee and WinSport. He is a Member of the Order of Canada.
Ash Khan (Calgary)
Ash Khan has been a thoughtful champion of the world's poorest people during his 15-year partnership with the RESULTS Canada Calgary group. He has participated in various fundraising and group events over the years and, more recently, has been leading work to build schools in Afghanistan and water wells in Pakistan.
Stephen K. MacDonnell (Calgary)
Steve MacDonnell is a professional engineer and former senior officer of the Canadian Forces Reserve. He is a Past President of Alberta Group, Royal Canadian Air Force Association and a former member of the association's national executive. He also has been a dedicated volunteer and advocate on behalf of the Canadian Forces, the RCAF, veterans and youth in his community.
Nancy Mannix (Calgary)
Nancy Mannix has extended thoughtful and generous service to the community as chair and patron on the Norlien Foundation and through her considerable efforts benefitting organizations such as the Calgary Health Trust, the Canada West Foundation, the Alberta Bone and Joint Institute, Social Venture Partners Calgary and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.
Marge Munro (Calgary)
Marge Munro’s record of heartfelt service includes developing the Izzy comfort doll program offered by the International Community for the Relief of Starvation and Suffering (ICross). In addition to creating and gathering thousands of dolls for impoverished children in Africa, she is an active member and volunteer for the Anglican Archdiocese Calgary, St. Martin’s Parish.
Dr. A. Willy Norris (Calgary)
Willy Norris is a member of the Alberta Métis community who served with the RCAF during the Second World War and also served as a member of the Geological Survey of Canada. His work for the Survey, particularly in relation to the Devonian Age, as been of tremendous service to scientists and aspiring paleontologists around the world. He is a Member of the Order of Canada.
Sergeant Scott Page (Strathmore)
Scott Page has been a member of the public service with the Alberta Solicitor General since 2007. Prior to joining the Alberta Traffic Sheriff Operations he was a member of the Calgary Police Service for 25 years. He is currently serving in the Strathmore Integrated Traffic Unit.
Dr. A. Ernest Pallister (Calgary)
Ernie Pallister was founding chair of the Centre for Cold Ocean Research, Saskatchewan’s Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization and Alberta’s Centre for Frontier Engineering Research. He has served organizations such as the Science Council of Canada and the Banff School of Advanced Management. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of the Alberta Order of Excellence.
Dr. D. Gregory Powell (Calgary)
Greg Powell is an educator and physician who has improved emergency health services for critically ill and injured Canadians. He was instrumental in the launch of the innovative and lifesaving Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society, also known as STARS, and has been a tireless fundraiser and leader for the society. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Chitra Ramaswami (Calgary)
Chitra Ramaswami is a partner with the RESULTS Canada Calgary group who leads by example through her service organizing events, through her excellent advocacy efforts and through her dedication to giving a voice to the world poorest people.
Randy Rudolph (Calgary)
Randy Rudolph has contributed to RESULTS Canada for more than 15 years. He has offered valued service in a number of formal leadership roles, including as a partner in the Calgary group and chair of the board, and he has inspired others through his leadership as a fundraiser and advocate for programs to end extreme poverty.
Chief Petty Officer (Ret’d) Larry W. Skaalrud (Airdrie)
Larry Skaalrud is a founding member of the Submariner’s Association of Canada. He has been President of the Royal Canadian Legion and a dedicated volunteer with Ducks Unlimited Canada and many other community programs. He is a Royal Canadian Navy veteran who served on submarines, destroyers and mine sweepers and as a Ship’s Diver and MANTA submersible Pilot.
James Stanford (Calgary)
James Stanford has devoted his career to building Canada's energy capability and engineering and managing the development of major fossil fuel ventures across the nation. He also has shared his leadership with organizations such as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Alberta and the Mount Royal College Foundation. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Ian Tyson (High River)
Ian Tyson is an internationally acclaimed singer and writer of some of Canada’s most enduring song standards. He serves as an inspiration for countless fellow artists, as a leading spokesman for the western experience and as a passionate advocate of efforts to preserve rural Alberta’s natural landscape. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.
Harold (Hal) Wyatt (Calgary)
Hal Wyatt’s remarkable record of contributions to Albertans and all Canadians includes leadership in the financial sector as well as extensive volunteer contributions to the arts, advanced education and community development. He is a veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force and a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Janet Resta
Communications Officer, Office of the Lieutenant Governor
780-427-9222
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.