Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal Ceremony held in Kindersley
By Joan Janzen
MLA Ken Francis presented the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan) to forty recipients in Kindersley constituency on Friday, December 2nd at the Kindersley Inn. The commemorative medal was created to celebrate the 70th anniversary year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne, and is the focus of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Jubilee year celebrations.
“We’re here to celebrate extraordinary people who did extraordinary things,” Francis said. “And I have the honour of presenting the awards.”
Kindersley’s celebration is just one of many ceremonies taking place during the Platinum Jubilee year. The Government of Saskatchewan has partnered with several organizations to distribute the medals to recipients across the province.
A total of 7,000 medals were awarded throughout the Platinum Jubilee year, which ends on February 5, 2023. Each celebration is an opportunity to honour significant contributions and achievements of Saskatchewan residents. MLA Francis said they nominated individuals from different demographics, categories of service, and regions within the constituency.
The criteria for the medal is broad, encompassing recipients of all ages and walks of life, provided they have made a contribution to society. The medal is solely for individuals.
“When I notified the recipients, the primary reaction was of gratitude, but what shone through the most was humility,” Francis said. “One common question asked was ‘Why me?’ The award represents selfless service by all the recipients.”
PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN
The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal was posthumously awarded to Ernie Krepps who passed away in early November. Ernie’s wife Ellen was there to accept his medal from MLA Ken Francis.
MLA Ken Francis presents a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal posthumously to Steve Mealey. Accepting were Colleen Oscar-Swan and Chris Oscar.
The recipients listed in alphabetical order are:
Gary Becker, Kindersley - Philanthropy
Candace Besharah, Kindersley - Education
Dave Burke, Melfort - Volunteer Service
Henry Butt, Mantario - Volunteer Service
Bev Callsen, Kindersley - Sports
Ian Coutts, Kindersley - Agriculture
Maxine Donaldson, Kindersley - Public Service
Marley Ervine, Kindersley - Sports
Kim Gartner, Macklin - Public Service
Tom Geiger, Kindersley - Health Care
Catherine Higginbotham, Eatonia - Business/Commerce
Kinley Hildebrandt, Kindersley - Health Care
Ron Hope, Kindersley - Volunteer Service
Betty King, Eatonia - Education
Joanne Kosolofski, Kindersley - Volunteer Service
Candice Kraft, Luseland - Education.
Ernie Krepps (posthumously) accepted by Ellen Krepps, Kindersley - Military
Christine Lang, Tramping Lake - Public Service
Kim Leonard, Kindersley - Sports
Garth MacDonald, Kindersley - Agriculture
Richard MacDougall, Kindersley - Health Care
Roger McKenzie, Kindersley - Philanthropy
Steve Mealey (posthumously), accepted by Colleen Oscar-Swan and Chris Oscar, Kindersley - Arts
Carol Mitchell, Kindersley - Health Care
Wayne Mock, Kerrobert - Public Service
Monique Neigum, Kindersley - Business/Commerce
Norman Neigum, Kindersley (unable to attend), was accepted by his daughter and son - Philanthropy
Leslie Omness, Kindersley - Volunteer Service
Rod Perkins, Kindersley - Public Service
Erin Pincemin, Kindersley - Education
Angela Rioux, Saskatoon - Arts
Isabelle Ryde, Eston - Politics
Myrtle Somerville, Kindersley - Volunteer Service
Lionel Story, Netherhill - Public Service
Rita Syrota, Kindersley - Public Service
Nancy Vanthuyne, Kindersley - Service to Seniors
Bill Warrington, Loverna - Volunteer Service
Darwin Whitfield, Coleville - Public Service
Kate Winquist, Kindersley - Business/Commerce