There was plenty of jubilance to go around last week for a number of Cochranites who were awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Oct. 9 at Calgary’s Red and White Club.
Some 12 Cochranites were given the award of distinction by Prime Minister Steven Harper, as recommended by Member of Parliament Blake Richards.
The medal of distinction was created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne.
Some 60,000 medals are being presented to deserving Canadians who have made considerable contributions to their communities across the country.
Alex Baum of Cochrane Toyota was one of the recipients of the medal, awarded for various contributions as a community leader.
“Being honoured for something that you enjoy doing is like the gift that keeps on giving,” said Baum. “I was blessed to have grandparents and parents that modeled community engagement, so this medal was received in honour and memory of them.”
Baum added that he felt honoured to have been recognized among such figures as former NHL player and victims advocate, Sheldon Kennedy, Olympic gold medalist, Chandra Crawford and Special Olympians.
Another Cochrane recipient of the medal was marathon man, Martin Parnell, recognized for his Marathon Quest 250 and his commitment to raising money for charity.
“There were 130 recipients and over 500 people in attendance,” he said. “Upon hearing my name, I walked up and shook hands with the Governor General . . . I then shook hands with the Prime Minister and (MP) Blake Richards . . .a very proud moment for me.”
The Cochrane and area recipients include:
• Alex Baum: A community leader through various organizations and as a lobbyist for the U.S. to open their borders to Canadian beef during the BSE epidemic.
• Richard Benedictson: A 30-year volunteer with the Calgary Stampede and an active volunteer for a number of non-profits and community groups.
• Omkar Channan: The UN advisor and president of the Calgary UN Association was founding chairman for the Calgary-Jaipur Development Foundation, director of the Calgary Multicultural Centre and the University of Calgary Senator.
• Timothy Giese: Long-time volunteer for several groups, including Alberta Mentoring for Youth and the Calgary International Children’s Festival, also co-chair of Cochrane Environmental Action Committee and president of Branches and Banks.
• Elizabeth Goodsell: Founding member of Cochrane Activettes and active volunteer with Bethany Care Centre and Canadian Blood Services.
• Robert Head: A 38-year member with the RCMP as acting commissioner and dedicated volunteer with the Parkinson Alberta Society.
• Colonel Gerald Morrison: A retired air force pilot after 36 years; also involved with the Air Cadets, chairman of the Calgary Aerospace Museum and volunteer with the Air Force Association.
• Charles Pamenter: President of the Seniors for Kids Society; also for his work with the Cochrane Skating Club, as a Scouts leaders and Bow River Young Offenders councillor.
• Martin Parnell: Fundraising $250,000 through Marathon Quest 250 and his continued work through Right to Play.
• George Pilkington: An active Lions Club member; also for taking part in six Kindness in Action dental missions to South America.
• Charlotte Powlesland: Instrumental in formation of Alberta Junior Hereford Society, member of Cochrane Lioness Club and several other organizations.
• Jack Tennant: Publisher of the Cochrane Eagle; active in many causes, including helping to create the Sunshine Fund (Calgary Sun), raising millions for charities.
