Diamond Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

Applications

We have closed applications for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. Thank you to all who nominated so many outstanding candidates.

Okanagan-Coquihalla Medal Recipients

Chris Taneda

Sensei Chris Taneda is a 7th Degree Black Belt, 6-time Canadian National Kumite Champion, and 4-time Chito-Ryu World Champion. He has been teaching youth and adults in the area for many years, building their character, ability and citizenship.

Adam Less

Adam Less is the Co-chair of West Kelowna Hockeyville. His hard work and dedication helped place West Kelowna as the runner up winners in 2011 receiving a $25,000 cheque to go towards arena repairs and 50 sets of hockey equipment for the community.

Nelson Stromgren

Mr. Stromgren to date has provided over 10,200 hours volunteer service. He has volunteered 4 years for the BC Crime and Prevention Association, 12 years as a Community Policing program member and 10 years in the Okanagan Alumni Association.

Leah Thordarson

Leah is the Volunteer Administrator for Westside Celebration Society, which hosts the largest Free Family Festival in the Central Okanagan. She also volunteers with the Westbank First Nation and District of West Kelowna on the Communities in Bloom National Competition.

Andrew Deans

Andrew Deans is the Co-chair of West Kelowna Hockeyville. His hard work and dedication helped place West Kelowna as the runner up winners in 2011, receiving a $25,000 cheque to go towards arena repairs and 50 sets of hockey equipment for the community

Claire Sokoloski

As the local district commissioner for Girl Guides, Claire has organized many events, including cookie drives, trip planning and many local events. The district she oversees has 175 girls in Girl Guides and 45 adult Guiders. Claire also takes part in many other volunteer activities

Peter Klein

Mr. Klein has dedicated many hours to crafting and baking his awe inspiring cakes for the community and local events. He has recently passed the baking torch and is now the newly appointed volunteer parade marshal for the Westside Daze event.

Gus Boersma

Gus has served as Mayor and Alderman for the City of Fernie, and as a City Councillor for Penticton from 1999–2006. He was the Provincial President of the BC Chamber of Commerce in 85/86, and was awarded a lifetime Governor designation. He is currently the President of the Penticton District Stamp Club.

Deborah Silk

Ms. Silk has dedicated countless hours offering refuge to various types of abused and neglected animals. Her organization Critteraid was established in 1992 and has been a positive influence in the community ever since.

Nikos Theodosakis

Nikos Theodosakis is a mixed media artist living in BC. His resume includes author, educator, speaker, entrepreneur and many other roles. He is the Founder and Executive Director of OliveUs Education Society, a non-profit with the goal of educating and inspiring youth.

Sandra Henderson

Ms. Henderson has been positively impacting her community for years. She volunteers for various events in the community throughout the year. She is also currently working with the Penticton Art Gallery and Meals on Wheels.

Marion McConnell

Ms. McConnell has been the Canadian Representative for the International Yoga Teachers’ Association (IYTA) since 1981. She is a founding member of the South Okanagan Yoga Academy (SOYA) and co-creator of SOYA’s Teacher Training Program.

Ernie Schneider

Mr. Schneider's work as the finance office for Penticton Kiwanis Housing Society has made a difference in the lives of many people. The Penticton Kiwanis Housing Society has been providing low cost affordable housing for seniors for the last 50 years.

Ross Gorman

Mr. Gorman is the co-founder of Gorman’s Lumber, and has been a long standing supporter of numerous sporting and
other organizations in West Kelowna and the surrounding area. His continued commitment to building and supporting his community has had a significant and positive impact on the lives of many Canadians.

Judy Bedford

Ms. Bedford has an inspiring track record of community service. For over 25 years she has been the heart and soul
of the Peachland food bank, gathering and distributing food and other necessities to families and others in need. Judy also teaches practical steps to self-sufficiency to anyone who wants to learn.

Albert Clarke

Mr. Clarke spent 30 years as a broadcaster in the community of Merritt, bringing his listeners important news
about the community and beyond. Mr. Clarke has always been an active member of his community, and continues to be positive influence for all who know him.

Anthony von Mandl

Anthony von Mandl, a recipient of the Order of British Columbia, is a humanitarian and entrepreneur who has
dedicated his life to developing the wind industry in BC’s Okanagan Valley. While being a successful entrepreneur he has never forgotten his roots, and has been a major philanthropic donor to many Okanagan and global causes.

Dr. Margaret Ann Carlson

Dr. Carlson was the first female doctor in the City of Merritt. She is an active supporter of the Arts Council,
and has served on the board of directors for a number of organizations. She has also been involved in numerous local fundraising events. Dr. Carlson consistently demonstrates her commitment to improving her community, and the lives of others.

Jean Saul

Ms. Saul has been a member of the Peachland Legion for over 20 years, and currently serves as its president. She has also been an
active supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society. Through her hard work and selflessness she has positively impacted the lives of countless people.

William Wilson

Mr. Wilson has volunteered with the West Kelowna Community Policing Society for over 24 years. His extensive
track record serving his community in various crime prevention programs is certainly something to marvel. Through his committed and selfless work he has been instrumental in developing training courses for their membership and others
throughout the province.

Second Lieutenant Ernest Russell Pettinger

Ernest has a long history of service to both his country and his community. After graduating from Penticton High School, he joined the Army Cadet program, and went on to serve in the Canadian Militia and with the BC Dragoons. Today he continues to serve his
country and community as an officer with the 788 BCD Cadet Corps.

Bob Daly

Mr. Daly has an impressive track record, both as an educator and public servant. He has served on various boards all in an effort to make his town a better place for all. Whether it’s his 30 plus years devoted to shaping young minds or his constant pursuit in improving the community, it is clear that Mr. Daly is focused on positively impacting the lives of others.

Kristi Richards

Whether by her persistence and success as a professional athlete and Canadian Olympian, her tenacity as an entrepreneur, or her charisma as a motivational speaker, people can’t help but be inspired by Kristi Richards. Kristi has great deal of experience in turning goals into realities, and continually demonstrates her commitment to using that experience to help others realize their dreams.

Sgt. Kenneth Moyes

Mr. Moyes served in the Canadian Military, helped to build, both physically and financially, the curling club, the arena, the legion hall, and golf course. He sold his land to the City of Merritt to create a Park, golf course, baseball diamonds, and a skate/bike park.

John Bubb

Mr. Bubb has been a positive influence in the community for many years. He is currently part of both the Summerland Rotary Club and the Summerland United church. He was also a major contributor to an expanded food bank and a homeless shelter.

Al Kemp

Mr. Kemp has a long history of community service that spans his political career and beyond. He served as a Logan Lake councillor for 9 years, then as Mayor for another 12 years. He has severed with a great number of associations and on many boards, both as a member and as a director.

Dave Kampe

Mr. Kampe's company, Peter Brothers Paving, has been positively impacting the community for years providing a wide range of support Including sponsoring the Snow Birds visit, the Penticton Peach Festival and Penticton Vee’s hockey.