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Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal recipients

Jean Bryski - Yorkton Jean has made numerous contributions through her volunteering and leadership in the local community and in support of Canadian Forces and the Youth of Canada.
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These medal recipients are among 60,000 deserving Canadians chosen to receive Diamond Jubilee Medals. The honour comes in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and in reflection of her selfless service to others. Each person receiving a medal models the key ingredient of community: people helping people.


Jean Bryski - Yorkton

Jean has made numerous contributions through her volunteering and leadership in the local community and in support of Canadian Forces and the Youth of Canada. Her unselfish, compassionate efforts over 50 years have made a positive impact in the lives of many less fortunate Canadians.



Vanessa Buchan -Yorkton

Over the past 47 years, Vanessa (with the support of her husband Ken) has nurtured and loved hundreds of foster babies, including many with high medical needs. Her experience makes her invaluable as a trainer for both foster and adoptive parents.



Joan Eyolfson Cadham - Foam Lake

Joan is a lifelong champion of history and heritage, culture and community. A writer and storyteller, she has spent decades exploring and sharing the history of the Icelandic pioneers in the Vatnabyggd area of Saskatchewan.



Kathleen Connors - Yorkton

After she observed too many hungry schoolchildren in Yorkton, Kathy's compassion led her to found The Soup Haven. Fifteen years ago, her fledgling volunteer program fed fifty children each school day of the year. Today it serves three hundred.



Lillie Crotenko - former Canora resident

Lil has spent her entire life as an enthusiastic volunteer within numerous community organizations. Her 94 years have been a whirlwind of accomplishments for others. Her life motto is "Keep busy and never put off anything for another day."



Margaret Cugnet - Yorkton

During her 42 years on the Yorkton Arts Council Board of Directors, Margaret's leadership on the Performing Arts committee has left a delightful legacy: the Stars for Saskatchewan series, one of the most successful performing arts programs in the province, bringing over 400 concerts to Yorkton in the past 37 years.



Dr. Ivan Daunt - Yorkton

In his six-decade career, physician and general surgeon Dr. Daunt served his patients and community with humility, determination and compassion; sitting on numerous community boards and making house calls into his eighties.



John Raymond Dawes - Saltcoats

While hosting one of the premier daily agricultural shows in the Western Canada, radio broadcaster and journalist "Jack" Dawes shared crucial information with prairie farmers. He is also noted for his service with the Prairie Oat Growers Association



Barry Dilts - Melville

Barry spent 24 years in the RCMP, a career which included small-town policing and working with youth - an endeavour that led to his coaching midget hockey. As a provincial constituency assistant he (with dogged determination) lives out his motto: Everybody deserves help.



Rev. Richard Gibson - Ebenezer

In 2007, West Nile Disease disabled "Pastor Rick," a beloved clergyman with a lifelong passion to serve. His openness about his illness resulted in the book West Nile Diary, numerous articles, interviews, and speaking engagements - all which have increased international understanding of the disease and the bracing power of faith, hope, and therapy.



Steven Guliak - Melville

Steven's passion to be of service to those around him includes a special contribution to the remembrance of local veterans - a Wall of Honour to commemorate fallen forces. His vision to name on a board all area veterans is a tribute to his legacy.



Norman Hinrikson - Yorkton

For decades he has served with a smile. In fact, Yorkton's Gallagher Centre wouldn't be the same without the dedicated volunteer service of Norman Hinrikson at hockey games, trade shows, winter events, exhibitions and more.



Lionel Hughes - Norquay

In 1998, hoping to share the lure and lore of their province, Lionel Hughes and his wife, Michelle, created Saskatchewan's first regional magazine. His rare insights into prairie life, commanding journalistic skills and entrepreneurial spirit, have helped make Prairies North an award-winning international publication.



Michelle Hughes - Norquay

Equal partner with her husband, in the family business of creating and publishing Saskatchewan's regional magazine, entrepreneur and businesswoman Michelle Hughes's uniquely creative gifts and abilities have helped make Prairies North an award-winning global publication.



Mike Kaminski - Invermay

Community service best describes Mike's commitment as a volunteer. All his endeavours show selfless dedication to enriching and improving the quality of life for children, adults, and seniors in the community and province.



Sandra Kerr - Saltcoats

For decades Sandra has distinguished herself as an efficient and tireless worker in numerous community and provincial organizations. Her generous long-term sharing of her time and skills is an inspiring example to others.



Michael Kozakevich - Melville

Comrade Kozakevich has distinguished himself from others by his passion to build a better community and assist others. A veteran of WW11, he has made significant contributions as a leader within the Legion, the Lions, and his Ukrainian Orthodox church.



Father Methodius Kushko - Yorkton

A heart for God, culture and community: these three passions have been evident from Father Kushko's early assignment as a teacher, throughout 42 years in parish life, and to the audience of his local radio show, The Ukrainian Hour.



Terra Lorenz - Yorkton

Terra directs Our Village, a haven for vulnerable children in Uganda, providing education and health care they otherwise cannot access. She also has initiated garden projects in Northern Uganda as a means for women to become self-sustaining.



Scott Mackie - Hudson Bay

Be it coaching, fundraising, volunteering, firefighting, or serving voluntarily with the UN in Angola, Scott is a stellar example of what it means to make one's community, province and world a better place to work and live.



Neil Mehrer - Churchbridge

Dedicated volunteer, generous philanthropist, man of working faith. As nine-year reeve of the RM of Churchbridge, Neil's firm leadership, cooperation and understanding enabled the municipality to recover from disastrous flooding of 2012.



Glenda Nischuk - Yorkton

As volunteer director of the local Coronary Health Improvement Program (CHIP) and nutritional consultant to hundreds, Glenda's compassionate, practical and determined approach to caring for the whole person has resulted in a healthier community.



Leona Ottenbreit - Yorkton

Cancer stole their treasured son, Brayden, but "Leone" and her husband Greg, along with their two daughters, resolved to use this devastating loss for good. Over the past 15 years, through Close Cuts for Cancer and other local cancer initiatives, they have helped raise over $600,000 for cancer research and cancer-related causes.



Wayne Reinson - Melville

Outstanding in his contributions to veterans and their families, Wayne promotes remembrance in schools and community. He has honourably served in Canada and abroad and selflessly served those with mental and physical disabilities.



Sister Cecile Richard - Esterhazy

Faith lived out in charity, excellence and dedication describes Sister Cecile's long career as a health care provider. She ministers to all without discrimination and her comforting presence brings cheer and hope to recuperating and dying patients.



Theresa Robert - Esterhazy

Theresa was the driving force behind the Esterhazy Historical Park project - even donating resources from her family business. The transformation of 14 acres of abandoned CPR land into a landscaped park is a lasting tribute to area pioneers.



Edward Tetelowski - Kelvington

Ed has long served his community as mayor, firefighter, and dedicated volunteer. His passion for safety motivated him to push for smoke detectors in community homes, fundraise for new firefighting equipment, and hold yearly safety events.



Robert Unchulenko - Esterhazy

A long-time resident and long-serving alderman of Esterhazy, with a passion for culture, history and heritage. The town's historic flour mill stands today as a National Historic Site of Canada in large part due to Robert's efforts.



Robert Woodward - Kamsack

Bob spent 26 years in the Canadian Forces. As a 48 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he ensures that the needs of local vets are always addressed. His significant contributions to his community reflect his passion to serve.



Edward Yurkiw - Kamsack

With hands, heart and hammer, Ed has contributed long and much to those around him. A ready helper, for twelve years he has served with excellence on the Kamsack Power House Museum's board of governors, preserving history and heritage.



Additional recipient:

George Kays - Porcupine Plain

An outstanding young pillar of his community, George takes every opportunity to help those around him. Among many other organizations, he has cheerfully served with Big Brothers, the YMCA, the Skate Park Committee, Cadets, and a free youth drop-in program.

* George was jointly nominated with another organization. Mr. Breitkreuz presents Mr. Kay's medal on their behalf.