Everyone who attended the 2016 Barriere Citizen of the Year Award Banquet at the Station House Restaurant in Barriere last Saturday evening agreed it was about time that Dave Baines received the honour.
Baines was the unanimous choice of the judges to be the 2016 recipient due to his silent and positive philanthropy within the community of Barriere that dates back decades.
Baines was presented with a Canada 150 commemorative medal by Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod as she congratulated him on his accomplishments.
North Thompson Star/Journal editor, Jill Hayward, did the honours of awarding the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award to Baines on behalf of the newspaper who annually sponsor the nomination and award process of the event.
Thompson Nicola Regional District rep Bill Kershaw made a presentation on behalf of the TNRD and thanked Baines for his support of the community over the years.
Beverly Murphy presented Baines with a gift on behalf of the North Thompson Volunteer and information Centre, and commented that she had really enjoyed helping to put the banquet together on behalf of the Centre who annually assist with the event.
Once all the awards were handed out family and friends stepped up to the microphone to tell some stories, thank the man who helped them when they needed it, and also poke some fun at a Baines with a few “remember whens”.
Baines son, Bill, MC’d the evening and had everyone laughing when he told about driving away from his Dad who had just disturbed a bees nest and very much needed to get into the car!
Baines daughter, Denise Balbirnie, spoke well about growing up in the area, her dad, and what it all meant to herself and her family.
The buffet dinner was exceptional and the dessert made with love by Baines family.
Baines said he really appreciated being given such an honour and thanked everyone for turning out for the event. “This is really nice,” said Baines, “I can’t thank everyone enough.”
