Three notable North Thompson residents were given the Platinum Jubilee pin over the weekend, awarded to those who demonstrate Queen Elizabeth II’s qualities of public service, dedication and sacrifice.
Donna Kibble, District of Barriere councillor, Bill Kershaw, Thompson-Nicola Regional District director for Area O, and Jill Hayward, editor of the Barriere Star/Journal, and president of the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association were all presented with their Platinum Jubilee pin at an award ceremony at Thompson Rivers University on Sunday, June 12.
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo, along with office staff, hosted the ceremony, awarded the pin to 56 recipients, who each received a certificate and a pin.
Kershaw said he was shocked when he found out he had been nominated, but pleased to be recognized for what he does. He also ran into a music teacher he had in high school at the ceremonies, someone who also had received an honour that he hadn’t seen since he graduated in 1960.
Kibble echoed the sentiment, adding her favourite part of the ceremony was spending it with two great people.
“Two of my favourite people from Barriere got it as well, which is Bill Kershaw and Jill (Hayward),” she said. “We’ve been friends for many years and to get it with the two of them, it just made it extra special.”
For Hayward, the nomination was close to her heart, as she is British by birth and lived in England until her family emigrated to Canada in 1957. Later in Banff, she would witness the Queen and Prince Philip drive through the community in a convertible waving at everyone who came out to see them.
She would see the Royal Family once more, said Hayward, when she returned to England years later to visit relatives, and she spotted the Queen once again at Buckingham palace.
“She certainly is the epitome of what it means to serve your country and your people,” said Hayward.
As a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pin in 2012, Hayward said it was very humbling to find herself a recipient of the Platinum Jubilee Pin 10 years later.
“There are so many people who are dedicated to making their communities and Canada such a great place to live,” she told the Times. “I hope that my small contributions also help to make a difference for us all.”
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