Three people who have played a major role in the North Thompson Valley for many years were honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal at a ceremony on Jan. 21.
Barriere's Jill Hayward, Clearwater's Rowena Muglich, and Mike Ritcey of Kamloops were among those who were presented with their awards by Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo. He expressed his gratitude on behalf of all Canadians for the recipients' service and contributions to their communities.
The medals are presented to those who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community in Canada, or who have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
Jill Hayward, the current Thompson-Nicola Regional District director for Area "O" and former editor of the Barriere Star/Journal, is the Literacy Coordinator for Barriere and area, was president of the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association from 2011 to 2023, and still serves on the association's board. Hayward is also a professional photographer and dog obedience trainer in the North Thompson, and lives in Louis Creek with her husband Bob. Both are active volunteers in the valley, where they have lived for more than 30 years.
“I want to thank everyone for all the congratulation messages and comments that I have gotten after receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal from MP Frank Caputo," Hayward told Black Press after the ceremony in Kamloops. "A gigantic 'thank you' to the lovely lady who nominated me for this award. Thanks to my hubby Bob for putting up with me all these years.
"I am truly honoured to have received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, especially as my family immigrated to Canada from Britain when I was just a little girl. The week before we left Britain for this amazing country called Canada, I clearly remember standing outside the gates at Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard and also a surprise appearance of Queen Elizabeth and at the time, Prince Charles."
Hayward also offered some advice: "Live, laugh, love and be kind. You never know who you may be reaching.”
Rowena Muglich has been serving with the Wells Gray Search and Rescue team for more than 20 years, playing various roles from team leader and training officer to data manager. The volunteer organization assists authorities in finding and/or retrieving individuals who may be lost, stranded, or injured in the back country. She was a forestry technician prior to retiring, and enjoys the outdoors.
“I am humbled and feel honoured to receive this award," she said. "It reflects on the entire Wells Gray Search and Rescue team. The support, commitment and teamwork has encouraged me and many others. Thank you to everyone for your congratulatory messages and support over the years in Wells Gray Country.”
Mike Ritcey, a retired paramedic with more than 30 years of service, is now head of the Search Recovery and Detection K9s of B.C., based in Kamloops. Ritcey and his dog, Ranger, bring closure to families still searching for their loved ones.
“In my younger days I worked in Wells Gray Park for quite a few summers for the Parks branch," Ritcey told Black Press. "I did my first search and rescue call in the park over 50 years ago. Herb Green was the park supervisor at the time and he came down to my grandparents, the Helsets in Upper Clearwater, asking if I wanted to join in the search for a lost hunter on the Flat Iron.
"Several of us young guys looked up to Herb, still do, and we jumped at the chance. We found the missing hunter way down Hemp Creek near the Clearwater River. So, SAR has been a big part of my life off and on for 50 years. Now my passion is Search and Recovery, cold cases. Although I'm still involved with search and rescue, we need people to keep looking for those that haven’t made it home yet. My loyal companion, Ranger, makes me look good. He does all the work.”
There were 27 Kamloops and area recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. A full list of B.C. recipients can be found at https://bit.ly/40rddGm.
