Perth-Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger presented 30 residents from his riding, including seven from north Wellington, with Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals at a ceremony here last week.
“Tonight, in recognition of Her Majesty’s service, I am honoured to present 30 deserving Canadians with the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal,” Schellenberger told those gathered for the presentation.
“These individuals, like the Queen herself, have served our communities and our country with distinction.”
On Feb. 6, 1952, Queen Elizabeth the Second ascended to the throne as Queen of Canada.
“For the past 60 years, Her Majesty has served Canada with a relentless strength of character and dedication to service. Throughout her reign, the Queen has seen countless historical events and changes as our nation’s head of state,” Schellenberger said.
“My office was flooded with nominations for citizens worthy of this honour. Tonight’s recipients represent the broad spectrum of life in Perth-Wellington, including the arts, public service, agriculture and the military. They have created lasting legacies for future generations through their exceptional dedication and service.”
Schellenberger read the following passages for the seven recipients from Wellington County.
Murray Farwell
Murray Farwell’s dedication to the service of his fellow man has spanned over four decades, both as a civilian and in the military. Ordained in 1972, Reverend Farwell joined the Canadian Forces as a chaplain in 1977 and served across Canada, Europe and the Middle East.
He rose to the rank of brigadier general and held the post of chaplain general for Canada. In 2000, he had the solemn honour of presiding over the internment of Canada’s “unknown soldier” in Ottawa. In 2001, he was made a Commander of the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada. Since his retirement from the military in 2002, he has been the pastor at St. Mary of the Purification Parish in Mount Forest.
Larry Grummet
Larry Grummet is a longtime volunteer in Clifford. He is a member of the Clifford Rotary Club and is a key organizer for its annual pork and sauerkraut dinner. Through his local insurance business, he plays a very active role supporting local organizations and encourages his staff to do so as well.
These organizations include Meals on Wheels, the Chamber of Commerce, Stars in Business, the Clifford and District Historical Society, the hospital foundation, the agricultural society, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, minor hockey, and minor lacrosse. His level of involvement in the development of his community is truly inspirational.
Robert Kerr
Robert Edmund Kerr is a longtime fixture in the social fabric and community standards of the Mount Forest area. In 1960, Kerr began a distinguished career with the OPP in Walkerton. In 1965, he transferred to the Mount Forest detachment’s identification unit, where his success and experience in Mount Forest earned him a promotion to corporal in 1973. He retired, after an exemplary 32-year career, at the rank of staff sergeant and officer in charge of the Mount Forest identification unit in 1992.
He delivered Meals on Wheels from 1970 until 1984 and has been very active with St. Paul’s Anglican Church as warden and treasurer.
Alex Mustakas
Performer, producer and director Alex Mustakas has made extraordinary contributions to the arts in Canada.
He is the founding artistic director and CEO of Drayton Entertainment, a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization and one of Canada’s most successful arts organizations. Under his leadership, Drayton Entertainment expanded to six venues in Ontario and is the third largest regional theatre company in Canada. Beyond the arts, Mustakas is a renowned fundraiser, who has successfully raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to numerous causes.
David Stack
A former secondary school teacher, David Stack has made tremendous contributions in the preservation and sharing of historical knowledge.
Stack is the co-founder of the Arthur Historical Society and recently produced a documentary film in which WWII veterans and war brides were interviewed.
He has been active in organizing historical tours and lectures in local venues and nursing homes, as well as providing transportation to lectures and events at the Guelph Museum.
Lynda White
Lynda White has a strong history of volunteerism and public service.
Since 1991, White has been elected to numerous municipal and provincial roles, including councillor, deputy reeve and warden of Wellington County. She has also served on the Groves hospital board, the county social services committee and, from 2006 to 2012, as chair of the Police Services Board.
She is vice president of manufacturing at All Treat Farms Limited in Arthur.
Ross Wilkie
At age eight, Ross Wilkie began a lifetime of service to his community and country by running a lemonade stand in front of his Montreal home to raise funds for a local hospital.
He has spent over 50 years helping others as a former softball and hockey coach and founding member Big Brothers in the area. His extensive involvement with the Kinsmen Club includes serving as district deputy governor and district officer, and he has been a volunteer driver for the Cancer Society and Meals on Wheels. He fundraises for the Diabetes Association and is the founder and president of the Minto Retirees Association. He has been an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 296 Harriston, for over 40 years.
