By Andrea Arnold and Abigail Popple
On Sunday September 8th, 2024 MLA for Prince George-Valemount, Shirley Bond presented two King Charles III Coronation Medals in two separate ceremonies, one in Valemount and one in McBride.
During the presentation in McBride, MLA Bond said that although there were many people that she could have nominated from the Robson Valley, these two names stood out to her as people deserving of the recognition.
“This medal was created to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond,” said Bond.
In a press release provided to The Goat, Bond explained that The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a Canadian honour created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, was launched by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province. 30,000 of these medals are being presented across the country. Bond submitted nominations for community members that she felt were deserving from Prince George, Valemount and McBride.
The Coronation Medals were awarded to Alice Olson of Valemount and David Hruby of McBride during small ceremonies were held at Legion Branch 266 in Valemount and at the Robson Valley Community Centre in McBride where both recipients were joined by close friends, family, colleagues and community leaders.
“Both Alice Olson and David Hruby are exceptional people and very deserving of this recognition,” said MLA Bond “I feel very lucky to know both Alice and Chief Dave and have the opportunity to award this medal to them. They are difference makers. Congratulations Alice and Dave and thank you for decades of service to your community, region and country.”
Recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal also receive a certificate of recognition and details about how and when the medal can be worn.
David Hruby
During the presentation in McBride, Bond spoke of Hruby’s longstanding career as a firefighter, beginning at only 15 years of age. He served in the US Navy and eventually moved to McBride in 1980 where for 43 years Hruby served as a firefighter and Chief working tirelessly to keep people and property safe. Hruby has received the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, one of Canada’s highest honours for a career in firefighting, and has received many other commendations for his service. Even now in retirement, Hruby is working to educate the community through the FireSmart program.
Hruby choked up as he listened to the accolades, and was a man of few words as he thanked MLA Bond for the nomination, and singled out a few people in attendance who had served alongside him during his years of service.
During the presentation in McBride, Bond took a moment to thank the community for the years of support that she has felt from the residents. Although it was an evening to celebrate Hruby, when it was his turn to make a speech, he turned the tables briefly on Bond, thanking her personally for the many ways she has served the Robson Valley and for the nomination.
He was not alone in his sentiments. Regional District of Fraser-Fort George representative Dannielle Alan was asked to say a few words in recognition of Hruby, and she couldn’t pass up the chance to emotionally thank Bond for her mentorship and helping Alan find her way into politics.
Following the official presentation, refreshments were served and those in attendance had the opportunity to congratulate Hruby and check out the medal. Once the excitement had settled, Hruby was able to express his gratitude.
“I am incredibly surprised and honoured to have received this recognition,” he said. “I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of my family, so many other members of the community and other emergency responders that I have worked alongside.”
“I was very surprised:” Olson
Olson went to the Legion on Sunday afternoon for what she thought was a lunch with her family – but alongside a spread of pastries and sandwiches, she was greeted with speeches from Bond, Mayor Owen Torgerson, and Legion 266 President Pete Pearson.
Bond thanked Olson, who is now 101 years old, for her service in the Canadian Armed Forces.
“This is a woman who signed up to serve her country in 1943. Stop and think about what that was like for women: daring to step up and say, ‘I’m going to serve my country,’” Bond said.
Olson is also beloved in the Robson Valley for her baking, artwork, and bingo skills, Bond said – she still keeps one of Olson’s paintings in her office. Beyond her talents, Olson exemplifies the dedication to community that the award signifies, Bond added.
“Those are the things that I cherish about this special person: her service to [her] country, her love of community, and she always welcomed people into her home,” Bond said.
Fittingly, before presenting Olson with the medal, Bond gave her a bingo bag to carry supplies for the bingo nights Olson regularly attends. Bond recalled a bingo night hosted by the Valemount Legion, where Olson let her competitive side shine through.
“It was really fun to see Alice in the front row – and believe me, nobody’s talking to her in the middle of a game and getting in the way of the bingo.”
When it came time for Bond to present the medal, Torgerson had similar praise for Olson.
“For over 65 years, Alice has been a community builder: she built her family. She was a builder of her neighbourhood. A 58-year member of this Legion, Branch 266,” he said. “On behalf of my office, congratulations on your coronation medal. We love you, and we’ll see you for your next birthday.”
A tearful Pearson also thanked Olson for her dedication to the Legion.
“You’re an original member of the Legion, and a founding member of this auxiliary,” he told Olson. “Lots of hours you put into this building. We very much appreciate you.”
Olson told The Goat she was surprised and honoured to receive the award.
“I spent a good many years working in the Legion and volunteering in Valemount,” she said. “I’ve had a good life here.”
