Search and Rescue veteran to receive provincial award

Apr 27, 2020 | 11:55 AM

This year recipients of the B.C. Achievement Community Awards includes a long-time member of Vernon Search and Rescue.

Leigh Pearson of Coldstream is among 25 B.C. residents who will receive the honour for people going above and beyond to help build a better community and province.

Person, a draftsman, has been a member with Vernon Search and Rescue for 35 years, joining in 1985.

“Since joining, he has been an integral part of our team; he was one of six members that pushed VSAR to become incorporated in 1987, he helped establish our helicopter winch rescue program and has managed over 600 search and rescue operations,” said a posting on the society’s Facebook page.

“Leigh has always been a calm and reassuring leader with unfailing concern for everyone’s personal safety while on a task. When we are in the middle of a difficult search, due to weather or terrain, more often then not its Leigh’s calm voice on the end of the radio providing any support the teams need. When VSAR is called out to a task at all hours of the day or night its usually Leigh on the phone calling the volunteers. He is known for always starting call outs saying ‘sorry for interrupting your morning’ or ‘sorry for the late hour.’ When asked why he apologizes he says he feels bad for interrupting everyone’s personal time. We think that just demonstrates what a selfless person he is,” said the posting.

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Mental health advocate Myles Matilla of Kelowna, the founder of the Mindright for Athletes Society, is another recipient of the award, selected by an independent committee.

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“These days more than ever, our communities are made stronger by British Columbians who go above and beyond,” said Premier John Horgan. “Thanks go to all of the BC Achievement 2020 Community Award recipients for helping build a better province for everyone.”

“It is an honour to celebrate the excellence and dedication of these twenty-five outstanding British Columbians,” added Anne Giardini, chair of the selection committee. “On behalf of all of us at the BC Achievement Foundation, I thank each of them for strengthening their communities and inspiring others to community action.”

The recipients of the 2020 Community Award are:

Aisha Amijee, Surrey
Dr. Paige Axelrood, Vancouver
Domingo (Dom) Bautista, Richmond
Duncan Bernardo, Vancouver
Morgan Churchill, Fort St. John
Dr. Mary Anne Cooper, Port Moody
Carolyn Duerksen, Prince George
Lorrie Fleming, 70 Mile House
Julie Fowler, Wells
Bonnie Harvey, Cranbrook
Gloria Kravac, Burnaby
Larissa Lapierre, Port Coquitlam
Steve Little, Terrace
Jacqueline Macgregor, Chilliwack
Myles Mattila, Kelowna
Valerie Murray, Victoria
Leigh Pearson, Coldstream
Sarjeet Purewal, Surrey
John Ranta, Cache Creek
Ivan Sayers, Vancouver
Steven (Steve) Sorensen, Sooke
Carolina Tatoosh, Port Alberni
Jim Terrion, Prince George
Dr. Andrea Walsh, Victoria
Shayne Williams, New Westminster

The recipients will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony in Victoria, in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin. Each recipient will receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.

Due to COVID-19, the ceremony planned for the end of April has been postponed to a future date to be announced.

The 2020 selection committee members are Mayor Lee Brain of Prince Rupert, Mayor Michelle Staples of Duncan, and past recipients, Lolly Bennett, Aart Schuurman Hess and Andy Yu.

by Pete McIntyre

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