The North Okanagan and Shuswap recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Coronation Medal Winners

Prestigious award given to North Okanagan, Shuswap residents

Mar 7, 2025 | 6:42 PM

Almost two dozen people from the surrounding area, including a handful from Vernon, were presented very prestigious awards Friday.

At a special ceremony held in Enderby on March 7, Mel Arnold, MP for North Okanagan-Shuswap, handed out 20 King Charles III Coronation Medals to individuals who made significant contributions to their community, region, province, and/or country.

“It is rare that medals are awarded to Canadians on behalf of the sovereign, and it certainly adds to the importance and distinction of today’s events for recipients, their families, and their communities,” Arnold said during his speech at the event.

“After the ceremony, a total of only 30,000 medals will be awarded across Canada. A very limited number.”

Arnold noted this medal was the first Canadian honour to feature the Canadian Royal Crown approved by King Charles III.

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The local recipients included five from Greater Vernon.

Vernon’s Carolynn Dufresne was recognized for her service with the Army Navy Airforce Veterans Ladies Auxilary, work with the Vernon Lions Club, and for volunteering in a youth mentorship program..

Carolynn Dufresne receiving her medal (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Bobbe Mackenzie of Vernon was presented the award in recognition for her years of volunteering with dozens of organizations including the Upper Room Mission, Canadian national institute for the Blind, Vernon Lion’s Club, and Towne Theatre and Performing Arts, to name a few.

Bobbe Mackenzie accepting her medal (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Katie Moore of Coldstream was named a recipient for her work as an advocate for people with disabilities and making Vernon more accessible.

Katie Moore accepting her medal (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Vernon’s Peter Unger was presented an award for his service as a volunteer driver with the Vernon B.C. Better at Home program.

Petr Unger receiving his medal (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Donna Antonishak of Vernon was also named a recipient, though she was one of two award winners who did not attend and did not send someone in their place to receive the medal.

The other recipients were:

• John Angus, Chase
• Gordon Bushell, Sicamous
• Wayne Morgan Christian, Splatsin Territory
• Mervinc Churchill, Falkland (accepted posthumously by a family member)
• Darla Dingeldein, Anglemont
• Bill Dummett, Edgewood
• Captain Donald Ennis, Salmon Arm
• Leanord Gamble, Armstrong
• Rhona Martin, Malakwa
• Denise Meier, nglemont (not present and award accepted by daughter)
• Phil McInture-Faul, Salmon Arm
• Sandi Reutlinger, Blind Bay
• Robert Sutherland, Sicamous

Speaking with Vernon Matters after receiving their medals, the local recipients said they were honoured to be recognized for their work.

“I think we’re given a life, we’re meant to add for it, and then we give that life back. So I’m very pleased and honoured to be recognized today,” Dufresne said.

“It seems almost wrong to get an award for something you love doing, and I’m very proud of it,” added Mackenzie.

“It was a good celebration for everybody. It was surprising when Mel phoned me a couple weeks ago [to tell me I was going to get this award]. [I’m] happy, really happy,” Moore said.

“I feel great, it’s wonderful and I appreciate the recognition, and thanks to the great staff at Better at Home for doing this. I appreciate it,” Unger told Vernon Matters.

The local winners, as well as the local Mp, also stated they were proud of the other recipients and the work they had done.

“I am honoured and humbled to have this caliber of individuals spread across this entire riding of North Okanagan-Shuswap,” Arnold told Vernon Matters

“The dedication that all of these individuals have to their community and their country is awe inspiring and makes me very humble.”