Three Hope residents have been awarded with Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee medals.
Hans Jeschek, Earl Rowe and Richard Zervini received recognition for their service to the community and Canada in a special ceremony hosted by Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP Mark Strahl last Wednesday at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. The commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne.
“I think it’s humbling,” said Rowe. “I listened to the other people getting medals and they’re incredible.”
The former district town manager was recognized not only for his contributions to Hope, which include helping organize the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay event in 2012, but also for his commitment to fundraising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and United Way. Rowe was also acknowledged for leading the development of post-9-11 anti-terrorism improvements along the borders and successfully lobbying for federal funding of the initiative while working as the general manager for the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority.
Jeschek was surprised to receive recognition for his volunteer leadership in the community. The local realtor was involved in the establishment of the local Chamber of Commerce in 1975 and has supported numerous fundraising efforts and community projects over the years including building the Memorial Park playground, Sixth Avenue ballpark lighting, Sucker Creek Salmon Enhancement Project, and the street banners program. Jeschek, who currently volunteers with Hope Crime Prevention Society, was Hope and District Chamber of Commerce’s first lifetime honorary member in 2001 and received the Queen Elizabeth ll Golden Jubilee medal in 2003. He has also been involved with the B.C. Chamber of Commerce as a district director and served as an elected member for 10 years on the Leadership and Management Development Council of B.C.
Zervini has volunteered with the Yale and District Historical Society for over five years, primarily carrying out maintenance work at Yale Historic Site. The Society was formed in 1977 to gather, preserve, record and exhibit Yale’s history.
“It was an honour,” he said. “It was nice to be appreciated, but you don’t do it for the recognition.”