May 17, 2002
10 PEOPLE TO RECEIVE ORDER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

VICTORIA - The province's highest award for outstanding achievement, the Order of British Columbia, will be presented to 10 people this year, Lt.-Gov. Iona Campagnolo announced today.

The recipients for 2002 are:

• John (Jack) Patrick Blaney of Vancouver, post-secondary education leader.
• Gathie Falk of Vancouver, sculptor, visual and performing artist.
• Garde B. Gardom of Vancouver, 26th lieutenant-governor of B.C.
• Patsy George of Vancouver, anti-poverty worker and immigrant and refugee supporter.
• Irving Allen Guttman of Vancouver, founder of the Vancouver Opera.
• H. Martin Kenney of Mission, musical pioneer, bandleader and volunteer.
• Norma I. Mickelson of Victoria, educator and chancellor of the University of Victoria.
• K. George Pedersen of Vancouver, education leader, chancellor of the University of Northern B.C.
• Gian Singh Sandhu of Williams Lake, lumber company founder, charity supporter.
• Ernest Alvia (Smokey) Smith of Vancouver, Victoria Cross holder.

"The Order of British Columbia recognizes excellence as an inspiration to all of us," said Campagnolo. "By rewarding the accomplishments of outstanding British Columbians who have made a difference to the lives of thousands of people in our province, we further strengthen our shared heritage. It is a great honour to commend them and to welcome them to the order."

This year's recipients were chosen by an independent advisory council chaired by British Columbia Chief Justice Lance Finch. The council also includes Claude Richmond, Speaker of the legislative assembly; David Turpin, University of Victoria president; Hans Cunningham, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities; Andrew Wilkinson, deputy minister of the Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat; and two previous recipients of the order, Judith Forst and Beverley Nann.

Awards will be presented in a ceremony at Government House on Sept. 19. Since the Order of British Columbia was introduced in 1989, 179 people have received the honour.

Backgrounder (Word 97 file format - 28 KB)

For further information contact:
Heidi Elliott
250 356-2891