CANORA - Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal to recipients at Government House in Regina.
Among the 22 recipients at the Sept. 19 ceremony were Terry Wilson of Canora and Ken Krawetz of Invermay.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful to receive the medal,” said Wilson. “I feel like there are so many volunteers that make our community a great place to live. I try to be a small part of that when I can. Canora-Pelly MLA Terry Dennis told me about the nomination earlier this year and I received the official notification via email couple of weeks ago. I am extremely grateful to him that he thought of me.”
According to information shared at the ceremony, “Terry Wilson is a member of the RCMP and an avid volunteer.”
In an interview with The Canora Courier Wilson indicated that he has coached minor baseball, girls softball, hockey and served as president of the Canora Curling Club.
“I have taught kids curling for about 15 years, have assisted with youth golf clinics and tournaments, and coached junior and senior volleyball in Kamsack.”
Wilson said his motivation for volunteering, particularly in youth sport “is something that was done for me as a child growing up by quality people in my community. I just want to pay that back a little bit.”
According to Wilson, volunteering in youth sport is gratifying, presenting opportunities to have an effect on someone in a positive way.
“Engaging with youth and teaching a skill or imparting some wisdom which may help them along the way is very rewarding. I often see young men and women who are grown up now with kids of their own and still call me ‘coach.’”
Ken Krawetz was introduced as “A member of the Saskatchewan Party, former cabinet minister and Deputy Premier of Saskatchewan.”
Krawetz served as Canora-Pelly MLA from 1995-2016. Even though he is technically “retired,” Krawetz said he is as busy as ever.
He is presently Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Saskatchewan, and is also active in and around his home community of Invermay, including: chairman/treasurer of Invermay Arena Committee, on the Invermay Rec Board, Invermay Winter Festival Committee, Member of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Rama, as well as volunteer advisor on a committee planning for the next new SaskPolytechnic campus.
Krawetz said he was honoured to receive the medal, but “I don’t do things for recognition.” Even though he is officially retired, this award recognizes that retired individuals can continue to be active and contribute to society in a meaningful way.
Krawetz sees his public service career as being an opportunity to give back.
“Everyone needs to do what they can to improve our province. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to work for the province.”
He offered a few words of encouragement for anyone thinking of getting involved in public service.
“You are in control of your destiny. If you are interested in anything involving serving the public, go for it. Challenges are always going to be there in front of you, but if you are determined, you can succeed at whatever you want.”
The most recent recipients of the King Charles III medals include those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces or worked in politics, the public service, justice and policing, arts and media, sports and others, according to a release.
"As the representative of the King in Saskatchewan, I am honoured to present these medals, which celebrate His Majesty's coronation while recognizing outstanding Canadians," said Lieutenant Governor Mirasty. "Those receiving Coronation Medals today have made remarkable contributions in areas ranging from health care to industry to recreation. The list of honourees includes a veteran of the Second World War and volunteers who have generously donated countless hours to worthy charities. Each recipient has helped to make life better for the people of our province."
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. The first was awarded to Saskatchewan citizens on May 6, 2024. This award can also be given posthumously, provided the individual was alive on the date of the coronation.
This medal is a tangible way to acknowledge significant contributions and achievements of citizens across the country while also honouring His Majesty's service to Canada. The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General will administer the distribution of 30,000 medals on behalf of the Government of Canada.
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