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SASKATOON — Ernest Gutzke is a well-known figure in the RM of Francis, and in addition to a long list of accomplishments, he can now add recipient of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan. The presentation was part of the 120th Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities conference in Saskatoon, which kicked off on Tuesday, March 11.

“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award,” Gutzke said last week upon accepting the award. “This moment is humble, and I accept it not just for myself, but the incredible community that shared and supported me every step of the way.”

Presenting the award was newly-minted Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre, who was installed as Saskatchewan’s 24th lieutenant governor on Jan. 31.

“For as long as Saskatchewan has been a province, SARM has been a strong advocate for municipalities,” she said, bringing greetings to those gathered on behalf of King Charles III. “Having grown up in Bethune and being a current farmland owner in the RM of Dufferin, I have deep appreciation for the association’s important and ongoing work.

“I have the privilege of presenting the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan,” said McIntyre. “Each year, the award pays tribute to an exceptional Reeve, Councillor, or Administrator. The 2025 award goes to an individual whose community spirit is as inspirational as his community service is admirable.

“I’d like to tell you a little bit about him before I present the award,” McIntyre continued. “Ernest Gutzke, known as ‘Ernie’—and I met him last night, so now he and Denise and I are best friends—it’s the way it happens in Saskatchewan! Ernie was born in 1941, he attended Pleasant View, Irwin, and Murphy country school, and Odessa Village School, travelling to school by horse and buggy in the summer and horse and sleigh in the winter, as was common at the time.”

Gutzke left school early to help on the family farm and has been an agricultural producer since 1956. Married eight years later, the Gutzkes have two children—Blair and Brenda—who were also at the SARM conference to watch the family’s patriarch claim the award.

“Ernie and Denise still live on the family farm and received the 100-year Centennial Family Farm award in 2003,” McIntyre said. “Ernie was first elected as Division 1 Councillor for the Rural Municipality of Francis, Number 127 in 1987, and he has served continuously on council for the past 38 years.”

Gutzke has also been a board member of the Regina District Association of Rural Municipalities since 1988 and has served as a volunteer firefighter with the Odessa Fire Department for 33 years, receiving the Saskatchewan Protective Services medal to recognize that particular service.

“(Former) Reeve Richard Morley has said that Ernie helped everyone learn the ropes of local government and guided them to be the best they can be,” McIntyre said. “Ernie’s community support has been broad, taking on many roles.”

He has also served on the Odessa Co-op board periodically from the 1990’s to present day, and often stepped in for Santa Claus, volunteering at numerous Christmas concerts and events. He donated his time to the Odessa community rink, and the Odessa tractor pulls.

“In addition, Ernie is a musician and a cherished member of the parish council choir,” McIntyre said. “He has been a drummer in the Old Timers band, and can be caught dancing up a storm to polka music.”

Shala Kanasevich is the Administrator at the RM of Francis and nominated Gutzke for the Lieutenant-Governor’s award.

“Ernest Gutzke has become the heartbeat of our community, infusing it with a sense of unity, empathy and shared purpose,” she said in her nomination letter. “His actions speak to his character and a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of our lives and the importance of uplifting others.”

Moved by the special honour, Gutzke was quick to acknowledge all the people who made the award possible.

“Special thanks to my loving wife, Denise, who supported me through all these years, allowing me to devote time needed to serve the municipality,” he said. “To my family, friends and colleagues and all the people of rural Saskatchewan, this honour belongs to you as much as it does to me. Your support and belief in the power of the community has been my greatest motivation.”

Gutzke mused on the importance of those places outside city limits in this province, speaking of a different pace.

“Rural Saskatchewan is more than just the place on the map, it’s home,” he said. “It’s where neighbours look out for others, where challenges are met, and where service is just not a duty, but a way of life. Over the years, I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated individuals who shared a common goal: to strengthen our communities and support our families. I am proud to serve and I will continue to do so in gratitude and determination.”

Asking his fellow RM of Francis council members to rise at the conference in order to be recognized, he closed with a simple, “thank you very much, and God bless!”