Bob Ellis (second from left) and John Wade (second from right) were given the Meritorious Service Medal last week. (Submitted/Constance Roussel)

By Cam Lee

Melfort Legion members honoured

Melfort Legion members receive Meritorious Service Medal

Jul 28, 2025 | 5:13 PM

A pair of long-time Melfort Legion members have received a significant honour.

Comrade John Wade and Comrade Bob Ellis have been given the Meritorious Service Medal.

Both were nominated by past-president Jim Graham.

Wade has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 43 years and was awarded a Life Membership in 2016. Many know Wade as one of the faces of the Melfort Legion for the past nine years, with responsibilities including Legion Lounge management, rental bookings, and facility upkeep. Along with those duties, Wade has also worked tirelessly on memorabilia displays to display many more items from armed forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Wade’s nomination form also cited his ability to attract more members and interest in the Melfort Legion from both members and “friends of the Legion.” Interest in the facility also increased, as did lounge profits in the last nine years, with the increased revenue allowing the Legion to focus more on improving the Legion facility, which is over 100 years old. He was also instrumental in bringing the Saskatchewan Command Biennial Convention to Melfort in 2022.

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Wade stepped away from executive and managerial responsibilities at the end of last year, but during his time membership doubled and the finances of the Melfort Legion are now stable.

Bob Ellis has been a member of the Legion for almost 34 years and was given a Life Membership back in 2009. Ellis was installed as Branch President 20 years ago and was the first non-World War veteran to serve in that position.

During his time as President, Ellis pledged to broaden the membership of the Melfort Legion to include Associates who “would commit to the Legion’s values and responsibilities,” according to the nomination papers. That expansion helped keep the Melfort Legion afloat from 2010 to 2019.

Ellis did his best to ensure the Legion’s presence in the community was maintained despite membership numbers declining at the time. The former President was also cited for his work with the schools which helped in identifying Veterans through their Remembrance programs.

During his time as president, Ellis was also credited for making the annual Remembrance Day activities a larger community event and integrating the local RCMP Detachment into the program. He was also applauded for his efforts in undertaking the Poppy Chair responsibilities, and his involvement in the Canada Day program.

“During the 10 years leading up to Comrade Ellis stepping back from the Presidency of the Branch he was key to keeping the Legion as a viable entity within the community,” the nomination form said.

Current President Constance Roussel echoed those sentiments.

“The medal is one of the highest awards the Legion can give, and they are both so deserving for their dedication and going above and beyond the call of duty,” Roussel said.

“We are so proud of both these gentlemen. Thank you for your service and dedication to the Melfort Legion and we will continue to strive to achieve what you have already set as an example for us.”

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com