27 King Charles III Coronation Medals Awarded in Prince Albert district

“It’s not just one person. It’s pretty well all of them cause they don’t really seek attention. They don’t normally go out and brag about the things they do. They just go quietly about their business and make things happen. So each and every one of them has a unique characteristic or volunteer aspect that just makes our community better. So they all deserve the recognition equally and I’m just proud that we’re able to do that today.”

The last time a similar medal was handed out in the country was during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, which happened back in 2022 to honour her 70th year on the throne. There’s no telling when another medal like this will be awarded again, but Hoback hopes it’s soon so that he can help recognize more of the great volunteers from the area.

“It’s not like it happens every year. This is a unique event that happens to tie in with something that’s happening in the royal family. So maybe King Charles’ 5th year? Who knows when the next one will be, but we always appreciate the volunteers that work hard. We’ve seen that activity going on here and for example with the men’s softball this last summer, all these people are stepping up. They’re contributing to our community, and they’re making our community a better place.”

Award Winners

Keith Amyotte

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

As a lawyer, Amyotte was recognized for his work as the Vice Chair of the Conduct Investigation Committee for the Law Society of Saskatchewan, as well as his past work as the president of the Prince Albert Bar Association, vice president of the Saskatchewan Crown Attorneys Association, district governor for the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association, and work with the Ethics Committee of Prince Albert Parkland Health Region.

Away from his work in law, he was also recognized for volunteer work as an armorer and referee for the Prince Albert Fencing Club, and as a youth soccer coach.

Captain Ramsay Bellisle

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Captain Bellisle has spent 30 years in service with the Canadian Armed Forces including deployments in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Afghanistan, which eventually turned into promotions to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major and Commanding Officer of the North Saskatchewan Regiment, B Coy in Prince Albert.

In the last 20 years, he has also worked as an advanced care paramedic with Parkland Ambulance.

Major Shelley Bellisle

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

For 35 years, Major Bellisle has been a Primary Reserve soldier and officer in the Prince Albert Armory. She’s helped fight wildfires in B.C., and currently she serves as the Senior Operations Officer for External Engagement Directorate of Employer Supper Programs to help bring recognition employers that show support for the Canadian Armed Forces.

Bellisle also volunteers in Prince Albert with minor softball, the Diabetes Association, and Saskatchewan Judo.

Marj Bodnarchuk

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Now a retired registered nurse, Bodnarchuk was responsible for musical outreach programs in nursing homes with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. She’s helped volunteer with a ton of organizations including Calvary United Church, the E.A. Rawlinson Centre, the Prince Albert Science Centre, and the Rose Garden Hospice just to name a few.

In the past, Bodnarchuk has been awarded the Prince Albert Citizen of the Year, a YWCA Women of Distinction Award, and has been inducted to the Prince Albert Council of Women Hall of Fame.

Doug Chisholm

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Chisholm’s plane is one that has made a lot of trips over the forests of northern Saskatchewan, combining his love of the nature Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan has to offer with his interest in honouring the military history in the area. He’s helped photograph the 3,800 remote lakes, islands, and rivers of the province, many of which are named after the heroes of World War II.

Sergeant Chad Christopherson

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Christopherson has been a leader to many junior members of the Canadian Armed Forces in Prince Albert. His unique approach to training has helped the CAF become more effective and inclusive.

Master Warrant Officer Henri Dagenais

Although he was not in attendance, Dagenais’ military journey started in 1975 in Quebec where he started as a meteorologist for the Canadian Armed Forces. He’d use his knowledge of weather patterns to help the Canadian Air Force, Navy, and Army during his career, and traveled the globe through his military service.

Since finishing his service, Dagenais has also been heavily involved with Remembrance Day services and other legion activities.

Sergeant Martin Donly

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

An RCMP pilot, Donly has had his voice heard in helping making aviation safer. He helped reform the tuberculosis medical protocols for prisoners flying on police aircrafts. Currently, he is an active member of the Airport Advisory Committee.

Donly also served in a leadership role with the Knights of Columbus, and helped create the Coats for Kids initiative to make sure every kid stays warm through the cold Saskatchewan witners.

Chelsey Erickson

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

From Weldon, Saskatchewan, Erickson was the main voice in honouring Wes Peterson, who was tragically killed. In his honour, Erickson was a leader in creating Wes Peterson Memorial Park that now serves as a welcome spot in the community of Weldon for kids and families to play.

Alan Fraser

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

From his graduation from Sturgis Composite High School in 1969, Fraser joined the Canadian Armed Forces and earned three medals for his service. In 1977, he joined the Prince Albert Police Service where he’d serve for the next 30 years, earning another three medals for his work in policing.

Aside from his service to law and country, Fraser is also the president of the Prince Albert Police Alumni, has coached minor hockey, served as president of the Westhill Community Club, served as a member of the Prince Albert Wildlife Federation, and as an announcer for the Prince Albert Raiders.

Joe Hargrave

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

The MLA for Prince Albert Carlton from 2016 to 2024 as a member of the Saskatchewan Party, Hargrave’s career as a politician included significant contributions to the province’s healthcare. During his tenure, he served as the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, Minister of Highways, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement.

Hargrave now serves as the reeve for the R.M. of Corman Park No. 344.

Opal Harris

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Harris currently serves as the president of the Anglican Women’s Committee, helping organize bake sales and community meals. She has also served with Rebecca’s Group where she has helped organize fundraising efforts for those in need.

In the past, Harris has received a volunteer award for her work in Western Region 2 as part of the Métis-Sask Nation.

Lew Harrison

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

One of our own here at paNOW and Pattison Media, Harrison has been the morning voice on the radio in Prince Albert and North Central Saskatchewan for over three decades. Known as ‘the biggest cheerleader for his community’, Harrison’s uplifting spirit has helped contribute to major fundraisers in the city such as Give a Little Life Day and the Food Bank, raising millions of dollars for the community.

Away from the air waves, Harrison has spent nearly 50 years guiding Scouts.

Delbert Kirsch

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

A former MLA for Batoche, Saskatchewan, Kirsch served from 2003 until 2024, winning five elections in that time. As an opposition MLA, he was appointed as the critic for Forestry, deputy critic for Northern Affairs and Industry and Commerce, and Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on the Economy.

He served other roles under Brad Wall’s Saskatchewan Party Government including the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justive, served as Legislative Secretary to the Premier, and to the Minister of Corrections, Public Safety, and Policing.

Robin Knudson

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

For over four decades, Knudson has been on a mission to improve the lives of children and adults living with mental illness. The executive director of SHARE in Prince Albert, he’s helped build recreational programs to help give people a better chance at recovery.

Dennis Koch

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Dennis Koch has traveled over 2 million kilometres in his 36 years of service, advocating for better nutrition and animal health care among livestock producers around the world. He’s won 15 different marketing awards in his career, and has served as president for both the third and fourth degree Knights of Columbus where he’s earned a Life Membership.

He’s also made a number of charitable organizations in his life, most notably a $79,200 contribution to the Jim Pattison Childern’s Hospital in memory of his sister. His volunteer efforts have also helped the Melfort Legion, Red Cross Blood Association, and many local sports teams.

Margaret Koch

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Margaret Koch has had a big presence with the Melfort Legion, chairing the Legion poppy campaign for nine years as well as leading the bingo committee. For almost four decades, her musical talents have helped liven the halls of her local church as music director, and her donation of glass-stained doors for the church have helped bring in the light.

A registered nurse in her career, Koch also recieved the Benemerenti Medel by the Pope.

Gloria Mahussier (medal accepted by her son Travis, daughter Marcia, and husband Mike)

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Since 1997 when she began working with the Saskatchewan Family Network, Mahussier has been an advocate for those living with intellectual disabilities. She has served as the president of the Prince Albert Branch of Inclusion Saskatchewan in 2000, and lead all of Inclusion Saskatchewan from 2010 to 2021.

She has also served on the Valley View Centre Transition Steering Committee, and as a result she was honoured with a Saskatchewan Premier’s Award of Excellence. She has also worked with a summer program for children with disabilities called INTEREC.

Dr. Lalita Malhotra

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

No other doctor in northern Saskatchewan has delivered more babies than Dr. Lalita Malhotra. In her time as a doctor, Malhotra has earned the Order of Canada and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

She has also made significant contributions to the Victoria Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.

Sergeant Rhonda Meakin

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

From 1990 to 1995, Meakin served as a Canadian Forces Medical Assistant where she earned recognition as a top student at the PPCLI Battle School. In 1995 she then joined the Prince Albert Police where she has continued to serve her community ever since.

She was Prince Albert’s Woman of the Year in 2013, and received a Outstanding Award for the Law Enforcement Torch Run she helped create in 2022. She has also served as a coach for Special Olympics Sports, and as a prominent figure in the DARE program.

Allison Nagy

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Nagy has spent the last two decades working with the Saskatchewan Health Care System with efforts in making healthcare more accessible to vulnerable citizens. She has worked her way up to the Manager and Director of Care at Mont St. Joseph Home in Prince Albert.

Sergeant Brandon Parr (award accepted by Ramsay Bellisle)

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

With 13 years dedicated to the Canadian Armed Forces, Parr currently serves as the Section Commander in Prince Albert. He is also a Correctional Officer with Saskatchewan Penitentiary.

James Rogers

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Known for his volunteerism, James ‘Terry’ Rogers steps up for his community in Melfort however and whenever he can. Whether it’s trimming trees and tending to carts at the golf course, helping run the poppy campaign for the Melfort Legion’s events, or flipping burgers at the museum’s weekly BBQs, if it’s an event in Melfort, you’ll find Rogers.

Henry Siwak

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

As a lawyer, Siwak is known for a strong code of ethics that have guided him through every case. He also has served in roles with the Catholic Church in Prince Albert, the Prince Albert Diocese, and as a board member of Mont St. Joseph Home since 1999.

Charlene Sproat

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Originally starting her healthcare career in Saskatoon, Sproat became a team leader and trained staff. After a break in her career, she came to Prince Albert where she worked for the city’s Association Medical Clinic and Victoria Hospital’s ICU before retiring in 2017.

She also co-owned Kenosee Gardens and Resort, managed Lakeview Hotel in Waskesiu, ran Kenosee Inns, PA Kartworld, and a real estate firm. She also made contributions to the Saskatchewan Education Council among other roles helping STARS Air Ambulance and MADD.

Wesley Stubbs

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

A former Chief of Police in Prince Albert, Stubbs has helped safeguard the city for decades. He still serves as the Retired Reeve for Buckland, and as the Chair of the Prince Albert Winter Festival.

He has also served in a volunteer role in the city’s healthcare, and was a member of the orchestra band ‘The Cottonpickers’ that used to entertain crowds in northern Saskatchewan starting in the 1950s.

John Wade

(paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

Wade has had a dedication to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 30 over the last 42 years that is unrivaled. As a life member, he has served in nearly every role the organization has to offer at some point. His efforts have helped revitalize the branch.

by Nick Nielsen

27 King Charles III Coronation Medals Awarded in Prince Albert district

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