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Outstanding Canadians on the Peninsula
White Rock Outstanding Canadians on the Peninsula Legacy Program is the primary program for recognizing the contributions of citizens in making White Rock a successful, vibrant and harmonious community. The Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula represents the highest form of recognition the City can extend to it's residents. Contributions from the Award Recipients may be related to arts, culture, environment, business and commerce, humanities, recreation, community service, education, health or medical fields.
View the White Rock Outstanding Canadians on the Peninsula Legacy Program - Council Policy.
Ramona Kaptyn
2022 Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula Award recipient, Ramona Kaptyn, has served the White Rock community as a volunteer and advocate for more than a decade. Ramona’s advocacy focus is on improving quality of life for seniors. She is President of Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) White Rock/Surrey and is on the Steering Committee of the Semiahmoo Seniors Planning Table. Both organizations bring a variety of educational and social events to the community to prevent older adult isolation and inspire friendships. Ramona is also Chair of the Seniors Advisory Committee of Seniors on the Move which aims to activate better transportation options for older adults. She serves on a variety of other committees and recently completed seven years on the board of the South Surrey/White Rock Chamber of Commerce.
A graduate of both Ryerson University (Journalism) and the University of Toronto (Education and Political Science), Ramona has worked as a reporter, travel writer, editor, teacher, hotel managing director, event planner and fundraiser in Canada, Australia, England and Spain. From 2002 to 2008, she worked in international development in Southeast Asian countries to contribute to a more equitable world.
Ramona currently works from her home office as B.C. representative for Toronto's Sheraton Parkway Hotel. She landed in White Rock/South Surrey quite by accident in July 2009; she loves it here and feels “home at last”.
Marie Sabine
2022 Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula Award recipient, Marie Sabine, has been both a White Rock resident and an unwavering supporter of inclusive affordable housing for most of her adult life. Inspired by the need to find inclusive affordable housing for her disabled adult daughter, she continues her work to ensure that housing options are available for the disabled, low-income seniors, front line workers and those experiencing homelessness in White Rock and South Surrey.
Marie is passionate about the rights of people with developmental disabilities and has done advocacy work in the area of inclusive affordable housing, independent living and the need for rent supplements to provide opportunities for individuals to grow and thrive in their own homes. She has served as Chair of the Community Living BC (CLBC) Surrey/Delta/White Rock Community Council and has been a member of the Provincial Advisory Committee. She sits on the Peninsula Homeless to Housing Task Force and the White Rock Housing Advisory Committee. She is also a Board member of UNITI (Semiahmoo House Society, The Semiahmoo Foundation and Peninsula Estates Housing Society).
Prior to retirement, Marie served as Manager of Administrative Support Services with the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service for sixteen years. She attended Capilano University, receiving a Certificate in Local Government Administration, and more recently she completed training in advanced policy governance and person-centred thinking.
She and her husband enjoy being near the ocean and the many parks and hiking trails in the White Rock and South Surrey area, as well as being close to her daughter who is living independently with support.
Upkar Singh Tatlay
2022 Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula Award recipient, Upkar Singh Tatlay, is a tireless advocate for vulnerable and underserved citizens. His journey in community service began during adolescence where he volunteered at local non-profit social service organizations. Through these experiences, he saw an overwhelming need for accessible programming for children and youth, and particularly for families facing socioeconomic challenges. As a result, in 2013 he founded a non-profit organization to provide free athletics, mentorship, outdoor adventures, and academic assistance to Lower Mainland youth; this organization is now known as the Engaged Communities Canada Society (ECCS).
Since 2013, ECCS services have evolved significantly to offer programs to address gaps related to health, social and economic factors in underserved populations. Populations served include children and youth, racialized individuals, migrant workers, those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and individuals/families experiencing challenges related to mental health and substance use. Services provided include food delivery, hygiene supplies, personal hygiene services, health education and resources (including opioid poisoning response and vaccination clinics), extreme weather response (cooling spaces and warming shelters), and youth programming. ECCS programs currently support over 400 children, youth, individuals, and families annually.
Upkar performs his role as Executive Director of ECCS in an unpaid, volunteer capacity. In addition to his role as President at DIVERSEcity and as the former Board Chair at Surrey Libraries, Upkar has also volunteered time to local White Rock/South Surrey committees and tables, and most recently ECCS operated White Rock’s Daytime Warming Centre in the winter of 2022 under Upkar’s leadership. He does this work in addition to balancing his role as Chief Technology Officer at Oxus Machine Works, all while raising his own young family.
Upkar has been a resident of the Semiahmoo Peninsula community for the past six years.
Past Recipients
Cliff Annable has been a self-employed businessman since 1971 and President of Commerce Pacific Holdings ltd. He has been married to his ‘Bestus' Friend, Maureen, since May 30th, 1970. Together, they have two grown children, Shawn & Janet. He has been an avid contributor to the City of White Rock and a resident for over 30 years. Cliff joined the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo in 1994 and was elected president of the club in 2009, furthermore he is the president of the Rotary field house society and was the Director of Semiahmoo Volunteer Community Policing Society from 1994-2010.
Cliff has made several contributions to the Air cadet committee such as instructing Navigation and Meteorology with 746 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, being a past Chair Of 746 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Sponsoring Committee.
His passions don’t end there though, Cliff has made several accomplishments within the hockey community here in White Rock. He has coached numerous hockey teams, was the owner of the South Surrey Eagles Junior “A” Hockey team from 1993-2000 and became director of White Rock Minor Hockey Association in 1988.
It is clear Cliff cared deeply for his community and wanted to contribute to the success of White Rock. He was a recipient Of Numerous Community Achievement And Recognition Awards and was nominated For The White Rock/South Surrey Chamber Of Commerce “Businessman Of The Year” Award in 2001.
Moti Bali has a BA in Economics Special and Political Science. He was in the teaching profession in Uganda before moving to Canada and has lived in White Rock for 26 years with his wife, Rama.
With a love for art and culture Moti has made an impact of White Rocks representation by being a part of the Cultural Advisory Committee, Public Art Advisory Committee, Art and Culture Committee – Vice Chair, volunteering in the Sea Festival and being a Chairperson in the Community in Bloom initiative.
Over the past four years, the ‘Festival of Lights’ has been organized by White Rock’s International Community Celebration Society, chaired by well-known community organizer, Moti Bali. This festival has particularly emphasized the multicultural aspect of the city’s Diwali celebration, underlining it with the slogan “White Rock Welcomes the World.”
Moti’s efforts do not stop here, he is as well the president of the White Rock Tennis Club, a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, a White Rock/ South Surrey Hospice Society Volunteer and part of the Waterfront Improvement Committee.
Michael Mackay-Dunn has been a Semiahmoo Peninsula resident since 2005. He is a devoted teacher and Football coach at Earl Marriott Secondary. He teaches a variety of subjects such as, First Nation Studies, Economics, Business Education and is the First Nation Program Department Head.
As a First Nations Program advocate, Michael supports Earl Marriott’s First Nation students and provides teachers with First Nation educational support in their subject areas. In 2013, Michael led a committee to bring the CEN ‘ALIEN TOTEMS Welcome Posts to Earl Marriott Secondary and were installed in 2014 in ceremony during the year of reconciliation. And was the vision of the late Semiahmoo Chief, Bernard Charles.
MacKay-Dunn’s involvement in the First Nations program’s hosting of the annual Spring Pow Wow, along with SFN is outstanding and has been a proud traditional celebration since 1996.
As a football coach, teacher and First Nations Program Advocate, Michael brings culture, inclusivity, determination and leadership to Earl Marriott secondary and the City of White Rock.
Over the past 50 years, Bill Wallace has contributed hundreds of hours volunteering in White Rock. With the support of his wife Sharon, Bill has helped support local service clubs, fundraisers, festivals, sports, and culture. Bill has been a Semiahmoo Peninsula resident for 58 years.
His many accomplishments and contributions to the community include volunteering for Kinsmen Mother March, Kinsmen Christmas Tree Sales, Lions Pancake Breakfast and devoted 34 years volunteering for White Rock United Church Community Christmas Day Dinner. Bill helped raise $22,000 to purchase a Handicap Bus for Peace Arch Hospital, coached Little League Baseball, and was a Cub Scout Master. Bill not only devoted his time to volunteering and coaching but was apart of many clubs and committees as well such as: Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, chairman of the Sunnyside Villas Seniors Housing Society, White Rock Waste Management Committee and White Rock Curling Club.
The devotion Bill has to his community is evident, he was elected the Lions International Fellowship Award and was a member of countless clubs, organizations, committees and more.
Marilena completed a degree in education at SFU and taught elementary school for seven years specializing in art education. She then attended Douglas College where she studied Interior Design before returning to SFU to complete a degree in General Studies with a Major in Psychology.
She served as Human Resources and Communications Manager at Fleetwood Sausage Ltd., the family business, before it was sold in 1992. In 1994, she and her husband, Peter, designed and built Blue Star Cold Storage, with locations in both Vancouver and Calgary. She presently works as a personal interior design shopper for clients both locally and in Arizona.
Marilena has been involved in many community projects and organizations. She was Director of the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Director of the White Rock Tourism Board. Also, in recent years she was Chair of the White Rock Communities in Bloom Committee and Chair of the Public Arts Committee. She is presently serving as President of the white Rock Museum & Archives Society Board and is an advisor on the White Rock Public Art Task Force. She is also currently a Director on the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Foundation Board and serves on the East Beach Restoration Task Force for the City of White Rock. Having completed the Vandusen botanical Garden Master* Gardening Program in 1992 Marilena regularly volunteers as a Master Gardener.
In 2014 Marilena was named a White Rock Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula for her service to the community.
She and her husband, Peter have lived in White Rock for over 30 years.
Barbara Cooper was born and raised in Vancouver. She trained to be a primary school teacher in the mid 1960s at UBC where she studied Music Appreciation, Art History and specialized in Library Science.
After teaching Grade 2 in the Okanagan for a year, Barbara accepted a teacher-librarian position in Surrey in 1970, and moved to White Rock seven years later. She continued working in libraries at both the elementary and secondary level throughout her career (including local schools, H.T. Thrift and Earl Marriott) as well as serving the district as the Library and Learning Resources Helping Teacher. Over the span of her working life she served on many committees, helped to organize numerous events and conferences and was on the editorial board of the BCTLA's professional publication, The Bookmark. Barbara pursued her M.Ed degree at SFU, graduating in 1991 with first class honours. While at SFU she also coordinated the Summer Institute on Global Education.
Barbara finished her teaching career at Fleetwood Park Secondary. Working with the art teacher there, she helped to develop a week-long school-wide event which saw First Nations arts and culture integrated into such diverse curriculum areas as chemistry and computer studies. For this and other similar initiatives throughout her teaching career, she was honoured with the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence.
Following retirement in 2002, Barbara found time to travel and took up photography with a passion. She is a member of the board of directors of Semiahmoo Arts, spearheading various initiatives and eventually occupying the president's chair for three of her six years on the executive. She also served on arts-related civic committees in both White Rock (Cultural Committee one year as chair; Conversation on the Arts; Cultural Mapping; Uptown Design Charette; Art Economic Task Force), and in Surrey (South Surrey Arts Space; Cultural Development Advisory Committee; Surrey Cultural Granting Task Force).
In 2013, Barbara was named a White Rock Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula for her innovative leadership and significant contributions in promoting arts and culture. She is grateful for the opportunity to meet and work with artists and others who share her passion for the arts, and to serve the community at large.
Barbara lives in White Rock with her supportive husband, Jack. They have nine terrific grandchildren. She now owns a mug that says: Stop me before I volunteer.
Judy Jordison was born in Vancouver and has lived in White Rock for over 30 years. She attended Vancouver Technical, Vancouver Art School and Douglas College, and received an Associate of Visual Arts Degree in 1979. She has been an oil painter her entire life.
Her many accomplishments and volunteer contributions to the arts in our community include: fifteen years of teaching art with the Community Arts Council; Curator and Director of the Station Arts Centre; ten years as co-organizer for the Studio Tour of White Rock & South Surrey Artists; numerous historical murals and paintings of White Rock; an organizer for Art Beat; fundraising and organizing events for the Station Arts Centre; Artist in Residence with Communities in Bloom; and helping to establish and run several local art groups, such as 'Figures V', 'Larger Than Life' and 'The Little Campbell River Group'.
Her work is also prominent at the White Rock Spirit of the Sea Festival, and Canada Day celebrations. A Spirit Bear painted by Judy raised $21, 500 for the local Lions Club.
The joy she finds in her art is evidenced by how prolific Judy is. You can see her art all over White Rock in public places, and in numerous galleries and businesses. In 2013 she was named a White Rock Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula.
Jack and his wife moved to White Rock in 2001, after 35 years in the ministry of the United Church in Manitoba. Although fascinated by White Rock, Jack missed the vigorous discussions about "what was really happening in the world and the powers and myths behind the headlines" he had had back home on the prairies.
In 2002, Jack joined the White Rock Philosophers Club which he found provided engagement in the deeper issues of society. The same year he started a group called the Community Citizens' Forum, which dealt with such topics as poverty, homelessness, leaky condos and other social justice topics. The forum would choose a resource person knowledgeable in the field to be discussed and then foster an in depth discussion for sharing ideas and views.
In 2003 when Jack heard about a group showing social justice films on Vancouver Island he decided to start a similar program in White Rock. By adding resource persons and discussions after the films Jack combined both the citizens' forum and film media to provide a more profound learning experience. The White Rock Social Justice Film Society now has 175 members, 95 films in their lending library, an average attendance of 100 at their monthly Friday night movies and 400 people at their February Film Festival. People come from all over the Greater Vancouver area, as well as Washington State to attend this popular and important program.
In Jack's own words: "We have much to learn about the real powers of our society and this is a time that calls us to wisdom and courage on a scale that no other age has faced. The Social Justice Documentaries are calling us to understand and confront the false powers of the world. To paraphrase a wise person 'If I do not burn for Justice and you do not burn for Justice how will there be light?'"
Jack was named a White Rock Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula in 2013.
Pat Patron was born in England and lived in Australia and Ireland before coming to Canada with her husband in 1970 and starting a family. She has been a White Rock resident for almost thirty years.
Pat began volunteering for Meals on Wheels as a driver in 1985 and eventually became president of the organization. She volunteers many hours organizing other volunteers and meals. She takes special interest in all her clients, visiting them when they're sick, or in hospital and attending funerals if, unfortunately, they pass away. She is eternally cheerful, patient, happy and smiling and has a nice clear voice that the elderly can hear. For special occasions and holidays she always makes sure there are special treats and theme napkins to make things cheery. Her cheerful and dedicated leadership of Meals on Wheels for almost three decades has brought good health and cheer to many of our valued citizens and enables them to remain in their homes in health and dignity.
Pat Petrala was born in Kemi, Finland and educated in Britain and Canada. She travelled all over the world before finally settling in White Rock. She has had a varied career working for The Hudson's Bay Company, Bell Telephone, various departments of Municipal and Federal Government and several non-governmental organizations.
Pat's cumulative knowledge and experience in diverse sectors including science, engineering, environment, arts and culture, adult education, health and social services, business, community development and all levels of government have shaped her career as a consultant. One of the first events she was involved in when she came to White Rock was the 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the City of White Rock in 1997, which in turn led to her involvement with the
Spirit of the Sea Festival. She is also involved in the Youth Ambassador Program, Camp Alexandra, Sources, the Stroke Recovery Club, White Rock Hospice and many more. She has also worked with many municipal committees for the cities of White Rock and Surrey, such as White Rock's Economic Advisory and Social Advisory committees, the Housing Diversity Task
Force and helped found the White Rock Business Improvement Association and the Peninsula Homeless to Housing Committee. She is also an active Past President of Friends of White Rock Library.
Pat is also very active with seniors' groups including involvement in the BC Association of Community Response Networks to End Elder Abuse, 411 BC Seniors Advocate and Advisor, Seniors Come Share Society, United Way, Semiahmoo Seniors Planning Table and Surrey's Seniors Access and Advisory Committee.
Widowed at age 33, Polly Tays raised three young children while pursuing a successful career in real estate.
She retired to White Rock in 1984 and became very active in the community. She has served as a church trustee, finance committee member, greeter and sign-in book coordinator while sending countless birthday cards to the youngsters of the congregation. She also donates her needlework to raise money for the church.
Since 1999 Polly has volunteered at the Peace Arch Hospital in the Day Surgery Ward and every Friday she can be found at the Hospice Thrift Shop, often repairing donated clothing. For years she served at the Kent Street Seniors Centre, baking and making lunch for other seniors. She also volunteered over the years at the Blood Donors Clinic and collects donations for "The Woman's Place" in South Surrey.
Polly Tays is a mother, grandmother, teacher, mentor, caregiver, volunteer, friend, bridge player, hiker, and an inspiration to all who know her.
Elizabeth was born in Ladner, BC, in 1907, to an American mother and an English father. She and her younger brother, Temple, were orphaned at a young age, and brought up by an aunt and uncle in New Westminster.
After extensive study at the Toronto Conservatory of Music, she settled in White Rock in 1950, building a house at the corner of Fir and Columbia that soon became a centre of artistic and cultural activity. In her capacity as assistant to the librarian, Elizabeth introduced the weekly story hour for children at the White Rock library in 1951.
For the next half century, Elizabeth was involved in, and often initiated, the establishment of every club of this nature in the community. They included the White Rock Choral Society, White Rock Overture Concert Society, Peace Arch Weavers Guild later Peace Arch Weavers and Spinners), White Rock Historical Society, the Elizabeth Foundation (now the Peninsula Arts Foundation), and the White Rock Museum & Archives Society.
To celebrate thirty years as a White Rock resident, Elizabeth hired a contingent of the Vancouver Symphony orchestra to perform in White Rock for the enjoyment of many fellow residents and friends.
In addition to opening her home for events, Elizabeth provided generous financial support to any cause that caught her interest.
In 1993, she inspired and financed the publication of "The History of the Arts in White Rock', and later she provided funding for research for Lorraine Ellenwood's history of White Rock, 'Years of Promise.
When Elizabeth died in 2003, she bequeathed a significant endowment to the White Rock Museum & Archives. She must be considered one of White Rock's truest friends.
Ellen was born in New Westminster in 1929. She grew up in Cloverdale graduating from Lord Tweedsmuir High School in 1947. In 1951, she married Hal Sinclair, and moved to Cranbrook where Hal was a teacher. They moved to White Rock in 1954 because they thought it would be a good place to raise their family which soon grew to four children, Lynne, Kay, Tom and Kim.
Ellen soon became active in several organizations including the PTA of the White Rock Elementary School and the First United Church, of which she is still a member serving as a trustee. She served on the Board of Surrey White Rock Come Share for twelve years and also on the Peninsula Arts Foundation Board for several years, including two as Chair.
Ellen's work for the Peace Arch Hospital has been tireless and extensive. She served as the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary President for four years and as a trustee of the board of the hospital for twelve years, including two as Chair. She also served two years as Chair of the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. She was asked to serve on the Partners in Caring Campaign Committee as the liaison between the Auxiliary and the Peace Arch Community Health Foundation. For three years she has been involved with the Foundation's Speaker's Bureau giving presentations at local retirement residences and service clubs.
A grateful community has shown its appreciation, and Ellen's awards include a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of White Rock for her work on the Heritage Advisory Committee in 1981, Honorary Life Membership in the Peace Arch District Hospital Women's Auxiliary awarded in 1984, Semiahmoo Peninsula Citizen of the Year in 1989, Certificate of Service from the Peace Arch Hospital in 1990, the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation awarded to citizens providing outstanding service to their community or country in 1993, and the Friend of the Foundation's Award of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award from the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation in 2010. She was awarded the Order of White Rock in 2011.
Hal Sinclair passed away in December 1990. Ellen remarried in 1994 to Howard Kennett. They live in South Surrey, but their hearts are in White Rock.
Linda hailed from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, where she raised a family and began a career in business. She moved on to Kamloops and turned to advertising and sales, eventually becoming sales manager and publisher of Kamloops This Week. In 2000, she came to the White Rock area and became publisher of the Peace Arch News.
Linda's contributions to the White Rock community reached far beyond the realm of her professional life. She became a key volunteer for the Peace Arch News Vintage Affair, Community of Lights Event Society, and the Spirit of the Sea Festival. She also donated time and expertise to projects with the Peace Arch Hospital, Community Health Foundation, and the White Rock South Surrey Community Foundation. Among the awards she received for her contributions to the community are Business Woman of the Year, and a Paul Harris Fellowship.
Despite her busy carrer and volunteer involvement, she always had time for fun with those she loves most. She cherished her time at her home away from home on Shuswap Lake where she was known as "Margarita Mom".
Linda passed away in 2011, survived by a large and loving family, and mourned by the community she served.
Born in Vancouver in 1945, Joe O'Malley grew up in Surrey and New Westminster, where he played lacrosse at the junior level with the New Westminster Salmon Bellies. As a child, he and his family spent their summers in White Rock. Joe developed a fondness for the community that lasted his whole life.
Joe graduated with an arts degree from UBC in 1968, then earned a teaching certificate from SFU. His final practicum was carried out at White Rock Elementary where he was hired to teach Grade 5 in 1971.
His entire teaching career was spent at White Rock Elementary. The impressive list of activities includes serving as Surrey Teachers' Association Representative, School Faculty Chairman, School Athletic Representative, School Mathematics Advisor, School Social Studies Contact, an original member of the committee for the construction of the track at South Surrey Athletic Park, South Zone Volleyball Coordinator & Athletics Coordinator, Tournament Coordinator and jack of all trades for school musicals and assemblies. From 1974 to 1977 he coached teams in White Rock Minor Lacrosse Association.
Although Joe retired as a full-time teacher in 2002, he was immediately rehired on call. He continued his activities in many committees and associations as well as being District Coordinator for Track and Field Meets, organizing volleyball play days, providing coaching clinics and organizing track meets for disabled athletes. He acted as scrutinizer for provincial elections, supervised sessions of Monday night ball hockey and coordinated school camping sessions for many years.
For his skill as a coach Joe has received many awards including the 20 Year Coaching Award for Surrey in 1991, and the Bruce Rutherford Coach of the Year Award for Surrey /White Rock in 1996. His efforts as Mathematics Advisor for White Rock Elementary netted four first place prizes in national contests in the 1980s and 1990s along with top ten finish every year.
Of his career, Joe said, "Most teachers would say that they set out to make a difference as a teacher. I wanted to become part of a community in White Rock. It is my hope that I made school a fun and positive place to learn and that I had a role in developing or changing young lives for the better." The community recognized his contributions with the Order of White Rock in 2011.
Joe and his wife Beverley live in White Rock. They have two daughters and two grandchildren.
Terry was born in Stettler, Alberta in 1944, and graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He and his family moved to the White Rock area in 1975. He was in the contract food service business for 15 years before moving into graphics and printing. He is best known for establishing Parfour Signs and Printing, a landmark business in White Rock which he operated in Central Plaza for 17 years.
Well known for his gruff-but-lovable personality, Terry was passionate about White Rock and the local business community. He felt the city could achieve year-round commercial success, and worked tirelessly toward this. Involved with the Business Improvement association since its inception in 2004, he became president in 2008.
To further fulfill his dream, he served as president of the South Surrey White Rock Chamber of Commerce, president of Tourism White Rock, and was a member of the Rotary Club. Terry passed away suddenly in 2011 survived by his wife Carol, two daughters and two grandsons.
It is not an overstatement to say he raised the bar for dedication to his community.
- Chip Barret
- Margaret Cuthbert
- Caroline Foster
- Elizabeth Hollick
- Tom Kirstein
- Lesley Maudsley
- Mary Mikelson
- David Riley
- Dr. Roy Strang
- David Webb
- Edith and Alan Webster
- Patricia Zondag
Chip Barrett was born and grew up in Toronto. After graduating from Upper Canada College in 1964, he attended Ryerson Institute of Technology and UBC, graduating with degrees in English, Fine Arts and Architecture. In 1967 he was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts. He played in the CFL until 1972 when he resigned to focus on his education and begin a career in architecture.
As an architect his projects included many seniors and social housing developments, condominium apartments and townhouses, industrial buildings as well as the Phoenix Centre 64 Bed Residential Treatment Centre in Surrey, the Riverside Business Centre in Richmond and the Alpine Meadows Resort Lodge Church and Stables in Clearwater B. C. He is a Member of the Architectural Institute of B.C., of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and of the Alberta Association of Architects. For his work he has received the City of White Rock Commercial Design Award, the City of New Westminster Institutional Builders' Award and the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Industrial Building Award.
Chip co-founded the Canadian Open Sandcastle competition that attracted over a million people to White Rock between 1979 and 1987. His community mindedness has led him to be involved in wide variety of events and organizations, including Director of the BC Summer Games, Trustee of the Peace Arch Hospital, coach of little league baseball and minor hockey, Advisor to the Boards of the White Rock Summer Theatre and the White Rock Players Club, Board Member of the Peace Arch Community Services Foundation, and Chairman of the Community Christmas Day Dinner.
Chip is an Honorary Life Member of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and was awarded the Order of White Rock in 2008. He and his wife Cindy have two adult children and live in South Surrey.
Margaret Cuthbert was born in Pender Harbour and grew up in West Vancouver and Vancouver Island. In the early 1970s she attended the University of Victoria and completed the Interior Design Program at Douglas College in North Surrey. In 1978 she enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts at UBC where she studied photography, painting, printmaking and art history.
While attending university and raising her two sons, she worked at a variety of jobs. In 1982 Margaret moved permanently to White Rock and in 1985 she started an architectural design business designing custom homes and renovations with a focus on ergonomics. In 1986 she entered into collaboration with David Riley and Circa Homes Ltd.
Her volunteer work has been extensive and focused on nature conservation and education. Her volunteer efforts have aided and guided groups such as the White Rock & Surrey Naturalists Society, the Little Campbell Watershed Society and initiated Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society.
She has initiated programs such as the Birds on the Bay Program, the Native Plant
Demonstration Garden with the White Rock Museum & Archives, eelgrass mapping, Shorekeepers Program and the Beach Hero Marine Interpretive Program in Boundary Bay in cooperation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
She has received the White Rock and Surrey Naturalists Conservation Award and the B.C. Nature Federation of B.C. Naturalists Education Award for advancing conservation in Boundary Bay. In 2008 she was awarded the Order of White Rock.
Margaret lives in White Rock in a 1928 Deco-Moderne house, which she has lovingly preserved.
Caroline Foster was a long time White Rock resident, passionate about White Rock and seniors' issues. She was well known for the beauty of her rose garden, her shrewd business sense and her "Hang Ten" license plate. Her interest in politics and frequent attendance at City Council meetings led her to be known as the watchdog of City Council. In 1998 she made a successful bid for a seat on White Rock City Council. The next year, when she was unsuccessful in the race for mayor, she decided to leave politics and focus her energy on the Kent Street Activity Centre.
Not only was she chair of the centre's executive committee, she worked in the coffee shop, was heavily involved in the Kent Street Seniors Society, sang in the choir and baked her famous pies for the plant and bake sale. Her friend, White Rock Councillor Mary-Wade Anderson, presented her with a certificate from the City of White Rock for her outstanding 'service to the community. She was also awarded posthumously the Order of White Rock in 2008.
Caroline passed away in August 2008 survived by her four children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth Hollick grew up in London, England, where she was born in 1944. After high school, she attended a succession of art colleges where she studied drawing, painting and sculpture. She served in the Royal Navy for a short time before marrying Michael Hollick in 1966. A business opportunity brought the Hollicks and their three daughters to Canada in 1974. They moved to White Rock having heard it was a great place to raise a family.
Elizabeth's art has been shown in many galleries and public areas in the Lower Mainland, from pen and ink exhibits in the White Rock Library and solo shows at the Community Arts Council Gallery to a mural for the Surrey Art Gallery painted over a series of four Sundays, and which she spectacularly set afire when it was completed. She has also collaborated with her daughters on art projects, and with other artists on projects such as the mural fence at the corner of Johnston Road and Russell Avenue.
Province-wide recognition of her work includes first prize in the Grand Prix Plein Air Competition in Qualicum Beach.
In 2005 she received the White Rock and South Surrey Chamber of Commerce Arts, Music and Culture Award, and she was awarded the Order of White Rock in 2008. Elizabeth and Michael now include three grandchildren in their family.
Tom grew up in Vancouver and graduated from Simon Fraser University in 1969. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1972 and opened a practice in White Rock in 1973 as the founding partner of KNV Chartered Accountants. He retired in 2007.
His enthusiasm for the city motivated him to enter civic politics. While Chair of the Hospital Board, he served one term as alderman in 1979 before campaigning on a platform of change and progress to win the mayoralty race the following year. He handily won the office at the age of 31, the youngest mayor in British Columbia. He served two terms as Mayor and retired to his CA practice in 1983.
Tom co-founded the Canadian Open Sandcastle Competition that attracted over a million people to White Rock between 1979 and 1987. He has served as chair of the Boards of Peace Arch District Hospital. Society, DFK Accountancy Group (Canada), and Surrey Metro Savings Credit Union, and has served on boards of the CA School of Business, Peace Arch Curling Club and Coast Capital Savings Credit Union.
He chaired the capital campaign for Semiahmoo House Society's project for people with developmental disabilities, the $32 million Partners in Caring Campaign for Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, and the $1.6 million campaign for Fraser Valley Cancer Centre.
In 1993, he received Rotary Club's Paul Harris Fellow recognition for service to the community. In 2002, he was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia, an award which recognizes exceptional service to the profession. In 2008 he received the Order of White Rock.
Tom and his wife Marylou live in White Rock, have four children, and eight grandchildren, seven of whom were born at Peace Arch Hospital.
Mary Mikelson is the wife of world-renowned sculptor, the late Arnold Mikelson. Their union resulted in four beautiful children.
Mary has been a tireless advocate for the arts in White Rock. She has organized and judged all entries for the Arnold Mikelson Festival of Arts for 36 years. The festival has gained the reputation for high quality arts and attracts visitors from all over the world. Over the years Mary has mentored and promoted thousands of artists to realize their dream.
Mary herself paints in oil and is quite successful at selling what she produces.
Mary also has a background in business and served as President for the White Rock & South Surrey Chamber of Commerce. She served for six years as Councillor for the City of White Rock and has served on many non-profit societies over the years.
Mary's efforts have been recognized by the City of Surrey, awarding her the Civic Treasure Award. She received the Air Canada and Community Newspaper Heart of Gold Award, the Surrey Chamber of Commerce Businéss Excellence Award, and has been nominated several times for Citizen of The Year. From the Federal Government, Mary received The Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Carada. In 2008 she was awarded the Order of White Rock.
David Riley was born in Toronto and attended York University, graduating with a degree in Literature and Philosophy. In the early 1970s he visited White Rock to help a friend build a house and fell in love with the area. He came to White Rock permanently in 1972. In 1976 he started a custom home building company named Circa Homes Ltd. focusing on service with integrity. Over his working career 'as a carpenter he has attended BCIT and Kwantlen College, studying numerous topics related to alternative energy and environmentally optimal building techniques. David was the Educational Coordinator for the Western Association of Property Inspectors and offered a non biased property inspection service through his company Independent House Diagnosis (1976) Ltd.
His volunteer work in construction is extensive and includes helping local seniors with building problems, installing exhibits and storage facilities in the White Rock Museum & Archives and installing the Seaquarium exhibit at White Rock Elementary School.
When David joined the White Rock and Surrey Naturalists in the late 1990s, he became aware of the many issues affecting the conservation and protection of ecosystems in the Fraser River Delta and Boundary Bay. His ethics and efforts in the green construction field are equalled by his efforts in nature conservancy.
Organizations he has volunteered for include the White Rock and Surrey Naturalists, the Little Campbell Watershed Society, and the Campbell Valley Park Association. As a founding member of the Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society he has worked to map eelgrass beds, do water quality sampling and provide educational programs such as World.Ocean Day Festival and the Shorekeepers program.
David received the White Rock and Surrey Naturalists Conservation Award and was awarded the Order of White Rock in 2008. He lives in White Rock.
Dr. Robert 'Roy' Strang was born in London and raised in Scotland. After serving in the Royal Navy during the Second World Wat, he earned a B.Sc. degree in forestry in 1950. He was awarded a Rockefeller Fellowship in 1961 and attained a Ph.D. in 1965.
Roy and his family emigrated to Canada, where he worked for the Canadian Forestry Service in the Maritimes Research Laboratory in Fredericton, and the Arctic Land Use Research Program in Edmonton. In 1975, he was appointed Associate Professor in Agriculture and Forestry at UBC, becoming the Executive Director of the Forest Research Council in 1981. From 1986 to 1991, Roy served as Associate Dean of Renewable Resources at BCIT.
For four years after retirement, he wrote a regular column for the Peace Arch News to raise awareness and promote discussion on environmental issues.
Roy has served on Surrey's Environmental Advisory Committee; as a Community Police Volunteer; as a founding member of the Save-Our-Sunnyside Committee; and president of the Sunnyside Acres Heritage Society.
His awards include the Distinguished Forester Award from the Association of B.C. Forestry Professionals, the Surrey Citizen of the Year Award, Rotary Club's Paul Harris Fellow recognition, and the Queen's Jubilee Medal. In 2008, he received the Order
of White Rock.
Roy and his wife Alison live in South Surrey. They have five children and eleven grandchildren.
David was born in Vancouver, but he grew up living and working in many communities in the Lower Mainland and on the coast of British Columbia. After high school, he graduated from Vancouver Vocational Institute, which qualified him as a Radio Officer on deep sea freighters. As a merchant seaman he travelled all over the world, instilling in him a lifelong love of travel. He married his wife Marilyn in 1972, and they settled in White Rock in 1977.
As soon as they arrived, they became involved in White Rock polities. David joined the White Rock Ratepayers Association and the West Beach Conservation Society. He was elected to White Rock City Council in 1983, serving as an Alderman for 15 years. Initiatives during his time in office in which he takes most pride are the construction of the promenade and improvement of the waterfront area, an increase in transit services, and the implementation of 'à city wide smoking ban in public places. He served as City Council liaison to the White Rock Museum & Archives Society and was later elected president of the Society.
In 1999, he and Marilyn opened the Ocean Rose B&B. As well, David joined the Chamber of Commerce, and began working to improve tourism in White Rock. He is also a member of the White Rock Tourism Board and president of the White Rock Bed and Breakfast Association. To stay active, he is a fitness instructor with the White Rock Leisure Services Department. He was awarded the Order of White Rock in 2008.
Edith and Alan Webster had a passion for the sport of tennis, which they shared with friends, family and their community. Residents of New Westminster, they joined the New Westminster Tennis Club in 1934 and 1937, respectively. Edith was a schoolteacher and Alan was a civil engineer with the federal government. They spent their summers in White Rock where they founded the White Rock Tennis Club.
In 1962 Edith began teaching young tennis players in White Rock. By the late 1960s, she had built her programme to 120 payers, and her juniors were good enough to play in the Vancouver & District Junior League. However, league regulations prohibited the White Rock junior team from participating in the tournament without an associated adult club. Alan said, “then we'll form a club," which they did in 1968. Between 1969 and 1973 the White Rock Junior Team won the Vancouver and District League four times. Essentially the club was formed to provide juniors with their best opportunity to develop their skills. Also in the 1960s, Alan brought international touring juniors from Japan and Mexico to White Rock and initiated the interclub summer league. In 1970, White Rock Mayor John Hynds recognized Edith's efforts by awarding her the Civic Medallion. Alan served as Technical Director of Tennis at the Canada Summer Games in 1973.
In 1974, Edith and Alan together were named Mr. and Mrs. Tennis B.C. the highest possible award for their contributions to the sport. During the late 1970s and early. 1980s they travelled B.C. at their own expense to assist development of tennis in the outlying areas of the province.
In 1984 Alan formed the ongoing Delta Valley Junior League comprised of clubs from Crescent Beach, New Westminster, Sunshine Hills, Tsawwassen and White Rock. He was coordinator of that league from its inception to the time of his death. In 1988 Alan was named City of White Rock Volunteer of the Year.
Edith passed away in 1994. Two years later, at the age of 87, Alan retired from playing tennis. In 2001 Tennis Canada presented him with the Distinguished Service Award for his lifetime of service and dedication to the sport. Alan died in 2004. Together, they were awarded posthumously the Order of White Rock in 2008.
Patricia was born in Edmonton, Alberta and moved to B.C. with her family when she was a child. She completed high iness course at Pitman Business College before obtaining employment at Vancouver City Hall in the Licence Department.
After exploring several other faiths, she and her husband, Joe, joined St. John's Presbyterian, where they have been members for 35 years. Patricia joined the church choir and the "Happy Notes," a group who entertain at several rest homes in White Rock. She is a church trustee and honorary member of the Women's Missionary Society.
In addition to her singing talent she is a skilled knitter, producing sweaters.for sale, at the church, or to be donated to the "Nightshift Ministry" in Whalley, and Variety Children's Charity. From 1993 to 2009 she coordinated the Lunch Hut soup kitchen in St. John's. Patricia also enjoys performing with the White Rock Musical Theatre Society.
The Zondags live in Guildford, and have two children and four granndchildren.
Patricia received the Order of White Rock in 2008.
A true pioneer of White Rock, Edith "Granny" Vidal spent summers camping on the shores of Semiahmoo Bay as early as 1903. She left England for Canada in the 1890's settling in New Westminster with her husband Adam Rolph. Mr. Rolph perished in the Valencia disaster of 1906 leaving Edith with five children. She remarried in 1907 to James Henty Vidal and moved to White Rock, traveling from New Westminster by ox cart along the Semiahmoo trail.
In 1919 she opened the Auditorium dance hall and theatre on Marine Drive at Vidal Street, the first building in White Rock specifically designed for dancing, sporting and entertainment. There was such excitement on opening night that the train coming from Blaine was over an hour late packed with eager patrons.
One of her many projects included working to improve sidewalk construction to make the streets safer for seniors and children. She was a keen supporter of the local Boy Scouts and was active in many community organizations such as the horticultural club, the lawn bowling club, the Legion Auxiliary and the tennis club.
Undoubtedly her most lasting contribution to the community was as one of the original organizers of the White Rock Amateur Swimming Association. From its inception in 1919 to her death in 1964 she remained passionately involved in WRASA. As a mother of eight children, WRASA's motto "Teach a Child to Swim and Save a Life" must have had special meaning. Over the decades, Granny was universally acknowledged as the matriarch of the swim club and perhaps even of White Rock itself.
Dr. Beth Scott graduated from UBC with a degree in Education. After teaching in Langley and Surrey, she became the first female school administrator in Surrey, serving as principal of Jessie Lee Elementary, Thrift Elementary and L.A.
Matheson Secondary School successively. She later moved to the School Board office where she was Director of Instruction for Fine Arts, Physical Education and Home Economics.
Following retirement, Beth continued her education achieving a Doctorate in Educational Administration in 1991. It was at this time that she met and married George Scott, a retired lawyer. The couple had much in common including a strong sense of social responsibility. Their combined energies led to the creation of ACCES, the African Canadian Continuing Education Society, which has operated in Kenya since 1993. Its primary objectives are to sponsor university and college education, set up primary schools, provide HIV / AIDS education and establish small business training.
For her leadership and contribution to education in Canada and Kenya, Dr. Scott received the Lewis Perinbam Award for International Development in 1999.
Margaret and Dick Lower came to White Rock in 1968. They arrived on April 15th, their wedding anniversary and the city’s birthday. Soon afterwards, they both joined community organizations as a way to meet their neighbours and get to know the community. Dick joined the Peace Arch Curling Club while Margaret became a member of the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary and the Local Council of Women. A passionate bridge player, Margaret introduced the idea of a bridge marathon to the Hospital Auxiliary as a fundraiser.
Margaret's involvement with the Local Council of Women sparked her interest in city planning and motivated her to run for alderman in 1977. She was the third woman in White Rock's history to be elected to city council and served in that capacity for 12 years. During this time, she served as a director for Peninsula Estates Affordable Housing and Semiahmoo House Society. Dick was very proud and supportive of Margaret's many community activities. Her interest in health issues saw her devote many years to the Community Health Organization working group. She was appointed to the Peace Arch Community Health Council and the Regional Heath Board and was involved in the Geriatric Heath Services and Peace Arch Seniors Planning Committees. She continues to be a strong advocate for seniors and the disadvantaged.
In 1996 she was awarded the Joan Murrell award for her seniors and health advocacy work. In 2002 she was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal in recognition of her contribution to the community.
Roy Jelly and his family came to White Rock in 1962, where Roy worked as a realtor and mutual fund salesman: By the early 1970's, he returned to his roots in the newspaper business, joining the staff at the White Rock Sun. When the Sun changed hands in 1975, Roy made the fateful decision to strike out on his own.
He began publication of the Peace Arch News on Feb 10, 1976 with a philosophy of focusing on local issues. The first few years were hard work as he was virtually a one-man operation, delivering papers to 13,000 homes. As the paper grew, Roy remained true to his philosophy and continued to be community minded through programs such as the Peace Arch News Christmas Fund and the Vintage Affair, fundraising for local charities and needy families. When he sold the paper and retired in 1985, he described his years with the Peace Arch News as the most exciting of his life
His concern for the community in his professional life was reflected in his personal life, as he was active in several community groups such as the Rotary Club and the Peninsula Arts Foundation. He used his skills as a publisher to produce newsletters and other communications tools for both groups. His generosity with time and money was well known throughout the community. When the White Rock Players playhouse was renovated in 2005, he and his wife Marjorie made the largest private donation.
Roy was well known for his wit, especially puns. Perhaps his most famous was delivered after a roast in his honour in 1985. "This all goes to prove that you can't roast Jelly".
On July 1st, 2006 the City of White Rock designated him an 'Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula'. He passed away on July 26th, 2006.
Scott Wheeler was a driving force in the dramatic arts in White Rock for three decades. He participated in 181 plays and was highly regarded as a director, actor and producer. Born on December 3, 1957; he grew up in Newton. After graduating from the UBC theatre program, he joined the White Rock Players Club in 1975 and served many terms as President. Outgoing and gregarious, he personified the role of the Dame in the much-loved Christmas Pantomime performed by the Players Club every year and was a colourful contributor to the annual Spirit of the Sea parade. He was co-founder of the Atomic Blueberry Company (ABC Theatre), Director of the Peace Arch Performing Arts Academy and resident drama teacher at the Surrey Arts Centre.
He received awards for many productions including Theatre BC's Best Director award for "Twelve Angry Men" and a citation by the Community Theatre Coalition for his production of "The Wild Party" in 2003. He also had roles in film and on television and was much in-demand as a master of ceremonies for special events, including the annual Community Theatre Coalition awards, at which he was given a life-time achievement award in 2005.
Scott committed himself fully to the local theatre scene by directing, script writing, acting, public relations, ticket selling and encouraging up and coming talent. He was a friend and mentor to generations of acting students and community theatre enthusiasts. A popular Rotarian, he was key in conveying to the community the importance of supporting the White Rock Rotary/Players Club project to complete major renovations to the White Rock Playhouse, now the beautiful Coast Capital Playhouse. He died on February 18, 2006, aged 48, and is greatly missed by the community.
George grew up in Devonshire England, and in his youth worked as a gardener on a large estate. The meticulous and caring nature of the work seems to have destined George for a life of nurturing and kindness.
After serving in the Second World War he came to Canada, settling in White Rock in 1959. He joined the local legion and the Sea Festival Society, and in 1963 he was hired as the City's first gardener. His effect on the look and the feel of the community was immediate and long lasting. In his seventeen-year career as White Rock's Parks Foreman he created MacCaud Park, landscaped areas of the city, such as Five Corners, Maple Street and Columbia Avenue, as well as lining many of White Rock's Streets with trees.
When George wasn't gardening, he was looking for a way to lend a hand in the community. During his working life and into his retirement he was an avid volunteer. Arranging the children's parade for 15 years, initiating the construction of the Cenotaph in 1967, playing a convincing Santa Claus for 37 years, founding the White Rock Coordinating society (which became Peace Arch Community Services), and founding the annual Christmas Day dinner for those who would otherwise spend Christmas alone, are just a few of the many ways George contributed to our community.
In 1980 he was the first recipient of the Semiahmoo Lions Club Citizen of the Year Award. In 1984 the Federal Ministry of Health and Welfare chose him for their 'Lifestyle Award', describing him as having "improved the quality of life within the community". George died on January 23rd, 2000, at the age of 86.
Lorraine moved to the White Rock area in 1975 and soon after her arrival she became involved in the White Rock Historical Society. She formed the nucleus of the White Rock Museum and Archives in 1991 and served as its director until she retired in 1997.
Lorraine is also very involved in the White Rock community. She has taught dyslexic kids, cofounded the Semiahmoo Swim Club, and is a current member of the Canadian Federation of University Women and the Peninsula Arts 'Foundation.
After her retirement as Director of the Museum, Lorraine spent five years researching and writing a book on the history, of White Rock, titled Years of Promise: 1858 - 1958. The book was commissioned in 1999 by the White Rock Museum, and Archives Society with the endorsement and support of White Rock City Council. Full of glossy black and white photographs, Years of Promise, traces the growth and development of White Rock from its days as a tiny seaside community through to its incorporation.
Currently, Lorraine is conducting interviews and collecting information to create a second volume of White Rock history on her retirement she was made Director Emeritus of the White Rock Museum & Archives where she still volunteers and helps with daily operations.
Born in Quebec on April 25, 1940, Constable Michael Lane began his career with the RCMP on July 12, 1974, and was transferred to the White Rock Detachment in September of 1989. He retired from the RCMP in April of 2000 and currently resides in White Rock with Dianne Lane, his wife of 38 years. The proud father of two grown daughters, Cst. Lane and his family have lived in White Rock for 32 years.
During his 11 years with the White Rock RCMP, Cst. Lane's duties included operational policing and he spent the latter years of his career managing the Detachment's Community Policing Section. The Community Policing Program that he managed was awarded the Award of Merit by the B.C. Attorney General in 1995 as well as a Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators Award in 1997 for innovation in "Crime Prevention and Community Policing Initiatives" for a municipality with a population of less than 20,000.
Cst. Lane is best known for his work on a historic project entitled The Gift" which involves two fifteen-foot totem poles that were erected on the picturesque White Rock coastline to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the RCMP. Lane was the originator of the project and led it through its completion. He helped to raise $200,000 in cash donations and over $10,000 of in-kind contributions from corporations and citizens in White Rock and South Surrey. The project, which saw the totem poles erected in 1999, helped to unify local residents, the First Nations community, civic government and the RCMP. Cst. Lane received the RCMP's Commanding Officer's Commendation on November 2, 1999, and was nominated in 2005 for a Meritorious Service Decoration for his work on The Gift project.
Bill and Mary Macgregor have lived in the South Surrey area and in the same house on 144th Avenue near 32nd Street for more than 50 years. Mary's parents, the Koyngles, were one of the founders of the Elgin area, making them some of the first people in the area next to First Nations.
Throughout their 50 years in the area, the couple has been very involved in the community. They were members of the Elgin Ratepayers Association which owned the Elgin Hall. Prior to Elgin Hall being maintained by the City of Surrey, Bill held the keys to the hall and if you wished to use it, Bill would lend you the keys. Bill and Mary also helped to organize and stage many events that took place at Elgin Hall throughout the years.
The couple is best remembered for their warmth, kindness, and generosity to the community. One resident of the area fondly remembers a time from his childhood where he cut down trees from some back woods which was actually Macgregor land then sold them as Christmas trees to the community to make money. Despite the fact that the trees probably belonged to his family, Bill was more than happy to purchase one from the young man. As that resident puts it, "their laughter, kindness, and sense of humour were freely shared with others without expectation, what more could community want?"
Don started living in White Rock at the tender age of two years old, when his family moved to the area in 1921. Having grown up in the carly days of the city he is full of stories about the characters and events that shaped the beginnings of the City of White Rock. As a young man, he joined the Canadian Air Force and went overseas in the Second World War serving his country from 1940 - 1945.
In 1946, Don became postmaster of White Rock. He retired from those duties in 1980. Having lived in White Rock for over 80 years, Don has gained a lot of knowledge about the community and is a walking history book.
Throughout his life, Don has been very involved in community development. He was a member of various community boards and committees that helped shape the development of the White Rock area. His previous roles have included the secretary of the hospital board, member of the Kinsmen Club, which led to the creation of the first library in White Rock, and a stint on the Surrey Parks Board.
Through a Kinsmen project in 1952, Munro helped to raise funds for the first Fraser Valley Regional Library in White Rock. The library was across from the White Rock Pier and in an old, small two room police station. Don helped to raise enough money to add a second floor and convert the building into a library setting. The library later moved to its current setting next to City Hall.
Munro also spent six years on the Surrey Parks Board during its initial stages back in the 1950's. Munro was the Parks Board Chairman for two years and helped to form the current parks infrastructure that led to Surrey being named "The City of Parks" Munro currently resides in White Rock neat Town Centre and is involved with the White Rock Museum and Archives. He sits on the Museum board and helps in numerous historical projects including providing information for the book, Years of Promise: 1858-1958, a' history of White Rock. As Lorraine Ellenwood, the author of Years of Promise, states, "Don Munro has a tremendous overall knowledge, of White Rock history. He is more knowledgeable, in a general sense, of White Rock history than anyone I have ever met."
Born in Matsqui in 1915, Mary came to Vancouver in the 1930s, graduating from UBC with a degree in History in 1937. She went on to teacher training and graduated from Vancouver Normal School in 1939. She was teaching at Queen Elizabeth High School when she met Murray Sanford a fellow teacher. They were married and moved to White Rock in 1943 where Murray became the Principal of Semiahmoo High School.
Mary quickly became active in her new community. In 1948 she was a charter member of the Hospital Auxiliary, and a founding member of the Goodwill Hospital Group. She also joined the Kinettes and the United Church Women's Association (UCWA) and was made a life member of both organizations and president of the UCWA by the mid 1950s.
As well as being a charter member of the Canadian Federation of University Women, she was extensively involved with the Council of Women. She founded the local White Rock and District branch of the organization in 1960. From 1968 to 1971 she was President of the Provincial branch, and. from 1972 to 1975 she was Vice President of the National branch. The International Council of Women made her an Honorary Life Member in 1974.
Mary's tireless work preserving the history of the community, including her work on the City's Heritage Advisory Committee, led to her being named a Life Member of the White Rock Historical Society in 1981. She had been a founding member in 1976, and elected president in 1977.
A grateful community consistently recognized Mary's efforts over the years. She received the White Rock Good Citizen Award in 1969, the Queen's 25th anniversary Silver Medal in 1978 and the Semiahmoo Peninsula Citizen of the Year Award in 1988 donating the cash prize to the Hospital, Foundation.
Mary Sanford died in July 1991 at the age of 76, but her legacy lived on. In 1993 the Mary Sanford Bursary was created to provide funds for women working in the hospital who wish to continue their education. Margaret Lower, a City Councillor and past president of the White Rock and District Council of Women had these words for her, "Mary Sanford made White Rock a better place for me and for all who live here".
Awards Ceremony
Recipients of the Outstanding Canadians on the Peninsula award are recognized annually during the City’s Canada Day by the Bay celebrations and during a Regular Meeting.