Governor General David Johnston didn’t come to London empty-handed.
One day after addressing a packed crowd of Londoners at Alumni Hall, the viceroy hosted a ceremony at the London Convention Centre Thursday, awarding 45 people – the majority from Ontario – honours for bravery, public service and volunteerism.
Among the awards were inductions to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Decorations for Bravery, the Polar Medal for efforts benefiting Canada’s north, and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
Sports broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg was given a service medal, as were Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod of Body Break fame.
Some southwestern Ontario recipients were honoured, including a few Londoners. Most notable was Ting Yim Lee, awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for his development of a software that has been integrated into thousands of medical devices worldwide.
Local winners (biographies by the Governor General’s office)
Ting Yim Lee, M.S.C.
London, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)
Ting Yim Lee developed an algorithm to measure blood flow in people who have suffered a stroke or heart attack, or who are living with cancer. Marketed as software by General Electric, this major medical advancement has now been integrated into more than 8,000 medical imaging devices worldwide.
Paul Finkelstein, M.S.M.
Stratford, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
With his organic gardens and experiential teaching approach, Paul Finkelstein is the backbone of the Screaming Avocado Café. This alternative, student-run cafeteria, located inside Stratford Northwestern Secondary School, teaches students the ins and outs of running a business as they develop healthy eating habits.
John Allison, M.B.
John McDonald, M.B.
Robert Stokes, M.B.
Petrolia, Ontario
Medal of Bravery
On April 22, 2015, John Allison, John McDonald and Robert Stokes rescued an elderly woman from her burning car in Petrolia, Ontario. The injured victim tried exiting through the window, but her legs became stuck beneath the steering wheel. Mr. Allison reached inside the car and, after several attempts, managed to free the trapped victim. Messrs. McDonald and Stokes then assisted Mr. Allison in pulling her out of the vehicle and carrying her across the road to safety.
Bryan Beattie
Grand Bend, Ontario
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
A volunteer with the Rotary Club of Grand Bend for the past 24 years, Bryan Beattie has contributed to the success of initiatives to eradicate polio, promote global literacy, enhance the community and support local charitable organizations. His dedication, his involvement in various causes, and his advice and expertise have brought success to many projects, including the Huron Country Playhouse, for which he has been a champion of artistic and cultural opportunities.
Suzanne Holmes
London, Ontario
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Suzanne Holmes has been volunteering in her community since 2002 and served as president of the Cercle des copains de London for 14 years. Her leadership and vision have had a significant impact on the Francophone and Francophile community.
John Hunt
Woodstock, Ontario
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Since 2004, John Hunt has been volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society, where he promotes awareness, facilitates community partnerships, co-chairs Woodstock’s annual Relay for Life and serves as chair of the Regional Advisory Committee. His efforts have made a significant contribution to the fight against cancer.
John Leitch
London, Ontario
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Through his leadership, John Leitch has pushed for a more open and caring Canada for over 30 years. He has served on the boards of such organizations as the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Thames Valley Education Foundation, and United Way London & Middlesex.
Pat Palmer
Shedden, Ontario
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
For over 25 years, Pat Palmer has served as president and secretary of the Shedden Women’s Institute and of 4-H, where she has coordinated such initiatives as the annual Go for the Gold competition. Her dedication has brought innumerable opportunities for both young and old in Elgin County.
Matthew Wakem
St. Mary’s, Ontario
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Over the course of 12 years, Matthew Wakem has accrued 15,000 community service hours for St. John Ambulance. He also volunteers with physically challenged individuals and is the founder of the St. Mary’s Leo Club, a youth-run component of the St. Mary’s Lions Club.
George Wilkinson
London, Ontario
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
For over 10 years, George Wilkinson has proven himself to be a devoted humanitarian and goodwill ambassador by donating his time locally and internationally to those in need. He has travelled to post-Katrina New Orleans and Mississippi, as well as to Nicaragua in 2013, helping people there rebuild their lives; he has also aided in the recovery and return of Second World War German and Russian remains in Latvia and is active in his own community as a coach for the Special Olympics.
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