Bob Termuende has been awarded the Kings Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition for his significant contributions to his community, province and country during a ceremony on Aug. 29.
Tom Shypitka, MLA for Kootenay East, presented the medal on behalf of the Crown, while shining a spotlight on his exemplary commitment to service.
"Retired Staff Sargeant Robert Termuende, who we know as Bob, is a military veteran," said Shypitka, speaking beside Termuende in a presentation that was live-streamed into a recent Cranbrook Rotary Club meeting.
"He co-founded Cranbrook-based Eagle Plains Resources in 1992. Eagle Plains Resources has a history of supporting community initiatives in areas it operates through donations to select clubs, charities and organizations. This includes BC Childrens Hospital, youth sports, food banks and community organizations.
"Bob has also served on numerous boards including Friends of Fort Steele, is a long-standing member of the Cranbrook Rotary Club, where he was just named Rotarian of the Year, a fitting accolade, as you would often see Bob at the 50-50s, whether it is at Western Financial Place or down at Rotary Park with Orma; you'd see Bob and Orma everywhere in our community."
Termuende joins some distinguished company among other notable British Columbians who have been awarded the Coronation medal including former B.C. premiers Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark, as well as some fellow Cranbrookians including Loree Duczek, Karin Penner, Brent Bidston, Jason Wheeldon, Dennis Walker, Dr. Tracey Parnell and more.
"On behalf of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada, I'm pleased to present you with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for your many years of community service and philanthropy," said Shypitka, "We are proud to recognize you for your contributions. Our commitment to Canada is strengthened when we collectively honour those who have distinguished themselves by virtue of their talents, generosity and service to their community and to our country."
In accepting the medal, Termuende joked that he previously had a brush with royal attention when he received a letter from "King Charles' mother," Queen Elizabeth II, after turning 90 years old a few years back.
"This is the top of the heap," Termuende said. "Thank you very much."
