Ken Miller is a familiar face in many local volunteer activities and his efforts were acknowledged by Senator Nancy Greene Raine on Thursday.
Before introducing Greene Raine, Coun. Tanya Ducharme cited Miller’s involvement with groups including Knights of Columbus, Citizens on Patrol, the Regional District of Central Kootenay Area B advisory planning commission, Creston Valley Blossom Festival, the Canyon water board, New Life Furniture and Recycling and the local housing society. He often works in concert with his wife, Signe.
“His wonderful organizational skills are of great value in our community,” Greene Raine, representing the government of Canada, said in presenting Miller with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Greene Raine, a onetime champion alpine skier who was named Canada’s female athlete of the 20th century, spoke about the value of volunteers.
“Without a doubt, we have people of who give of themselves for the betterment of our communities,” she said.
Explaining that Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended to the throne in 1952, is now the second-longest reigning monarch in Commonwealth history, Greene Raine said that, like Miller, she “has served above and beyond.”
“I hope you will wear it (the medal) thinking about our queen and all she has done.”
“I don’t believe I was any more worth than many other people who are volunteers,” Miller told a group of about 20 at Creston Town Hall. “So I accept this medal on behalf of all volunteers, for the satisfaction that we as volunteers get for serving, and doing it for the betterment of our community.”
Greene Raine, who now lives the Kamloops area, said she was impressed with her visit to Creston.
“I grew up in Rossland and came through here a lot when I was younger,” she said. “Your downtown area is looking so beautiful with all the flowers and trees — you have a beautiful and great community.”