Garry Kunstman was honoured as Stettler’s male citizen of the year in presentations last week at the Stettler Regional Board of Trade awards dinner.
“It’s an honour to receive this award,” said Kunstman, who with his wife Gail, have been lifetime residents of Stettler. “It’s very overwhelming.”
Kunstman has been very active in Stettler as an entrepreneur and community supporter.
In 1965, he formed Garry Kunstman Construction and through the years, other services were added and businesses were undertaken, including Shelter King steel buildings.
Through his companies, he has been able to donate metal buildings for minor soccer, minor baseball, Stettler Fire Department, West Stettler Park pond aeration and Heartland Victim Services.
Kunstman has been an executive member of Stettler Sabres senior hockey club, Stettler Rifle and Pistol Club and Stettler Lightning junior B hockey club.
He has been a strong supporter of the Lightning as an individual supporter and game-day corporate sponsor.
His sponsorship extends to supporting free skating at Stettler Recreation Centre and sponsoring jerseys for minor soccer and baseball teams.
The Kunstmans have also been supporters of Stettler Health Services Foundation golf tournament that also raises funds for Heartland Victim Services.
Now retired, Kunstman actively volunteers for Stettler and District Food Bank as he picks up donations and delivers them to the food bank.