All aboard an Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions train, founder and owner Don Gillespie was honoured last week with a Queen’s Jubilee medal as a community builder.
“I’ve always been surrounded by good people, and I think it’s a matter of trusting people and communicating,” Gillespie said after he received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson.
The medals have been presented nationwide for dedicated community service.
“I guess rewards are good, but there are many other people who deserve it,” said Gillespie, the town’s male citizen of the year in 1983.
The Town of Stettler nominated Gillespie.
“Don is a true community builder,” said Coun. Leona Thorogood, who outlined his accomplishments during the presentation.
One of 60,000 recipients, Gillespie was congratulated in a letter from the national head of state.
“I thank you for your dedicated service to your peers, to your community and to Canada,” said Governor General David Johnston.
“The contributions you have made to our nation are most commendable and deserve our praise and admiration.”
Gillespie was the owner of G&H Foods for more than 25 years.
He was active in downtown business events and promotions such as the Night Before the Night Before, and a strong supporter of the 1991 Alberta Summer Games in Stettler.
“Though a huge community supporter, he is a very private man and very seldom allows the spotlight to shine on him,” Thorogood said.
“Don has an energy level that is second to none and is always looking for new and innovative ways to make this community a better place.”
Municipal leaders lauded his service.
“We are all benefactors of what Don has done for this community,” said Stettler Mayor Dick Richards.
“Don went far and above his job and is a good businessman and community leader,” said County of Stettler Reeve Wayne Nixon.
Over the decades, Gillespie and G&H Foods have won awards for the Tourism Business of the Year in 2000, the Alberta Business Award of Distinction in 1994, the David Thompson Tourism Association business of the year and a provincial service award in support of Alberta families in 1993.