Pair awarded Jubilee medals

Kenora-Rainy River MP Robert Nault was at La Place Rendez-Vous yesterday to congratulate two local men who had received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for outstanding commitment to community service.
Crown Attorney Robert “Buster” Young and OPP Cst. Paul Pirie were nominated for the medals last year and found out in December that they would be receiving the medal, which commemorates Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee on her accession to the throne.
“It was a great surprise,” said Cst. Pirie. “I didn’t know [of the nomination] until I got the phone call [about receiving the award].”
Cst. Pirie has 25 years of community service work under his belt, such as with TVOntario and Northern Community Development Services. He also is a 25-year member of the Monarchists League of Canada.
“It’s particularly exciting for a monarchist,” he remarked. “It had extra meaning.
“Two years ago, I received the Order of St. Stanislas for community service,” Cst. Pirie added, noting that is a Polish award given to people throughout the Western World.
“This is even more of a thrill than that.”
Young isn’t without his special English connection, either. His father was a tail gunner with a bomber unit of the RCAF and received the Queen’s Coronation Coach—a small replica of the royal coach used in special ceremonies.
It is now a family heirloom and a unique connection.
“My life has spanned the length of Queen Elizabeth’s reign,” Young said. “That makes it special. There are very few commemorative medals, so to me it is very special.”
Young also has many years of community service to his credit. He has been a reserve JAG officer for 18 years and holds the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He also is a member of the Victorian Order of Nurses.
Both recipients were awarded the medals for a combination of their public service and civil work.
“I am honoured today to congratulate these citizens in recognition of their contribution to the community of Fort Frances,” Nault said.
Recipients of the award must be Canadian citizens, have made a significant contribution to Canada, province, or community, and have been alive on Feb. 6, 2002 for the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne.