Nine people invested to Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to the province, nine people were invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador Wednesday morning.
Lieut.-Gov. Frank Fagan presided over the ceremony with Premier Paul Davis. This year’s inductees are:
• Selma Barkham — a Canadian historian and geographer who has made a remarkable contribution to the maritime history of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, the Basque Country and Spain;
• Harry Blackmore — a retired Captain with the St. John's Regional Fire Department, where he worked for 31 years. Blackmore has also been active in volunteering for the betterment of the people of the province for more than 40 years and has worked tirelessly and relentlessly to secure funding for volunteer training initiatives and equipment procurements.
• Shannie Duff — a former St. John’s mayor, deputy mayor and councillor and member of the House of Assembly, who has also worked tirelessly for more than four decades to help preserve and promote the unique heritage and character of St. John's, while also advocating for growth through good planning and appropriate development;
• Janet Gardiner (posthumously) — who was an accomplished businesswoman, philanthropist and role model who made significant contributions to this province's business, education, charitable and arts communities;
• Earl Ludlow — a Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island native and former president and CEO of Newfoundland Power who is now executive vice-president, eastern Canadian and Caribbean operations, with Fortis. Ludlow contributes a great deal of his time to many charities and non-profit organizations, and he has given selflessly and enthusiastically to each of them;
• Dr. David Parsons — who has made a remarkable contribution to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador as a medical doctor, a friend of veterans, and a historian of our role in the Great War of 19141918;
• Sterling Peyton — a champion for business growth in Labrador. After a long career as a public servant promoting economic development throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, he has taken his vast experience and given it freely to the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce and businesses throughout the Big Land;
• Frank Tibbo — a retired air traffic controller, who has made a remarkable contribution to documenting Gander’s, and the province’s, aviation history. Without him, much of that history would most certainly have been lost;
• Calvin White — of Flat Bay, who has played a vital role in the preservation and revival of Aboriginal culture in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“I am delighted to recognize nine outstanding Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” said Lieut.-Gov. Fagan. “These individuals demonstrate exemplary qualities and have contributed immensely to their communities and their province, each in their own way. Their life’s work instills a sense of pride and their legacy will continue as an example to us all.”
“This province is made great by its people,” Davis said. “We all know of individuals who dedicate their lives to those around them, their families, friends, neighbours and province on a daily basis. On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians I congratulate this year’s inductees who demonstrate these qualities, and who have made this a better province for all of us.”