MP John Barlow presented 24 Foothills County residents with King Charles III Coronation Medals.
The award recipients included community builders, first responders, military members, artists, farmers, and a D-Day veteran.
“Each is an incredible example of service, courage, and dedication,” Barlow said on social media.
The award celebrates extraordinary individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to their community, province, and country.
“Foothills is home to so many selfless individuals working quietly and tirelessly to strengthen our community,” Barlow said. “It was humbling to help recognize their achievements and say, simply but sincerely: Thank you.”
Here are the recipients:
Howard "Dyce" Bolduc
Dyce Bolduc has built Canada’s reputation for quality Black Angus genetics around the world, including selling a bull to the Queen Mother in the 1980s. He is dedicated to volunteering in his community and exemplifies everything it is to be a Canadian rancher.
Chris Cederstrand
Chris Cederstrand learned to pivot his goals through adversity, achieving excellence through determination. He turned losing a leg in a life-changing accident as a firefighter into an opportunity to motivate and empower others to overcome adversity in their own lives. Chris was involved with Canada's national sledge hockey program and continues to help grow the sport working with youth across Alberta.
Chad Chief Moon
Chad Chief Moon has an unwavering commitment to ensuring Indigenous youth can participate in sport, particularly the traditional role of lacrosse in the Blackfoot culture. He is known for his dedication to the youth in his community.
Anna De Paoli
Anna De Paoli’s business acumen, focus on community building and leadership to the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society has resulted in a cohesive volunteer team, efficient project management, streamlined fundraising, and strong community support.
Brent Dodginghorse
Brent Dodginghorse, a former member of the Calgary Hitmen and world rodeo champion, works to eliminate racism in sports and create a place of healing at his ranch through the power of culture, language, truth reconciliation, and community.
Bill Dunn
Bill Dunn began volunteering at the Museum of the Highwood in High River more than 30 years ago, which launched his passion for preserving and commemorating Western history, including adding markers to the Old Macleod Trail between Fort Benton, Montana, and Fort Calgary.
The award was received by his daughter, Eileen Griesdale.
Dean Compton
Dean Compton bravely served Canada in multiple overseas missions with the Canadian Armed Forces. After retiring from active service, he started a career as a firefighter in two departments. He is busy volunteering for the Foothills Fire Benevolent Society and is President of the Black Diamond Legion, and wherever he is needed.
Gail Fjordbotten
Gail Fjordbotten is a husband, father, farmer, passionate advocate for agriculture, and dedicated community volunteer. From multiple local groups to provincial boards, Gail’s contributions to his community and province are respected and unparalleled.
Scott Hardy
Scott Hardy is a fifth-generation stockman with a strong commitment to keep traditional Western art alive. In 40 years as an award-winning silversmith, his work is recognized by the Calgary Stampede, internationally, and featured on a Canadian stamp. He is a founding member of the world-renowned Traditional Cowboy Artists which is a collection of the most accomplished cowboy artisans in North America.
Constant Andrew Lynk
Constant Lynk has been decorated for his service in the Canadian Armed Forces, has served his community as a firefighter and Chief, and is a dedicated community volunteer including teaching with St. John’s Ambulance, cadets, organizing community events, and rescuing animals.
Zak Madell
Zak Madell lost his fingers and legs at 10 years old and has become a decorated Paralympian in wheelchair rugby. After playing for only one year, he earned a spot at the 2012 London Paralympic Games and has become one of the best players in the world.
Stacey Meyer
Stacey Meyer is a former educator who recognized mental health and addiction as the foundational issues to domestic abuse, child abuse, homelessness, and other social disorders, and he makes exceptional contributions to improve access to resources. He won a gold medal as a member of Canada's Under 18 men's hockey team coaching staff at the 2025 World Championships.
Richard Oncescu
Rick Oncescu has dedicated his life to serving his community as an RCMP officer and volunteer in many groups. He started the High River Youth Justice Committee and, now retired, serves veterans through the Legion and organizes the successful Remembrance Day Service in Okotoks.
Ralph Onciul
Ralph Onciul has been an active, tireless, and dedicated volunteer for almost four decades, supporting non-profit community service groups including the First Okotoks Scouts, Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society, and the Calgary Stampede.
Craig Passmore
Craig Passmore has been a dedicated member of the Canadian Armed Forces serving in many posts and as a firefighter for many years. He volunteers his time to assist veterans transitioning back into home life after deployment and safely evacuated a bus on fire prior to it exploding.
Heather Pfeil
Heather Pfeil has been a dedicated community volunteer for 25 years in many roles and organizations and a foster parent for newborn babies for more than 20 years. She tirelessly advocates for vulnerable people, including her work with Inclusion Foothills, to ensure they have the resources they need.
Scott Seymour
Scott Seymour’s outstanding contribution to policing has assisted many communities in rural Alberta to develop their own policing committees and community engagement. He also volunteers in the Calgary Police Honour Guard and many local committees.
Lisa Sygutek
Lisa Sygutek demonstrates a profound dedication to public service and the principles of governance through her many roles in her community. A vocal advocate, she champions the critical role of local newspapers to create informed and engaged citizens. She is president of the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association and a councillor in Crowsnest Pass.
Dr. Ted Shacklady
Dr. Ted Shacklady’s lifelong commitment to veterinary medicine and his community has made a lasting impact on the veterinary profession and the Town of Okotoks. His leadership at the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association advanced veterinary standards within Alberta and Canada.
Woodrow Theroux
Woodrow Theroux is known for his leadership and skills in team building, conflict management, and creative solutions at the Calgary Police Service and as a volunteer. His genuine care on every call and ability to be exceptionally calm in intense situations helps all involved.
Justin Thomson
Justin Thomson has a long history of community service conducting himself with distinction as a volunteer, justice educator, researcher, and member of the Calgary Police Service with an outstanding commitment to a shared path in Indigenous reconciliation in policing matters.
Elizabeth Vigueras Segundo
Elizabeth Vigueras Segundo has used her experience as a newcomer to Canada to provide critical assistance to immigrants, including overcoming isolation, culture shock, and mental health impacts, and responding to emergency situations including evacuation.
Dr. Ron Wallace
Dr. Ron Wallace is an internationally recognized environmental research scientist and regulatory expert who advised both federal and provincial governments on environmental and indigenous development issues including northern economic development.
Captain William “Bill” Wilson
Captain Bill just celebrated his 100th birthday last fall and has served his country and community tirelessly his entire lifetime. A Second World War Veteran, Captain Wilson served with the Royal Canadian Navy as a seaman gunner on the HMCS Ottawa during D-Day and was awarded the Atlantic Star for his bravery. He was a founding member of the Naval Museum of Alberta Society and grew support to build the Naval Museum.
He was a key driver in building Calgary’s The Military Museums, an innovative tri-forces museum that is the largest in Canada. He retired from CP Rail to become the Transport Manager for the 1988 Olympics. Known as ‘The Rabbit,’ he has an uncanny ability to locate artifacts for the Canadian Navy Museum in Calgary.