The Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce today announced Derek Kortschaga as Cranbrook’s 2014 Citizen of the Year.

About 15 letters of nomination from city business leaders and prominent citizens clearly outline exactly why the popular radio personality was bestowed with the honour, though three characteristics stood out: generosity, leadership and compassion.

“He has been recognized for his outstanding work ethic and that has flowed into the outstanding support and coverage he gives to a wide variety of community events,” stated Jason Caven of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group in a three-page letter of nomination.

He noted how Kortschaga, whose family is in Ontario, routinely works Christmas shifts at The Drive and B104, “allowing our young employees to get to go home to be with their family. I mention this, because this shows you the commitment he has to our stations, which flows directly into the community in everything he does.”

The next page and a half of Craven’s letter of nomination describes a variety of causes and events Kortschaga has helped over the years, including his often comedic associations with 2013 Citizen of the Year Kenny Bridge.

“There are those who take on community initiatives who are always in the spot light and those behind the scenes quietly making sure everything gets done. Derek Kortschaga is one of those key individuals behind the scenes,” Bridge said.

“Being a business owner and a proponent of many charity initiatives I can promise you, Derek goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to guaranteeing media coverage for community events,” he added.

“I would also like to touch on his volunteer time spent over the past 20 years as emcee for too many events to name,” Bridge continued. “He is not paid by the radio station to do this. It’s his own personal time. He prepares well in advance and makes sure he is fully immersed with what is taking place.”

Another former Citizen of the Year, Loree Duczek said Kortschaga “embodies the sense of community in every aspect of his life, both at work and away from the station. His contributions have been quiet in that he has championed causes, created opportunities for people and organizations to promote their events, volunteered countless hours to help, emcee or organize, and given up his own time so that others may have opportunities.”

Citizen of the Year 2012 Jason Wheeldon added: “All the community, in some way, have been touched by his support.”

“The list of his many accomplishments is long and any one of them should make Derek top of the list but between the cat calendar and the boxing for charity, I mean hello!” stated Cranbrook resident and firefighter D’Arcy Kennedy in his letter of nomination.

BC SPCA East Kootenay Branch manager Brenna Baker detailed Kortschaga’s support for her organization, as well as others.

“I know that Derek would never expect nor would he ever think he deserves it. He is a quiet soul with a huge heart and Cranbrook is very lucky to have him,” she said.

“For many years Derek Kortschaga has made an indelible mark on this community and we are very pleased to make this announcement,” said chamber president Dave Butler.

Kortschaga was not able to attend the Dec. 10 luncheon, perhaps filling in while Tom Ross feasted on Heritage Inn food and enjoyed watching Cranbrook Daily Townsman editor Barry Coulter regale the Christmas meeting crowd with humour and song.

However, Kortschaga will be officially recognized as 2014 Citizen of the Year during the chamber’s inaugural meeting and Citizen of the Year dinner on Friday, Jan. 23.

Lead image: Derek Kortschaga at last year’s Horseshoe Lake Fishing Derby.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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