Home »
Bud Abbott presented Medal of Good Citizenship
Cranbrook’s unstoppable Bud Abbott has earned another prestigious award.
Minister of Energy and Mines and MLA for Kootenay East Bill Bennett, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, May 26 presented Bud with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.
Bennett presented Philip Henry (Bud) Abbott with the medal at the Cranbrook Rotary Club meeting at noon on Thursday, May 26, in the Heritage Inn Ballroom.
A retired businessman, Bud received the medal for his commitment to local service through his involvement in worthy causes like Rotary, Canadian Mental Health Association, Meals on Wheels and the Salvation Army.
The big-hearted 95-year-old resident was active for years in the Cranbrook Community Theatre and often still shows up with friends at an office building or two to sing Christmas carols or Happy Birthday.
Abbott has sung regularly at local seniors’ homes for 40-plus years and his current singing group called “Buddn Frenz” continues to sing three times weekly for the ‘old folks’ in Cranbrook and Kimberley.
“One of the most profound differences you can make at a low point in someone’s life is making them smile and laugh. Bud Abbott has been a ray of sunshine for countless people in Cranbrook and Kimberley, and is most deserving of the Medal of Good Citizenship,” stated Premier Clark.
“Most everyone in the Kootenay area will know about the contributions that Bud Abbott has made to our community and region. The social fabric here is stronger for his work, all done without expectation of reward. In presenting this honour to him we can together celebrate him and all he has done,” Bennett said.
“Being presented with this medal is, of course, a real honour. As a citizen of Cranbrook, I, like so many other citizens, have been fairly active in the community because I enjoy it. But, I cannot recall doing anything that would merit such an honour,” Abbott said.
Bud is among a select group of British Columbians who are receiving the Medal of Good Citizenship.
Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.
“There are many people who generously volunteer their time, effort and skills to make their community better and this honour acknowledges their excellence, achievement and service. The time spent reviewing nominations was inspiring, and it reinforced to me that we live in a province where each and every day citizens can make a difference through their generosity and selflessness,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, and chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee.
This is the second time an East Kootenay resident has been awarded this medal.
Lita Salanski was earlier this month posthumously honoured with the medal to recognize the impact she had on Grasmere, its ranching and farming community, educational infrastructure and spiritual foundation.
e-KNOW