Riding residents honoured with King Charles Coronation medals

Recipients of King Charles Coronation medals in the Bay of Quinte riding. – MP Ryan Williams office photo

Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams awarded 20 area residents with King Charles Coronation medals.

“Every one of today’s recipients has gone above and beyond,” said Williams. “Whether through public service, volunteerism, or leadership, they have demonstrated the very best of what it means to be Canadian. They have given their time, their energy, and their talents to making our communities stronger, safer, and better for future generations. And that is something worth honouring.”

The medal was created to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation on May 6, 2023. Nominations sought eligible candidates who made a significant contribution to the nation, province, or community, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and must have been alive on the date of the coronation.

During the anniversary year, 30,000 medals are to be awarded, of which 4,000 will recognize members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

“In deciding who was to receive the medals, we looked at those who demonstrate the very best of what it means to be Canadian. They aren’t ordinary Canadians; they are extraordinary Canadians,” added Williams.

The medals were presented to Lenore Begley, Margaret Bell, Robert Bradford, John Brisbois, Errick Camolese, Sue Catherwood, Carl Eggiman, Shawn Fairbrothe, Rick Hammond, David Henderson, Sam Lanfranco, Ena Newman, Gary Newman, James Parkhurst, Dorothy Quigley, Rick Reid accepting for his late father Joseph Reid, Dr. Annette Snow and Daniel Tchorznickis
Not present were Allistair Stark and Robert Wisiewski.

• Lenore Begley: A lifelong advocate for the vulnerable, leading initiatives in youth education, refugee resettlement, and poverty awareness.

• Margaret Bell: A dedicated community volunteer for more than 62 years, supporting healthcare, charity, and local organizations.

• Major (ret’d) Robert Bradford: A military historian and decorated officer who revitalized the Hasty Ps Military Museum and contributed extensively to historical research.

• John Brisbois: An educator and humanitarian who led youth initiatives, refugee resettlement, and student engagement in global service projects.

• Captain Errick Camolese: A retired Canadian Forces captain and relentless advocate for maintaining VIA Rail service in Trenton, alongside decades of volunteer work.

• Sue Catherwood: A dedicated leader in food security, organizing and coordinating meal programs to combat hunger in her community.

• Carl Eggiman: A retired OPP officer and Firefighters Without Borders Canada leader, securing critical equipment for global emergency services and Indigenous communities.

• Lieutenant-Commander Shawn Fairbrother (Retired): A music teacher and Sea Cadet mentor who overcame cancer to continue supporting youth through music and service.

• Rick Hammond: A dedicated leader in community meal programs, organizing and cooking over 300,000 meals for those in need.

• David Henderson: A passionate teacher, theatre director, and community volunteer who uses the arts to support local causes.

• Sam Lanfranco: A global humanitarian and academic who co-founded Habitat for Humanity Canada and continues to drive education and development initiatives.

• Ena Newman: A Canadian Forces veteran and Legion leader committed to honoring veterans, supporting military families, and engaging youth in remembrance.

• Sergeant Gary Newman: A retired Air Force veteran and Legion advocate, dedicating decades to veteran support, youth programs, and community service.

• Alvin Parkhurst: A Navy veteran and pioneer in accessible transportation, ensuring mobility services for those with special needs for over 30 years.

• Joseph Reid: A World War II Navy veteran who actively supported veteran remembrance and civic events until his passing at 104.

• Lieutenant-Colonel Annette Snow: A decorated Canadian Armed Forces officer and passionate Girl Guides mentor, empowering young women through leadership and adventure.

• Dorothy Quigley: A trailblazer who joined the Canadian Navy in 1967 when it was rare for women, and one of Trenton’s greatest volunteers, giving her time to the Legion, Seniors Club, and community service.

• Daniel Tchorznickis: A dedicated veteran who joined the military at 17, served as a multinational force peacekeeper, and now volunteers at the Canadian War Museum and at-risk communities in essential trauma care.