Foothills residents honoured for local, national and global contributions

Twenty-four exceptional individuals from the Foothills riding were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in a ceremony hosted by MP John Barlow on Saturday, April 5. Among the recipients is Pass Herald publisher Lisa Sygutek.

The medal, created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023, is Canada’s first commemorative coronation medal. It recognizes those who have made significant contributions to Canada or their local communities, or achieved distinction abroad. The program, administered by the Governor General’s Office, will award 30,000 medals across the country.

“My riding of Foothills is filled with incredible people working together to make our communities stronger,” Barlow said. “It was an immense honour to facilitate the recognition of 24 local recipients who have made a significant contribution to their community, region, Alberta and Canada. We all benefit from their selfless contributions to others. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to each of them.”

Recipients from all walks of life

Howard “Dyce” Bolduc has helped establish Canada’s international reputation for premium Black Angus cattle genetics. In the 1980s, he famously sold a bull to the Queen Mother. A committed community volunteer, Bolduc exemplifies the values of the Canadian ranching tradition.

Chris Cederstrand redefined resilience after a life-altering accident cost him a leg while serving as a firefighter. He turned hardship into opportunity, becoming a motivational speaker and athlete. His work with Canada’s national sledge hockey program continues as he mentors youth across Alberta, using sport to inspire perseverance.

Chad Chief Moon is dedicated to ensuring Indigenous youth have access to sport, with a special focus on lacrosse and its cultural role in Blackfoot heritage. His commitment to youth is rooted in a broader effort to empower and uplift his community.

Anna De Paoli’s leadership has transformed the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society. Through her strategic focus and community-building efforts, she’s developed a unified volunteer base, streamlined project management and fundraising, and fostered strong public support.

Brent Dodginghorse, a former Calgary Hitmen player and world rodeo champion, is now focused on building a place of healing through culture and reconciliation. At his ranch, he combats racism in sport and creates safe spaces for community through the power of language, truth and tradition.

The late Bill Dunn, whose medal was accepted by his daughter Eileen Griesdale, began volunteering at the Museum of the Highwood more than 30 years ago. His efforts to preserve western history include marking the Old Macleod Trail from Fort Benton, Montana, to Fort Calgary — work that left a lasting historical legacy.

Dean Compton served on multiple overseas missions with the Canadian Armed Forces before transitioning to firefighting. Now retired from active service, he volunteers with the Foothills Fire Benevolent Society and is president of the Black Diamond Legion, always answering the call to serve.

Gail Fjordbotten is a husband, father and farmer, with a passionate commitment to agriculture and decades of service on local and provincial boards. His leadership and advocacy are considered unparalleled in his community.

Scott Hardy, a fifth-generation stockman, is also a master silversmith. For 40 years, his award-winning western art has been celebrated internationally, featured by the Calgary Stampede and even honoured on a Canadian postage stamp. He is a founding member of the Traditional Cowboy Artists, a prestigious collective of North America’s finest artisans.

Constant Andrew Lynk has worn many hats — decorated member of the Canadian Armed Forces, firefighter and chief, teacher with St. John’s Ambulance, and community organizer. He’s also known for his compassion, especially in rescuing animals and mentoring local youth.

Zak Madell lost his fingers and legs at the age of 10. Within a year of taking up wheelchair rugby, he earned a place on Canada’s national team for the 2012 London Paralympics. He has since become one of the top players in the world, proving that determination knows no limits.

Stacey Meyer, a former educator, recognized that mental health and addiction are at the heart of social issues like domestic violence, homelessness and child abuse. His work in expanding access to resources has been groundbreaking. Meyer also helped coach Canada’s Under-18 men’s hockey team to a gold medal at the 2025 World Championships.

Rick Oncescu has dedicated his life to public service, first as an RCMP officer and now as a volunteer. He founded the High River Youth Justice Committee and currently supports veterans through the Legion, also organizing the annual Remembrance Day service in Okotoks.

Ralph Onciul has spent nearly 40 years volunteering for community service groups including the First Okotoks Scouts, the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, and the Calgary Stampede. His decades of tireless service reflect deep-rooted civic commitment.

Craig Passmore served in many capacities in the Canadian Armed Forces and later became a firefighter. He helps fellow veterans reintegrate into civilian life and once evacuated a bus full of people moments before it exploded — a testament to his courage and quick action.

Heather Pfeil has volunteered for 25 years in many community roles and served as a foster parent for newborns for more than two decades. Through her work with Inclusion Foothills, she advocates fiercely for vulnerable individuals to ensure they have access to essential supports.

Scott Seymour has had a significant impact on rural policing in Alberta, helping several communities develop local committees and improve community engagement. He also serves with the Calgary Police Honour Guard and sits on numerous local boards.

Lisa Sygutek is a tireless advocate for public service and civic information. As president of the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association and a councillor in Crowsnest Pass, she champions local journalism’s role in building informed, engaged communities.

Dr. Ted Shacklady’s legacy in veterinary medicine has reached across Alberta and Canada. His leadership at the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association helped set new professional standards while he remained devoted to his Okotoks community.

Woodrow Theroux is admired for his calm under pressure and leadership at the Calgary Police Service. Known for conflict resolution, team building and creativity, he approaches every call with care and an unshakable presence.

Justin Thomson is a lifelong volunteer, researcher and educator. He has served with the Calgary Police Service and is especially noted for his efforts to build shared paths to Indigenous reconciliation in policing.

Elizabeth Vigueras Segundo has turned her experience as a newcomer to Canada into a lifeline for others. She supports immigrants facing isolation, culture shock and mental health struggles, and has responded in emergency situations, including evacuations.

Dr. Ron Wallace is an internationally respected environmental researcher and regulatory advisor. He has provided guidance to both federal and provincial governments on Indigenous and northern economic development, helping to shape national environmental policy.

Captain William “Bill” Wilson, who turned 100 last fall, is a World War II veteran who served as a seaman gunner on the HMCS Ottawa during D-Day. He received the Atlantic Star for his bravery, co-founded the Naval Museum of Alberta Society, and helped build The Military Museums in Calgary. After retiring from CP Rail, he managed transportation for the 1988 Winter Olympics. Nicknamed “The Rabbit” for his uncanny ability to locate naval artifacts, Wilson remains an unstoppable force in historical preservation.

For more information about the King Charles III Coronation Medal program, visit the official website of the Governor General of Canada.