In the late 1970s, the group of Chamber members led by Lawrie Lock and Bill Riddell, came up with the idea of recognizing islanders who had contributed a great deal of service to the community. They agreed that the Citizen of the Year would be honored with a plaque and a featured position in the annual August Bowfest Parade. The very first award nominees included Keith Aubrey, Slim Chambers, Bob Davies, Monro Davies, Ellen Dorman, Dr. Gordon Francis, Lawrie Lock, Alex McLellan, Muriel Nielsen, Sally Shivers and Gail Taylor. All the candidates were worthy, the choice was difficult but the Chamber Members settled on long time islander Ellen Dorman.
When Ellen was notified of the prestigious honour and told she would be riding in the Bowfest Parade, her answer was typical.
“I don’t think I’ll have time”, she deferred graciously, “as I’m cooking chicken for everyone to eat at the festival.”
CITIZENS OF THE YEAR:
1978 Ellen Dorman
1979 Munro Davies
1980 Muriel Neilson
1981 Cy Harding
1982 Marie Buchanan
1983 Lulu Renwick
1984 Alex Ross
1985 Bruce McLeod
1986 Agnes Naud
1987 Lawson Boutilier
1988 Nina Denkman
1989 Walter Neilson
1990 Don Leigh
1991 Peter Schmidt
1992 Buster Roueche
1993 Karl and Pat Sanne
1994 Gail Taylor
1995 Bill Riddell
1996 Jean Jamieson
1997 Betty Black
1998 Angela McCulloch
1999 Hank Strubin
2000 David Smith
2001 Joan Knight
2002 Marilyn Harris
2003 Alan Still
2004 Jacqueline Bakker
2005 No award
2006 Graeme Dinsdale
2007 Ross and Lois Carter
2008 Graham Ritchie
2009 Nairn Knipe
2010 Murray Atherton
2011 no award
2012 no award
2013 Diane and Don Marshall
