In the late 1970s, a group of Chamber members, led by Laurie Lock and Bill Riddell, came up with the idea of recognizing islanders who have contributed a great deal of volunteer service to the community. They agreed that the Citizen would be honoured with a plaque and a featured position in the annual Bowfest Parade. The first recipient of this award was Ellen Dorman. When she was notified of the honour and told she would be riding in the parade her reply was typical, “I don’t think I will have time as I am cooking chicken for everyone to eat at the Festival”. That was in 1978.
The last Citizens of the Year were Don and Diane Marshall in 2013. The Marshalls were nominated by Colleen O’Neil as well as Dan and Anne Gardiner. “[Diane and Don] are dedicated to making Bowen a better place to live and are absolutely delightful people. The depth of their caring and their contribution to the Bowen community are enormous,” said Dan and Anne Gardiner. O’Neil stated that the Marshalls are both in their 80s and are examples for “living a vibrant and meaningful life.”
The Citizen of the Year was not awarded in 2011, 2012 & 2014. After consulting with past Chamber members the museum and archives have agreed to take on this responsibility. We would like to see this annual award reinstated and are accepting nominations now. The criteria for this award, as set out by the Chamber of Commerce, is that the nominee has “significantly contributed to the betterment of the community and is seen as an integral part of the community, having played a leading role through dedicated involvement in multiple community concerns”. The Citizen of the year committee requests that all nominations are submitted by July 15th. Please include with the nominations - your name, nominee name and the reason for nomination to [email protected] or by mail Bowen Island Museum & Archives, 1014 Miller Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
