Nominations are open for Nelson’s Citizen of the Year award for 2023, presented by the Nelson Star.
The deadline is Feb. 25 and the winner will be announced March 7.
The award, which has been given every year since 1964, celebrates someone who has made a significant difference in the lives of people in Nelson through volunteer work.
Last year’s winner, Dr. Nicholas Sparrow, is an emergency room doctor who voluntarily responds to accidents and emergencies. The previous year’s winner was Pat Dooley, a lifelong volunteer who has supported various healthcare and education initiatives.
Nominations may be made online at www.nelsonstar.com/contests. The nomination form asks for the reason for the nomination, how long the person has lived in the area, a list of organizations they have been affiliated with, and contact information for the nominee. The nominator’s name will be kept confidential.
Previous citizens of the year
1964: Helen Morris, Red Cross
1965: Elwyn Owens, community service
1966: Helen Catley, community service, Mt. St. Francis
1967: William Young, Shriners, children with special needs
1968: Mabel Cartwight, community service
1969: Margaret Barwis, community service
1970: Cornelius Van Pelt, community service
1971: Joan Lefeaux, community service, especially children
1972: David Fairbank, community service, Jubilee Manor
1974: Ben Sutherland, Shriners, children with special needs
1976: Frank Hufty, community service
1977: Everett Kuhn, community service, square dancing
1978: Gordon Hoover, Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts, junior sports
1979: Laura Maglio, community service, Guides, Brownies
1980: June Dolman, musical arts, fashion classes
1981: Mas Fujibayashi, youth sports
1982: Corrine Massey, community service
1983: Inez Eckmire, community service, veterans
1984: Walter Waite, founder mid-summer curling bonspiel
1985: Lloyd Miskiman, snowfest co-ordinator
1986: Bob Allen, Shriners, search and rescue
1987: Rocco Mastrobuono, hospital equipment
1988: Betty Drew, library, hospital, music festival
1989: Deb Kozak, special needs children
1990: Margaret Murphy, community service
1991: Doug McDonald, music to shut-ins
1992: Les Clarkson, community service
1993: Shawn Lamb, museum, arts council
1994: Fran Horan, community service
1995: Bert Daynard, community service
1996: Bob Nuyens, community service
1997: Jim and Nancy Dow, special Olympics
1998: Amelia Fukala, Legion, Guides, Eagles, curling
1999: Margaret Stacey, community service, music, arts
2000: Marguerite Santor, community service, junior hockey
2001: Frances Welwood, community service
2002: Alan R. Ramsden, community service Museum Arts Boy Scouts
2003: Bruce Morrison, community service Osprey Foundation
2004: Al Craft, community service, water rescue
2005: Debra Zeeben, community service, Hospital Foundation
2006: Dr. Ken Muth, community service, health
2007: Douglas Stoddart, community service
2008: Dr. John Mackay, community service, health
2009: Mathilde Klassen, community service, music and arts
2010: Bill McDonnell, community service, sports
2011: Bruce Halstead, community service
2012: Lois Arnesen, community service, welcome wagon
2013: Peter Defeo, community service, fire department
2014: Barry Nelson, community service, car co-op, social justice
2015: Susanne Raschdorf, community service
2016: Helen Jamieson, community service, conservation and animal care
2017: Kim Charlesworth, community service
2018: David Hogg, community service, pipe band
2019: No award given due to pandemic
2020: Keith Bridger and Rob Wright, Nelson Tennis Club
2021: Pat Dooley, health care and education
2022: Dr. Nicholas Sparrow, Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association
