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On July 1st, at
Gooderham, Ontario, Donald Grant was awarded the S.S. Beaver Medal by
family members of the awards founder Robert S. Maxwell, a former Member
of Parliament from British Columbia. The S.S. Beaver Medal is awarded
nationwide to pioneers, military personnel, or Legionnaires, and is
given for excellence in leadership and continuing contributions to the
community and country.
For over a decade, Don
has volunteered his services as a piper for charities, highland games,
military services, receptions, parades, and other events in cities and
communities all across Ontario. His piping is a fixture at the Apsley
Canada Day Parade and Remembrance Day service, as well as many other
local events. Don is a member of the Hastings and Prince Edward Pipes
and Drums, the Oak Hill Pipes and Drums, and the Ontario Mass Pipes and
Drums.
The historic S.S. Beaver
was built for the Hudson's Bay Company in England in 1835. It was
commissioned to sail from Oregon to Victoria, and was the first
steamship to cross the Atlantic, round Cape Horn, and navigate the west
coast of North America. During it's time in service, the S.S. Beaver
served as a cargo ship, transported miners to the Fraser river so that
they might journey to the Yukon and south to California during the two
great gold rushes, and carried dignitaries to British Columbia for it's
inauguration as a new colony. In 1888, the ship ran aground and sank
near Vancouver.
The S.S. Beaver Medal
has been awarded since 1963, and is struck from copper salvaged from the
ship before she sank over 100 years go. Past recipients have included
an attorney general, a rear admiral, a bishop, a judge advocate, and
many others who have made a positive contribution to their community and
country. Congratulations, Don, from all of your friends at Royal
Canadian Legion Branch 381, Apsley.
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