Cathy Dobson/The Independent

Seven remarkable individuals were honoured Monday at a ceremony where they received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

The medal recognizes outstanding achievements and underscores Canada’s continued connection with the Crown and its unique constitutional monarchy, said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey.

That’s an important point given the “very unique times we are living through,” said Bailey, speaking to a room full of recipients and their supporters at the Sarnia Golf & Curling Club. 

Bailey was given only six medals to hand out despite the dozens of nominations his office received. He decided to give one to the husband/wife team of Judy and Doug Krall, bringing the number of recipients to seven. 

“I could have given out three times this number,” he said. “There are so many people who do so much and don’t get recognized the way they should.”

Monday’s recipients included:

• Debb Pitel, a Petrolia town councillor, business owner and author, who advocates for mental health and suicide awareness;

• Doug and Judy Krall, Enniskillen farmers for their tireless work to ensure the success of the Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair and the maintenance of Krall Park at the corner of Shiloh and Oil Heritage lines; 

• John Dawson, owner of St. Clair Mechanical based in Brigden, involved in countless “nation-building” infrastructure and energy projects that make a significant contribution to provincial and national economic growth;

• Raveena Duggal, an accomplished researcher, writer, photographer and film maker from Sarnia who also finds time for extensive charity work;

• Nick Salaris, Petrolia resident and executive director of Lambton County Developmental Services, called a visionary in his work with adults with intellectual disabilities; and

• Marilyn Gifford, born and raised in Petrolia, who launched a powerful grassroots campaign to address doctor shortages in Ontario.

Gifford’s work has already resulted in the creation of four residencies at hospitals in Petrolia and Sarnia, programs that could lead to as many as 20 new local physicians over the next five years. 

Her advocacy has been noticed by the Ontario government, said Bailey.  “I had six medals to distribute but then (Health Minister and Ontario’s Deputy Premier) Sylvia Jones nominated Marilyn too.”

“Thank you for your efforts to deliver more connected and convenient care and for your service to the people of Ontario,” Jones wrote to Gifford.

Gifford said she cried when she learned she was nominated by the deputy premier and vowed that she will continue advocating for more health care workers.

There have been 30,000 King Charles III Coronation Medals awarded in Canada to citizens and military members since the Coronation in May 2023. Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong MP Marilyn Gladu also gave out 30 medals earlier this year.

The medals are a tradition that dates back to the Coronation of King Edward VI in 1547 and recognizes impressive achievements and significant contributions to community. 

Members of the 1st Hussars assisting with Monday’s ceremony included Honourary Colonel Tania Lee and Regimental Sergeant-Major CWO Scott Elliott.

“This is very humbling,” said Salaris.  

“I really don’t think any of us do what we do for the recognition.”

“That’s right, we don’t volunteer to receive (medals) although we really appreciate it,” said Judy Krall who has volunteered for more than 35 years and is Enniskillen’s deputy mayor.  

Her husband, Doug, has volunteered for more than 50 years and is chair of the Enniskillen parks and rec committee and is an official at countless track and field events across Canada.

“You volunteer to make a lasting contribution to your community,” said Krall.