Dawson Creek, BC — During the 2017–18 academic year, Monty Bissett contributed $5,000 to the bursary fund honouring some of Dawson Creek’s finest citizens. The Northern Lights College Foundation matched the gift for a total of $10,000. The bursary supports five students entering the College while paying respect to the memory of five citizens of Dawson Creek. The award honours five different citizens each year.
This year’s awards recognize the late Gary Dunaway, Tom Hamilton Sr., Robin Jobin, Lorraine Ravelli, and Darshan Syal.
Gary and his family came to Dawson Creek in the early 1980s. The big guy built Astro Paving from scratch into a major player in the North and was beloved by his family, friends, and employees as someone truly special.
Tom came to Pouce Coupe with his family in 1960s. He loved his family and treated everyone special. Tom could light up a room with his smile. Recognized for many contributions to the community, he also received the Dawson Creek Sportsman of the Year award in 1973.
Robin spent his childhood and early adulthood in Dawson Creek. He was a wonderful husband and father. He had a lot of friends and was a natural at sports. Whether pitching a shutout in Little League All Stars, a game of snooker, or a round of golf, he could flat out play.
Lorraine was a single working mother raising her twin boys. Wonderful daughter to her parents and sister to her siblings, she always had a smile and kind way about her and made you feel special in her presence.
Darshan came with her husband Balbir from Kenya to raise their family in Dawson Creek. She was a housewife who made home special and made sure their children were looked after in the best of Indian traditions.
