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.
This year’s awards recognize the late Murray Logan, Stu and Anita Minnifie, Don Phillips, Jim Stenhouse, and Jim and Ruth Thompson.
Murray Logan was Dawson Creek’s first “Mario Andretti,” an entrepreneur, and one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Murray had a serious health issue many decades ago that could have easily set him back and did so for a short period of time. That’s when he put his foot on the gas and spent the rest of his life helping people.
Stu and Anita Minnifie made a wonderful contribution to Dawson Creek. They raised great kids and were very involved in the community. Their door was always open, and they were very generous with their time helping Dawson Creeks Canucks young and old, Minor Hockey, and others.
Don Phillips was one of the best economic development ministers in the history of Canada. During his tenure, he got Pierre Trudeau to pour hundreds of millions into Tumbler Ridge, brought Louisiana Pacific to the North, and helped develop Whistler into a world-class destination.
Jim Stenhouse was Dawson Creek’s Elvis a long time ago. He equally loved his family and friends, his music, and band mates. Jim came to a fork in the road when he met his loving wife Gloria. Together, they went to Africa many times trying to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
Jim and Ruth Thompson were a wonderful couple who made great contributions to Dawson Creek. They started Coca Cola distribution in the 40s and beer distribution in the 50s in the Peace and the North. They were always kind to their kids’ friends on 108 Avenue and Moberly Lake and, later, Kalamalka Lake.
Since its inception in 2004, the bursary has supported students entering the college while paying respect to the memory of citizens of Dawson Creek. Last year, the awards recognized the late Gary Dunaway, Tom Hamilton Sr, Robin Jobin, Lorraine Ravelli, and Darshan Syal.