East St. Paul’s Legion hosts King Charles Coronation Medal presentations

Nineteen people presented with prestigious medals

Residents in East St. Paul were joined by friends, family and local dignitaries as 19 people received King Charles Coronation Medals last weekend. The medals were presented by Manitoba Lieutenant Governor the Honourable Anita R. Neville, and 17 Wing Commander Colonel Jody Hanson.

“This ceremony provides us with the opportunity to formally recognize and celebrate the outstanding service, dedication and contributions of some truly remarkable individuals within our communities. Every recipient has made a meaningful difference through their selflessness, their leadership, and their commitment to service. Their actions have enriched not only our Legion family but also the communities, organizations and the veterans they have so passionately supported. The King’s Coronation Medal is a symbol of our collective gratitude and a lasting reminder of the impact these recipients have had, not just here in Manitoba, but across Canada and beyond. On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to today’s honourees. Your commitment to service embodies the very spirit of our organization, and we are proud to stand alongside you in celebration,” said Ernie Tester, President of the Legion’s Manitoba Northwestern Ontario Command.

Lieutenant Governor Neville then came to the podium talk about what an honour being presented with this medal is for its recipients.

“Winston Churchill once said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ Today, we are honouring individuals whose exemplary contributions to our communities have not only brought honour to their own lives but have also enhanced the lives of those around them. As you know, the King Charles the Third Coronation Medal is a special recognition that reflects several principles that King Charles, personally, and Canadians collectively, have long cherished, including public service, environmental preservation, and sustainability and diversity. To ensure that a wide range of Canadians are recognized for good works, many different partner organizations have been invited to nominate people for these medals, and today, we are recognizing members of the Royal Canadian Legion of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service for the greater good. Each individual recognized today has a unique story of service to their community, their province, and their country. This prestigious honour reflects the pride of a grateful community that is better for your selfless efforts. I am sure all Manitobans would join me in thanking the medal recipients for their service to our country and extending congratulations on this very special recognition,” said Neville.

The recipients of the King Charles Coronation Medals are:

Angela Nikolychuk
Dennis Ronald Hunt
Ernie Tester
Gerald R. Fontaine
Gordon Machej
Jacqueline Maudie Hampshire
Marc Charles Pelletier
Mark Andrew Pearson
Nicholas Beavington
Nicole Fanshaw
L. Paul Dartnell
Robert J Pigeau
Roland Fisette
Ronald Victor Anderson
Shaun Mcintosh
Stephane Guindon
Pamela Heinrichs
Barry Mitchell
Carol Hadley

Of these recipients, five were from the #215 Henderson Legion in East St. Paul. They were:

L. Paul Dartnell, a Navy veteran and retired Winnipeg police officer. Dartnell leads remembrance efforts, organizes historical displays and supports veterans through fundraising. Dartnell has a special talent for helping families donate memorabilia to museums and has facilitated the return of medals to Belfast earning him notoriety as the ‘military artifact whisperer’. This commitment has ensured that history is honoured for future generations.

Gordon Machej is a 20-year Legion member and has served on the executive in various positions for 13 years. Machej is currently the treasurer/chairman and has been involved in many capital projects as well as fundraising and, of course, Remembrance Day Services. He also serves as Zone 64 Commander.

Shaun McIntosh joined the military in 1982 in Chilliwack B.C. After achieving educational goals, McIntosh posted to Winnipeg for air navigator training and then Trenton for further training. He retired as a pilot after 41 years of service. He is also highly decorated.

Nicole Fanshaw is the owner of Lees Restaurant in the Legion #215 and is an active legion member who has served on the executive. In 2012 Fanshaw brought back snow golf and in 2014 the Canada Day Family Fun Day. Fanshaw has assisted with the Veterans Keepsake Calendar and honoured veterans’ stories and sacrifices.

Stephane Guidon was a member of St. John’s Ambulance and achieved success training and completing first aid competitions having won first place in Canada in 1985.

Guidon was an Algonquin Regiment Infantry machine gunner and is a CIC Branch Supply Officer, Training Officer and CO. Guidon volunteers at many organizations as well as serving on the #215 Legion’s executive and is working on a book about the military history of Manitoba.

Tester closed the ceremony saying, “Let us leave here inspired by the examples set by our honorees, recommit ourselves to upholding the values of service, sacrifice and remembrance that bind us all together as members of The Royal Canadian Legion.”