Whether you know him from his career as a teacher, his service to the Legion or from seeing him cruising through town in all kinds of weather on his bicycle, most agree that Bill Eremko is deserving of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal.
Eremko received the medal from the Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, at a ceremony at the McDougall Centre in Calgary on Monday, January 21.
“It is an honour,” said the humble Eremko, adding that while he doesn’t like the attention he is proud to receive the medal. “A lot of people do a lot more than I do really.
Eremko was born and raised in the valley. He had a long career teaching at Greentree School. Eremko has been a member of the Drumheller Legion since 1995, about the same time he retired from teaching. He has served on the executive and has worked as historian. He was part of the committee to help with the relocation and restoration of the Drumheller Cenotaph
“That as a huge project for us, along with the town,” said Eremko.
The Cenotaph was rededicated last summer in its new location at the Badlands Community Facility.
Some of his other service includes serving as Secretary for Rural Crime Watch, and participates in Healing pathways at the Knox United Church.
He is an avid cyclist, and he also likes to share that with others. Locally he collects unwanted bikes and bike parts and takes them to Cal Cycle to be shipped to third world countries.
William (Bill) Eremko, right, poses for a picture with the Honourable Donald Ethell, after receiving the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in a ceremony in Calgary last Monday evening. Lieutenant Governor Donald Ethell was on hand to present the recipients with their medals.
Local Sea Cadet receives Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal
A RCSCC Furious Sea Cadet has received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and he may be the youngest in Drumheller to receive the award.
Petty Officer Second Class Spencer Aulenback, 15, is a Grade 10 student at St. Anthony’s School. The Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, presented him the medal.
“It was a very big honour, I was very surprised I got it,” said a humble Spencer. “I thought there was so many others who are also deserving, but I was very happy to get it.”
He has been active with the Sea Cadets, including summer camp training. He was nominated by the staff and officers of Sea Cadets for his volunteer service and his friendly demeanor. Currently there are 16 members of the Sea Cadets in Drumheller.
Spencer received his medal at a ceremony at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge on Thursday, January 24.
Last Week Drumheller-Stettler MLA Rick Strankman congratulated Spencer for his accomplishment.
PO2 Spencer Aulenback, right, of the RSCSS Furious Sea Cadets in Drumheller was presented the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Honourable Lt. Governor Donald Ethell at a ceremony at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge.