This past weekend, Paul Nazarko of Hazelridge, Manitoba, was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Paul Nazarko of Hazelridge Manitoba, receives the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.
This medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.
Paul Nazarko has had a tremendous and lasting impact on the lives of youth, Veterans, and seniors in the Springfield community.
Paul supported the Hazelridge Legion Branch #146 in its initial stages by providing facilities for the Legion and the “Peacemakers” ladies organization to conduct their various Legion activities to benefit the local communities.
During WWII, Paul maintained the family business (Store & Fuel Delivery) and contributed to the war effort by working with the Red Cross for the military.
In 1948, he was instrumental in the initiative to acquire land through private funding for the building of the Hazelridge Legion hall – he then managed operations for twenty years.
As an honorary member of Hazelridge Legion Branch #146, Paul committed his time to branch initiatives which included school bursaries, youth camps and aid for Veterans and area seniors.
He ensured that the Act of Remembrance was instilled within the Springfield Municipality at the business level, in the school system and through various community organizations.
In 1960, he was responsible for the building of the Hazelridge Curling Rink.
Then in 1980, Paul led the Legion initiative in obtaining building funds for the current Sports Complex.
He assumed many duties and responsibilities within the municipality which included being the Returning Officer for Federal elections, Postmaster, co-founder of the Springfield Municipal Chamber of Commerce and held positions on various Citizen Committees regarding road and community development along with educational issues.
Paul was also the driving force behind the building and maintenance of many sports facilities within the RM of Springfield.
His contributions to the improvement of youth activities with financial donations supported area sports teams to obtain the uniforms and equipment they needed to play safe and nurture their talents.
