Six British Columbians Recognized for Outstanding Maritime Achievement

Medallion featuring the artwork of Nusi Ian Reid, Heiltsuk Nation. Photo courtesy of the Maritime Museum of BC.

Dec 3, 2024

A collaboration between the Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of BC, the recipients for the 2nd annual Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement, were announced last week.

This award recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along BC’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills, nautical heritage and culture, art, and academic endeavours. The scope of the award also recognizes Indigenous and traditional practices, environmental stewardship, and ensures diversity in nominees, recipients, and award administration. 
 
A unique award medallion featuring the artwork of Nusi Ian Reid, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation in Bella Bella, will be awarded to each recipient.

Award Recipients

            • Bent Jespersen, shipwright and expert in wooden boat building, repair and restoration at the helm of Jespersen Boat Builders for over twenty years completing more than 40 projects. Bent is a local and international regatta competitor and has been a Classic Boat Festival judge for four decades.

            • Billy Proctor, author, restorer of Pacific salmon, eulachons, and herring runs, lifelong resident of Echo Bay, Gilford Island; fisher, hand-logger, clam-digger, beachcomber, boat-repairer. Billy has for many decades run a museum on his property featuring his collection of items gathered over a lifetime in the Broughton archipelago.

            • Captain Alex Rueben, a RCN marine engineer for three decades, Alex has founded numerous marine organizations including the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries, a voice for marine industries of which he is the executive director.

            • Dr. Marianne Scott, a prolific writer on the sea and marine topics, the province.  Marianne has been a contributor for decades to Pacific Yachting. Marianne has authored several books including a series on the fascinating people who live and work on the west coast.

            • Graham Scholes, mokuhanga (traditional Japanese woodblock print) artist best known for his landmark Lighthouse Series of prints of BC lighthouses. Graham is also an author, and art educator.

            • Scotty Manufacturing Ltd., founded in Victoria in 1952 by Blayney and Almeda Scott, Scotty has become a leading exporter of fishing, outdoor, and fire-fighting products, all produced at its Sidney manufacturing facility. Now in the third generation of the Scott family, it contributes to the resource through salmon enhancement, and is an important member of our local economy.

“I am honoured to celebrate the work and accomplishments of the recipients of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievements,” said the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. “Given the scale of our province’s coastline, tremendous rivers and bountiful lakes, and the influence these have had on BC’s history, it is important to recognize those who continue to shape our maritime experiences and trades. Our incredible waterways have long inspired all who come to British Columbia, and the diverse backgrounds and contributions of these recipients is testament to this. I wish to express my gratitude to the Maritime Museum of British Columbia and the Government House Foundation for the opportunity to celebrate excellence across all kinds of marine-based industries.”
 
Award steering and selection committees–comprised of members of the Government House Foundation, Maritime Museum of BC, representatives from the broader community, and professional mariners–administer the award.

Info for the Public
Award recipients are listed here.
 
A ceremony to award recipients with their medallions took place at Government House on November 26, 2024.