The prestigious Order of Abbotsford has five new members.
On Monday night, Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman and council members welcomed the latest inductees to join the list of 53 previous honourees.
This year’s list contains some well-known community leaders, including former Abbotsford Councillor Ron Sweeney Sr.
A teacher at Abbotsford Senior for more than 30 years, Sweeney has been active with the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, chair of Prospera Credit Union and has been given the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Benedict XVI for his service to the Catholic Church. He has two legacy awards in his name and has raised more than $50,000 for charity with his family’s concert performances.
Joining Sweeney as new members of the order are:
- William (Bill) Andrews – A member of the Canada Day committee for the past 15 years, Andrews has a passion for community service. He has worked with the Red Cross and the Provincial Emergency Program for which he and his wife Janet have received several awards. He also played a vital role with the Abbotsford-based Big Brothers, Big Sisters and its expansion of services that created offices in Mission and Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows.
- Roy Morice – A talented singer and musician, Morice has been a director for the Central Fraser Valley Fair Association’s entertainment committee, has worked with the Abbotsford Police Fun Run, and is a former member of the Abbotsford Rotary Club. Morice has also been involved with St. John’s Ambulance for 25 years and has been honoured for his work with the community police Speed Watch Program, improving traffic safety issues, and promoting safety for students.
- Ron Price – An active leader in the community for four decades, Price is best known as the founding chairman of Airshow Canada, a force behind the creation of Tradex and president of the Abbotsford International Airshow. He has also served on countless boards and committees, including the Abbotsford Chamber, the Airport Authority, Tourism Abbotsford and the Aerospace Industry Association of B.C. In his spare time, Price plays soccer in a seniors’ league which participates in the BC Senior’s Games.
- Bob Singleton – The voice of the Abbotsford International Airshow, Singleton has been announcer at the event since 1969. He has also acted as master of ceremonies for the Miss Abbotsford Pageant. Singleton has held many community positions including director of the Abbotsford Airshow, president of the Abbotsford Rotary Club, member of the Matsqui Police Board and many more. In 1996 the RCAF Snowbirds recognized Singleton by inducting him as an honourary Snowbird.
All five recipients of the Order of Abbotsford are invited to the Canada Day celebrations being held July 1 at Abbotsford’s Exhibition Park.
During the day-long event, one of them will be named Abbotsford’s Citizen of the Year.