Chris Yerburgh was recently honoured with the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal for his dedication to the Royal Canadian Legion.
Lyonel Doherty photo
An Oliver resident has been awarded the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal for his contribution to the Royal Canadian Legion.
It is no surprise that Chris Yerburgh was chosen as the recipient due to his longtime dedication to the legion.
Zone Commander Rick Lundin, who presented the medal, said it is the highest award that can be granted to a legion member.
“I would take a guess that only about one or two per cent of legion members receive this award. “Only the most deserving are recommended.”
Lundin said Yerburgh has been working tirelessly for the Royal Canadian Legion for the last 25 years. He served as president of the Oliver branch for a number of years, and also served as zone commander of the South Okanagan and Similkameen for four years.
“He is a credit to his community as well as the Royal Canadian Legion,” Lundin said.
Yerburgh said he was very proud to receive the medal.
“I try to help in any way I can. It (the legion) is my family away from home.”
Yerburgh pointed out that the legion helped him in the past, so he helps the legion and its members.
In the Oliver legion, Yerburgh has done everything from janitorial work to serving as parade marshall. He has organized house-to-house poppy campaigns, Remembrance Day ceremonies, candlelight tributes at the cemetery, and planning funerals for branch members. He has even provided security for the cemetery at night as a member of Oliver Crime Watch.
In 2002, Yerburgh was the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal.
In 2013, he was the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. Yerburgh has worked as a detention guard for the local RCMP (as a member of the BC Corps of Commissionaires). He is also a church warden on the Anglican Church council.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
