Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
A long-time Legion member in Oliver has received the highest honour for his work in supporting war veterans and local youth.
Chris Yerburgh, a household name in the community, received the Palm Leaf to the Meritorious Service Medal. This is the highest Legion award that can be granted to a member.
The Palm Leaf, which few people ever receive, recognizes the recipient for continuous service to The Royal Canadian Legion.
Yerburgh is known for his devotion to the aims and objectives of the Legion, particularly ensuring that veterans are supported in their needs.
The award was presented today by BC/Yukon Command past president Glenn Hodge who said Yerburgh has done so much for the local Legion.
He noted it is quite an achievement to receive the Palm Leaf.
“They are hard to come by . . . you have to do a lot of service for the Legion and the community.”
Yerburgh has always been dedicated to the cause for veterans, but when asked what he thought about today’s honour, he stated he really didn’t think he did anything special to deserve it.
But he was secretly hoping to get the Palm Leaf to add to his other medals.
“There are very few around,” he pointed out.
Yerburgh said that the Legion has been his second home.
“Hopefully that will continue to keep me going.”
He admitted that the Legion has ran into some stumbling blocks during the pandemic, but was quick to add that those setbacks can be overcome.
Yerburgh said he has always tried to involve the youth in Legion activities and hopes to see that continue after COVID-19.
“We need to support the veterans of the Legion through financial support, moral support and domestic support.”
Hodge recognized Yerburgh’s wife Tina for all her support in allowing Chris to do so much for the Legion.
During today’s ceremony, an anonymous donor gave Yerburgh a beautiful hand-knitted lap blanket to keep him warm this winter.
Fellow Legion member Cori Augustine said Yerburgh has been a member of the Legion for more than 30 years.
“I don’t believe there is any award that he hasn’t received except for this one, and as far as I’m concerned there is no one more deserving than Chris Yerburgh.”
Ron Hovanes, former mayor of Oliver, said Yerburgh has been his mentor.
“Chris has supported hundreds of youth to acquire skills (in Air Cadets) that will assist them for years to come.”
Hovanes said the legionnaire is such a recognized face in the community who truly has had a positive impact on everyone he interacts with.
Legion Sgt. at Arms Patrick Hampson said Yerburgh’s dedication to the principles of being a legionnaire is a step beyond volunteering. He commended him for his work with the 232 Big Horn Air Cadet Squadron.
Former Air Cadet Capt. Ron Johnson said Yerburgh has always been known to his friends as “Mr. Volunteer.”
“He was and is always ready to assist and mentor others. I am proud to have known him for all these years.”
From left are Kevin Picccott, BC/Yukon Command Glenn Hodge, Chris Yerburgh (receiving his award) and Mary and Ed Findlater from the Okanagan Falls Legion.
(Photo by Lyonel Doherty)
