Each year, City Council formally acknowledges individuals who have dedicated their time and service to the City. The selected citizens receive an Exemplary Service Award as formal recognition of their contributions to the community.
Congratulations to the 2026 Exemplary Service Award winners:
Born and raised in Kamloops, Cleve has dedicated his life to serving students and strengthening his community. For more than 25 years at Westsyde Secondary School, he has been a teacher, mentor, coach, and the heart of the school’s football program. As the football coordinator, Cleve has done far more than lead on the field. He has organized games and travel, coordinated volunteers, secured sponsors, managed equipment, supported fundraising, and worked closely with families and community partners to improve facilities and opportunities for students.
One of his most visible achievements was bringing back Friday Night Lights, turning football games into true community celebrations where students, families, alumni, and neighbours gather with pride. This sense of connection exists because of Cleve’s vision and dedication.
Equally important is his commitment to inclusion. Cleve has always ensured every student who wants to play can do so, quietly removing barriers and offering support so no one is left behind. As he approaches retirement, Cleve’s legacy is deeply woven into Westsyde Secondary and the Kamloops community, reflected in the countless lives he has shaped.
Since moving to Kamloops in 2010, Colin O’Leary has made an extraordinary contribution to the health, resilience, and connectedness of our community. A dedicated community builder, Colin consistently brings people together, tackles complex challenges, and turns bold ideas into lasting impact.
Colin is widely recognized for his leadership with the Supporting Team Excellence with Patients Society (STEPS). As a founding board member and long-time Treasurer and President, he helped grow STEPS from a concept into a major regional primary care provider. His work included securing early financing, developing the organization’s first business and financial plans, and contributing thousands of volunteer hours. At its peak, STEPS served nearly 19,000 patients annually, easing pressure on emergency services and improving access to care close to home.
Colin’s service also extends to policy and advocacy through the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce, where he has advanced work on health care, disaster recovery, and affordability. In housing, his leadership with the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation is helping deliver permanently attainable homes. Through Rotary and countless volunteer efforts, Colin continues to strengthen the everyday fabric of community life. Kamloops is stronger because of his service.
Dr. Paula Davies exemplifies the very best of volunteer service in Kamloops—steady leadership, quiet courage, and an unwavering commitment to others. A long-time volunteer with British Columbia search and rescue, Paula began her service in 2007 with Nicola Valley Search and Rescue, completing ground search and rescue training the following year. After relocating to Kamloops, she returned to service in 2018 with Kamloops Search and Rescue, where she has now dedicated nearly two decades to this demanding and vital work.
Paula has consistently exceeded training requirements, earning advanced technical qualifications that ensure Kamloops Search and Rescue can respond safely and effectively in complex terrain and extreme conditions. Her operational experience spans winter searches, wildfire emergencies, water-related incidents, and high-risk backcountry rescues.
Equally impactful has been her leadership. Serving as Director, Vice President, and President of Kamloops Search and Rescue since 2022, Paula has guided the organization through increasing operational demands while prioritizing volunteer safety, wellness, and sustainability. She has also played a key role in planning and fundraising for a future purpose-built Kamloops Search and Rescue hall. Through her service, Paula has made Kamloops a safer, stronger community.
Since arriving in Kamloops in 1989, Dr. Tom Dickinson has devoted his career and volunteer service to strengthening the community he calls home. Through leadership in education, environmental stewardship, economic development, and civic life, his contributions have had a lasting, wide-reaching impact.
At Thompson Rivers University (then Cariboo College), Tom played a key role during a period of significant growth and transformation. Serving in senior administrative roles, including Associate Vice-President (Research) and Dean of Science, he helped establish the university’s first graduate programs and supported the development of innovative degrees in fields such as regenerative ranching, data science, and engineering. Throughout his career, he emphasized strong connections between the university and the community it serves.
Tom is also widely respected for his environmental leadership. A long-time member and past president of the Kamloops Naturalist Club, he has been a passionate advocate for conservation, helping protect places such as the Lac du Bois Grasslands. He co-founded the Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia and currently serves as its Board Chair.
His service extends to local economic development and journalism, including leadership with Venture Kamloops and as Chair of the Kamloops Local News Society. Guided by a deep belief in service above self, Tom exemplifies quiet leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to community.
Marilyn exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism through a lifetime of service marked by leadership, compassion, and consistency. She has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to strengthening organizations and supporting people of all ages—particularly those who are most vulnerable.
One of the clearest examples of Marilyn’s impact is her extraordinary commitment to Special Olympics. She has been involved with Special Olympics BC - Kamloops since its incorporation in 1980 and was part of the original organizing committee in 1978. From a single soccer team, the local program has grown to offer 15 sports, growth Marilyn helped make possible through decades of leadership, coaching, and coordination. She continues to serve as volunteer coordinator, coach rhythmic gymnastics, and support early‑stage athletes through Active Start and FUNdamentals.
Marilyn’s service also extends to health, recovery, and justice. She has provided steady leadership with the Day One Society, served as a restorative justice facilitator, and held numerous governance roles, including Chair of the Thompson Rivers University Board of Governors.
Across education, sport, community services, and the arts, Marilyn leads with humility, collaboration, and heart. Her work reflects a deep belief that well‑governed, inclusive organizations build stronger communities—and Kamloops is better because of her service.
For more than 20 years, Patti has helped shape Kamloops into a more welcoming, connected, and compassionate community. Those who nominated her describe a common theme: Patti doesn’t just volunteer for causes—she builds communities around them.
For the past eight years, Patti has served as Marketing and PR Director for the North Shore Business Improvement Association, championing local businesses and helping create a vibrant neighbourhood where people feel they belong. She is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, emceeing events, celebrating new entrepreneurs, and ensuring newcomers feel seen and supported.
Patti is also deeply committed to bringing people together across cultures. Through community celebrations she helps organize, families are welcomed to share music, food, dance, and tradition—reinforcing a simple but powerful message: you belong here.
Her leadership also includes founding Ladies of the Shores, now a network of nearly 100 women who support one another and respond when community needs arise. For eight years, Patti has led the Purses for Women Helping Women drive, growing it from 25 donations to more than 1,000 purses and backpacks annually for women in need.
Through every initiative, Patti leads with heart, generosity, and an enduring belief in the strength of community.
Richard and Carmelina Woods exemplify what it means to serve a community—together and wholeheartedly. For decades, their combined volunteerism has strengthened Kamloops across education, culture, sport, media, and countless community initiatives.
Many residents recognize Richard Woods as a familiar and trusted voice. Since joining Pattison Media in 2002 as co-host of Good Morning Kamloops, Richard has used his platform to amplify local causes, celebrate community stories, and mobilize support. His volunteer contributions span major fundraisers, festivals, and charities, and he is a sought-after emcee whose warmth and professionalism help organizations raise awareness and resources for vital work.
Carmelina Woods’ service is deeply rooted in education and the arts. An elementary educator since 1999, she has inspired generations of students through music, drama, and choir at the Kamloops School of the Arts. Beyond the classroom, she has contributed leadership to arts organizations, mentored emerging educators, supported food security initiatives, and volunteered extensively in theatre and cultural life.
Together, Richard and Carmelina serve with generosity and intention—showing up year after year, inviting others to participate, and strengthening the partnerships that make community life thrive. Kamloops is richer, more connected, and more compassionate because of them.
Rick has spent a lifetime serving Kamloops, guided by a quiet consistency and a deep commitment to community. Born here in 1939, his contributions span education, volunteer leadership, and compassionate service—each reinforcing the values this award is meant to honour.
As an educator, Rick developed Agriculture and Equine Studies programs at John Peterson Secondary, NorKam Secondary, and Valleyview Secondary, helping students build practical skills and confidence. In 1973, he founded the Kamloops Mounted Drill Team, representing the city in parades across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. His passion for service grew further in 1990, when he founded the Kamloops Mounted Patrol, an organization that has provided a professional, welcoming presence at community events, parades, celebrations, and care facilities for more than 35 years.
Rick is widely described as genuine, steady, and inclusive. He continues to recruit, mentor, and train volunteers who donate countless hours throughout the year—often seven days a week during peak seasons—always ready to help.
In 2016, Rick and his wife Donna opened Hacienda Caballo as a refuge for veterans, first responders, and Canadian Armed Forces members living with PTSD, offering healing, connection, and respite at no cost. Through every role, Rick leads by example, showing how sustained service strengthens community and inspires others to give back.
Dependable, capable, and endlessly generous with her time, Sandra is the kind of volunteer organizations rely on—showing up year after year to help make Kamloops a stronger community.
Across the city, Sandra is a familiar and trusted presence at major community and sporting events, contributing to everything from local celebrations to national-calibre championships. Her volunteer roles have included support for Kamloops Track & Field, major curling championships, Blazers games, fundraising galas, ice hockey tournaments, and international events, often working quietly behind the scenes to ensure success.
One of Sandra’s most remarkable legacies is her 25 years of service with the Kamloops Track & Field Club. As a senior official, she has worked at the highest levels of competition while also mentoring and evaluating new officials and helping build skills, confidence, and leadership in others. She is equally respected for her long-standing commitment to the Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey Tournament, where her reliability earned her Volunteer of the Year honours in both 2023 and 2024.
Sandra’s service extends far beyond sport. She supports charitable fundraising, governance, food security, and families in need—often through quiet, practical acts of generosity. Known for her calm presence, professionalism, and kindness, Sandra is not a one-time volunteer; she is part of the foundation on which strong communities are built.
Devon O’Toole exemplifies the kind of steady, community-centred leadership that strengthens Kamloops from the inside out. A lifelong resident with deep family roots in the city, Devon’s commitment to service reflects a belief that lasting change begins locally and grows through collaboration.
Well known professionally as General Manager of Gord’s Appliance + Mattress Centre, Devon is equally respected for his extensive volunteer leadership. Since joining the Rotary Club of Kamloops in 2008, he has lived Rotary’s guiding principle of Service Above Self, serving as Club President in 2016–2017 and helping advance initiatives that continue to make a meaningful difference.
Devon was instrumental in launching two cornerstone programs: the Christopher Seguin Rotary Family Dinners, which provide free community meals and connection for families, and the Starfish Backpack Program, now supporting 250–275 children each week across approximately 30 schools. His ability to identify need, unite partners, and turn compassion into action has helped these programs grow and endure.
Devon’s service also includes leadership with Rotary Youth Exchange, BGC Kamloops (formerly the Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops), the Kamloops Food Bank (where he serves as Vice Chair), and the Knights of Columbus. Recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2024, Devon volunteers not for recognition, but because showing up matters—and Kamloops is stronger because he does.
- 2025 - Sebastian Chalmers-Owega, Julie Dormer, Howard Grieve, Anna Harrison, Kathleen Larose, Ricky Marshall, Wayne McRann, Sheila Minten
- 2024 - Spencer and Janet Bryson, Terry Denike, Jennifer Harbaruk, Leann Kopytko, Geordon Lloyd, Deb McDougall-Bergstrand, Jeremy Salamandyk, Jeanette Souliere
- 2023 - Brian Ross, Cassie McNutt, Cindy Logan, Deanna Hurstfield, Dominique Baird, George Campbell, Lyn Arikado, Robert Gill, Roger Parkes
- 2022 - AnnMarie Aase, Teresa Dares, Henry Pejril, Ron Popove, Rick Windjack
- 2021 - Aleece Laird, Annette Glover, Gisela Ruckert, Jan Antons, Tara Holmes
- 2020 - Christopher Seguin (posthumously), Shirley Philpot, Tamara MacPherson Vukusic
- 2019 - Tyson Andrykew, Penny Douglass, Lisa Fuller, Cheryl Kabloona, Lisa Lake, Kristin McLaghlin, and Dr. Andrew Yarmie
- 2018 - Supt. Brad Mueller, Sam Numsen, Maureen McCurdy, Dale Sturge, Terry-Lynn Stone, and Sean Pitts
- 2017 - Jonathon Fulton, Gillian Stephenson, Bryce Herman, Danica Wilkinson, and Merek De Witte
- 2016 - Terri Axani, Sherry Chamberlain, Stan Fike, Francois Lambert, Delores Owen, and Mike Stewart-Smith
- 2015 - Marion Anderson, Bob Cowden, Chenel Meunier-Tedford, Julie Moray, Jordan Popadynetz, Margaret Rodgers, and Joan Wymer
- 2014 - Jeff Arnold, Charlie Bruce, Edward "Ted" Erickson, Raymond Jolicoeur, Claire Moreau, Andrew Philpot, Helen Saemerow, and Janice Yeung
- 2013 - Sandra Blair, Graham Cope, Pat Decker, Jessie Ann Fleming, Trevor Jensen, Niki Remesz, and Anthony Salituro
- 2012 - Harvey Fraser, Lynda MacKenzie, Acacia Schietenknop, and Ruth Williams
- 2011 - Maurice (Mo) Bradley, Natasha Chisholm, Kailey Jolliffe, Natasha Nilsen, and Sandy Van Camp
- 2010 - Sue Adams, Jan Cook, Elizabeth Lyne, and Izzy McQueen
- 2008 - Natalie Lidster, Alice Ross, and Joyce Ware
- 1999 - Andrew Quirie
- 1996 - Ian Neighbour and Robert J Perry
- 1995 - Naomi B Butner, Ambo Dhaliwal, Jeevyn Dhaliwal, Doreen Haughton, Enid Janzen, Barbara Morgan, Marian Owens, Kris Stephenson, Karen Willies, and Yosh Yoshida
