Six Kincardine-area residents receive King Charles III Coronation Medal

Six Kincardine-area residents are among 20 outstanding individuals who received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, at a ceremony hosted by Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, March 5, in Wingham.

“I am deeply honoured to announce the names of these recipients,” said Lobb.

The medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place May 6, 2023. The first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation, it recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community in Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to our country.

The 20 local recipients were selected following an open nomination process for residents of Huron-Bruce. Residents were asked to nominate outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the communities and country.

“We had many qualified applicants, and it was truly remarkable the number of people in Huron-Bruce who have dedicated so much of their time and effort to the betterment of our community,” said Lobb. “The recipients embody different backgrounds, careers, and interests but each of them has shown a lifetime of commitment to the community and country.”

The Kincardine-area recipients include the following:

Chandrashekhar Tripathi - nominated by Abhilasha Tripathi

Chandra Tripathi is a dedicated advocate for inclusivity, community-building, environmental stewardship, and cultural harmony in Huron-Bruce. As a founding member of the Kincardine Multicultural Celebration and the Hindu Cultural Open House, he has played a vital role in fostering cultural awareness and unity. His commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in his efforts to plant 1,000 trees through the Living Snow Fence project. Additionally, he actively supports education and spiritual care as a member of the Grey-Bruce Health Care Spiritual Council, ensuring holistic well-being for the community. His contributions continue to enrich and strengthen the region.



Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb (left) presents the medal to Chandra Tripathi's son, Varun
 

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Doug Kennedy (posthumously) – nominated by Keith Davidson

The late Doug Kennedy dedicated nearly six years to serving as a council member in the Municipality of Kincardine and was a beloved figure in the hockey community. As general manager of the Kincardine Junior “C” Bulldogs for more than 25 years, and an official in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, his impact on the sport was immeasurable. In recognition of his 50 years of outstanding service to hockey in Kincardine, he was awarded the prestigious Golden Hockey Stick by the Ontario Hockey Association, a testament to his life-long commitment to the game and his community.



Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb (left) presents the medal to Doug Kennedy's wife, Cathy Alcombrack
 

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Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor – nominated by Eduvie Martin

Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children with special needs. Since moving to Canada over a decade ago, she has practised as an optometrist in Walkerton, specializing in the care of neuro-diverse children. As the author of “A to Z on How I See,” she provides parents with a valuable tool to detect special needs early by observing how children interact with the words in her book. Beyond her clinical work, she mentors pre-optometry students and uses her platform as a digital creator to advocate for, and support, children with special needs, making a meaningful impact in both her profession and her community.



Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb (left) presents the medal to Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor
 

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Sergeant Laszlo Santha (Retired) – nominated by Kim Porquet-Santha

Retired Sergeant Laszlo Santha is a distinguished veteran who dedicated 34 years to the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, maintaining outstanding service and attendance until his retirement in September. Throughout his career, he served with the Governor General’s Foot Guards in Ottawa, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Hamilton, and the Grey and Simcoe Foresters in Owen Sound. His duties included performing in Honour Guards for royalty and foreign dignitaries, granting him the privilege of meeting both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne. In 2003, he represented Canada and his regiment on an historic battlefield tour in Europe. Beyond his military service, he has also devoted 17 years to the Tiverton Fire Department, demonstrating his life-long commitment to public service and community safety.



Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb (left) presents the medal to Retired Sergeant Laszlo Santha
 

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Steve Travale Sr. - nominated by Jay Bell

Coach Steve Travale is a dedicated leader in youth baseball, making a lasting impact on players and the community. As an active board member of the Western Ontario Baseball Association and the Kincardine Minor Baseball Association, he has devoted countless hours to the development of young athletes. His coaching has led the Kincardine Under-18, Under-13 and Under-11 teams to provincial championships, a testament to his expertise and commitment. Beyond the field, he goes above and beyond by mentoring players interested in continuing their baseball careers, helping them build portfolios and navigate opportunities for college-level play. His passion and dedication to the sport continue to inspire the next generation of athletes.


 

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Andrew Dykeman – nominated by Jessica Dykeman

Andrew Dykeman is a dedicated, community-focused business owner whose generosity has made a lasting impact. His unwavering support for local organizations includes charitable donations and sponsorships benefiting the food bank, Lions Club, breakfast programs, local schools, and Drop-In at the Bridge. Through his commitment to giving back, he continues to strengthen and uplift his community, making a remarkable difference in the lives of those around him.



Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb (left) presents the medal to Andrew Dykeman
 

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The other recipients include:
 

• Commander Patrick Armstrong
• Matthew Digby
• Donald Dodds
• Douglas Fines
• Marianne Hogan
• Captain Ryan McClinchey
• Robert McGregor
• Patrick O’Connor
• Jared Petteplace
• Thomas Prout
• Rick Shropshall
• Bonnie Sitter
• Dr. Tara Somerville
• Superintendent Paul Thorne