Platinum Jubilee Presentations

John Chomiak ReceivesQueen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award

Karen Chomiak, Christine Chomiak and Darlene (Chomiak) Gillis - Submitted

We, the three sisters, are so pleased to share a very happy occasion regarding our Dad, John Chomiak, based on his work for the betterment of life for Albertans. As the retired CEO of Hemisphere Engineering and his hobby in the raising of exceptional registered Charolais cattle provided this opportunity. On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, our father was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta), and the recognition was conferred on our dad at a ceremony at the Petroleum Club in Calgary. Canada West Foundation selected 24 candidates for this recognition through its process. He was honoured and humbled to be one of the 24 movers and shakers (engineers, doctors, university professors, scientists, charity leaders/givers, builders) in Alberta.

Honourable Gary Mar, CEO of Canada West, kicked off the event with an outlay of the selection process by Canada West. Then, all in the room stood up on the entry of Lieutenant Governor Hon. Salma Lakhani, with Vice Regal Salute and on to all singing O Canada, followed with impressive remarks from Hon. Mar and from Hon. Lakhani.

Hon. Mar introduced each recipient individually, with Hon Lakhani performing the presentation. All recipients’ lengthy bios were reduced to about 50 words with Dad’s introduction: “John W. Chomiak has had a hand in nearly every high-profile Alberta engineering project since the 1960s, and his expertise is sought nationally and internationally. He is still an active and dedicated community member and extraordinary fundraiser for impactful initiatives in Edmonton and Alberta.” Once the presentation concluded, Hon. Lakhani was escorted by the crowd singing God Save the King.

Lieutenant Governor Hon. Salma Lakhani, John Chomiak and Hon. Gary Mar.

(Chomiak Family/Submitted Photo)

Dad mentioned that he was delighted seeing our Mom’s smiling face during the presentation. It meant the world to him as our parents always supported each other wholeheartedly.

We are all so very proud of our father for all of his hard work and achievements. In our opinion, he is very deserving of the Queen’s II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. This Medal can only be worn on occasions, as outlined in the presentation paper. In 2005, our dad received the “Honouring Outstanding Albertan” medal, so now he can wear these two medals to special occasions. We are especially proud of the character our parents both have to make a lifetime of meaningful work possible and for being exemplary role models for our children and the community.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Recipients Gather in Mundare

Recipients of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pins, Medals and Awards gathered together for a photo on Jan. 3 in the Town of Mundare’s administration building. Back Row L-R: Colin Zyla, Al Lenkewich, Dale McCarty, Sean Brison, Brian Sharun, Charlie Gargus, Jason Warawa and Bob Gratton. Front Row L-R: Glenda Dales, Sylvia Zacharkiw, Irene Talaga and Cheryl Calinoiu.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)