Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Vegreville resident Larry Ruptash considers himself fortunate to have been able to meet Queen Elizabeth II and reflected on his special encounter with Her Majesty during a Royal Tour in Alberta in 1978.

Ruptash, who was the Mayor of Vegreville, recalls being very nervous before Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip arrived at the town’s famous pysanka for an official welcoming ceremony on Aug. 2, 1978.

Her Majesty extends hand to Mayor Larry Ruptash standing beside his wife Lillian. Prince Philip walks a step behind Queen Elizabeth.

(Vegreville Observer/Archives)

“It was a day I’ll never forget,” said Ruptash. The event was being broadcast worldwide and there were many considerations to ensure everything ran smoothly that day. One of those considerations was ensuring there were no goose droppings on the pad underneath the pysanka were they would be standing. They also had to lock the pysanka in place so it would be in the perfect position for the cameras that would be capturing the proceedings.

Ruptash said he was saddened to hear of the Queen’s passing and reminisced about that unforgettable day. “It was an honour.” His daughter Lara presented the Queen with flowers that was a special touch. The Queen was also presented a gold framed replica of Vegreville’s pysanka surrounded by eight other colourful eggs written by Elizabeth Sembaliuk.

Joyce Ziegler never met the Queen, but said her daughter did as she was with the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides that served as honour guide at the airport before taken in a motorcade to the Elks/Kinsmen Park. Joyce and her husband David lived on 50 Street and watched the motorcade drive by their home. She said lots of family and friends came over to visit that day, including her Grade 1 teacher. Joyce said she always respected the Queen and said she was well revered and admired.

“One thing I do remember about her visit to Alberta that time was that her and Prince Phillip travelled by train,” said Vegreville resident Rod Stewart. Years later, Rod and his wife Joyce in London, England. He said it was in late May and early June of 2008. While in London they also visited the Imperial War Museum.