Curtis Smith is Virden’s newest Citizen of the Year. He officially received the accolade during the Town of Virden’s annual appreciation dinner at Tundra Oil & Gas Place on Dec. 2.
Now retired after working as a Maintenance Tradesperson with Fort La Bosse School Division, Smith was a runner-up for the award in 2022. This year, he was chosen over two other nominees, Lisa Williams and Frances Lansing.
Kel Smith and the 2022 winner, Herb Warkentin, put his name forward.
“Curtis more than fits the criteria for this honour,” they wrote. “Curtis has served in the fire service for over 45 years, including as a Lieutenant in the Wallace District Fire Department. He continues in a leadership role in mentoring junior firefighters.”
Smith’s involvement with the Royal Canadian Legion – Virden Branch No. 8 - dates back to 1980. He has been an executive member for over 16 years and has recently been elected for another term as Branch President.
“Curtis spends countless hours at the Legion, looking after the finances, the overall operations, providing maintenance, cleaning where necessary. You name it, Curtis does it…whatever it takes to ensure the Legion is a functioning, sustainable entity in our community.”
Smith’s behind-the-scenes efforts in assisting veterans and clearing snow for his elderly neighbours were also highlighted.
“The Town of Virden is fortunate that Curtis and his wife Linda chose Virden to be their home and be such an active volunteer in our community.”
Smith’s remarks were brief and heartfelt.
“Thank you very much,” he said. “What an honour. As I get older, I hope that as leaders in the community that younger folks take on that same challenge. We’re only here to support each other… make a better life for each and every one of us. It’s unbelievable to be nominated by Kel Smith and Herb Warkentin. Those are two leaders that I have to recognize for giving me the motivation to do everything for anybody you can and I’m only here for whatever the community needs. Thank you very much for the opportunity to serve and hope I can do better next year.”
A Certificate of Acknowledgement was presented by Mayor Tina Williams and Smith’s name will be engraved on an honour plaque.
YEARS OF SERVICE
Michel Lacroix (Parks & Recreation) and Jordan Neskar (Utilities) received recognition for ten years of service. Peter Enns (Parks & Recreation) and Maurice Kernel (Public Works Foreman) were acknowledged on their retirement.
Kernel has served with the Town of Virden for 36 years. He began as a general labourer in 1987, rising through the ranks until being promoted to Public Works Foreman in 2006 – a position he occupied until his retirement in April of this year.
Terry Johnson and Maxine Chacun, both past councillors, reflected on their time working with Kernel. Chacun commented on the cleanliness of the public works shop and vehicles as a testament to his standards and dedication to his job.
“The trucks were always kept clean and the shop was always very nicely organized and kept clean to the best of everyone’s ability,” Chacun said. “I think that shows the pride that you had in our town, not only because of your job but because of the way you wanted it to look to other people.”
Coun. Bruce Dunning, unable to attend the dinner, sent a congratulatory message. Kernel was hired during his first term on Council.
“Thank you for your many years of dedicated and unselfish contributions to the Town of Virden, and I hope you have a very enjoyable retirement,” Dunning wrote.
“Maurice cared so much about our community. He simply could not walk away without making sure everything was looked after,” said Chief Administrative Officer Rhonda Stewart, who worked closely with him throughout his tenure. “Over the years his dedication has continued to be demonstrated, such as assisting with special events and even keeping in contact with the cemetery manager to ensure snow was cleared where necessary.”
Stewart also expressed appreciation to Kernel’s wife Candice and his family for their patience and understanding when he had to leave important family functions on occasion, such as when the town was being impacted by flooding. She recalled a recent meeting with local physician Dr. Jennifer Hammell where she expressed appreciation for Kernel’s quick response when the airport runway had to be cleared of snow during emergencies to facilitate the landing of the life flight aircraft.
Kernel has continued to work as a consultant, assisting with projects and the transition to a new foreman, which the Town is currently recruiting for.
