Herb Warkentin's record of community involvement and service has earned him recognition as the 2022 Town of Virden 2022 Citizen of the Year. The life-long resident and retired building mover received a plaque and a standing ovation at the Town's annual Christmas Appreciation Banquet at Tundra Oil & Gas Place on December 3.
Mayor Tina Williams highlighted aspects of Warkentin's nomination, which was submitted by Kelvon Smith.
Over several decades, Warkentin has devoted his time and talents to such organizations as the Virden Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze Committee, the Valleyview Consumers Co-op, the Elkhorn Restoration Club, the Virden Centennial Housing Corporation, the Pioneer Home Museum and St. Paul's United Church as well as the now-defunct Prairie West Recreation, Kinsmen Club and Virden Community Recreation Commission.
Warkentin served as a Town of Virden Councillor from 2003 to 2010. Currently, he is marshal of the Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze Parade as well as the annual Santa Claus Parade.
“Once again, he's one of these people we'd be lost without,” said Mayor Tina Williams. “He has great respect, and interest in our town. A friend to everyone and very humble.”
For his part, Warkentin had brief words of thanks, declining to accept full credit for the honour which was bestowed upon him.
“I want to thank everyone here,” he said. “All the stuff that I have done is to help each and every one of you. It's not just me...it's everyone else here that helps out towards it.”
Curtis Smith runner up
Curtis Smith was selected by Council as this year's runner up for Citizen of the Year. In nominating him, Kelvon Smith took note of his extensive involvement in local emergency services as well as his countless volunteer hours with the Virden Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
“Curtis has served in the fire service for over 44 years, including holding a Lieutenant position for several of those years as part of the Wallace District Fire Department. Curtis continues to be part of that department, providing a leadership role in mentoring junior and senior firefighters. He also served as an EMT for 16 years while living in Killarney. He has been an extremely active member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Virden Branch) since 1980, has served on the executive for 15 years and is also a life member. He spends countless hours at the Legion, looking after the finances, overall operation, maintenance and helps organize and operate the annual demolition derby, a major fundraiser. You name it, he's done it... what it would take to ensure the Legion is a functioning, sustainable entity in our community. We are fortunate that Curtis (and his wife Linda) chose Virden to be their home and to be such an active volunteer in our community.”
