Norm prince has become the latest North Islander to be awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Prince, a former teacher at Port Hardy Secondary School, was nominated for the honour because of his work for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Prince has recently relocated to Courtenay but made a number of volunteer contributions during his time living in Coal Harbour. He was a volunteer firefighter and on the Coal Harbour Community Commission among others, but was his work for MADD that earned him this accolade.
Prince's daughter Kyla co-founded the North Island Chapter of MADD in 2001 along with Aretha Fitzsimmons after a school friend, Aimee Labatt, was killed by an impaired driver. After witnessing first-hand the effect of the tragedy on the community, Prince got involved with, and eventually came to run, the local chapter to support victims and their families and to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.
The local chapter has recently closed as Prince was unable to find anyone willing to take over the administration duties.
"It's definitely bittersweet," he said. "It was a real shock because I didn't even know I was nominated but it was a strange feeling to get this honour while I'm wrapping up the final paperwork on closing the chapter."
When Prince completes his move to Courtenay he plans to open a new chapter there so he can continue his work for MADD.
"We are thrilled that Norm won this award" said Victoria Estrada, North Island Chapter Community Leader for MADD, "Norm's contribution to the community and especially to the youth has been invaluable."
To mark the 60th anniversary of her coronation, Queen Elizabeth II is honouring 60,000 exceptional Canadians for their service and contributions to Canada.