Louise Beatch has been awarded with royal platinum for her service in the Royal Purple.
The Lac La Biche resident and long-serving member of the Order of the Royal Purple, is a recent recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, receiving the honour at a ceremony in Bashaw on January 21.
She was nominated for her many community service roles — in particular her 50-year dedication to the Royal Purple. Along with the Queen’s platinum medal, Beatch will be receiving her 50-year service pin from the Royal Purple this April.
“I joined Royal Purple on April 14, 1970 in Chauvin, Alberta. My mother being a very active member recruited me as soon as I finished high school,” said Beatch, recalling fondly the mother-daughter team.
She stayed involved with Royal Purple, getting married, moving to Tofield then Lac La Biche and raising three children. Beatch was also involved in the scouting movement as a leader and District Commissioner while her daughters were in Brownies, Girl Guides and Pathfinders. She also created the church bulletin for the St. Catherine’s Parish for five years.
Beatch takes a great pride in volunteer spirit, especially with the Royal Purple.
“I’m always proud to wear our colours purple and white,” she said. “It is one of the things that makes the community aware who we are, what we do, and what we give in the community.”
The Royal Purple is a national, provincial, and local charitable non – profit charitable organization that raises money for community and regional causes. The organization’s main cause is brain injury prevention and awareness.
Beatch has been the executive secretary in the Lac La Biche Royal Purple Lodge for 29 years, and the group’s historian for 10 years.
She said receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal was an “honour and a privilege.” She also linked the Purple and platinum together, using the award recognition to highlight the local organization.
“If anyone is interested in joining, I highly recommend joining the Royal Purple as it has been very rewarding for me. I have made many friends close and far,” she said.
The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal was presented to Beatch by Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely and Camrose and Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek.
Beatch is one of 7,000 Albertans to receive the honourary award that marked Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne. Recipients were nominated by community organizations or provincial elected officials.
