The certificate reads William Blower, but everyone just calls him Bill.
Last week, Blower was awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, issued by the Governor General of Canada, Julie Payette. He was presented the medal during a volunteer appreciation luncheon held by FCSS on April 26.
"I just want to say thanks to the groups I was with that made it enjoyable to be a volunteer," Blower expressed. He says he's made a lot of friends over the years through volunteering, for "about seven" different organizations.
"I started in 1974, I was a volunteer in the fire department, and then in '83 I was in the fire department in St. Paul. I did 20 years there and then I went to the Legion and (have done) 13 there."
Blower says he's received awards for years of service, but this one from the Governor General was "unexpected."
Russell Whitford has known Blower since 1986, and nominated him for the award. He also presented it to him during the short ceremony. Whitford explains his commitment to the community is what made him a stand-out nominee.
"He's put all kinds of hours and is very dedicated towards volunteerism. So we put his name in and all the organizations wrote letters of support, it went through the Governor General's office and he's been awarded," explained Whitford.
Whitford, a long-time volunteer himself, says Blower has also volunteered with the St. Paul & District Hospital Foundation, Citizens on Patrol, and the St. Paul Ag Society.
"The amount of service he has done for the Legion is amazing. You can count on him for everything and whenever you need him, he's there."
Whitford, a 30-plus year member of the Legion, encourages everyone to volunteer, because it "enriches your own life with the people you meet, who you help, and the experiences you have."
Town of St. Paul FCSS Director Lynn Smid spoke highly of all the volunteers in the room on Thursday, saying they have almost 60 volunteers every year to recognize.
"They're really amazing individuals that dedicate so much of their time."
Smid added that many of the attendees on Thursday volunteer for Meals on Wheels, which dishes out 20 meals every day to local residents.
