To the students of Harwin, Ron Brent and Spruceland, my congratulations for all that hard work, research and analysis in your selections of the Top 15 citizens of the past century. And to Mr. Skinner (of Harwin) my respect to you, sir, for setting these students out on a path that recognizes the quality of Prince George and the folks who live there. As your "Top 15" illustrate, you don't have to go far to find excellence in the Interior.
I am particularly proud to have been included in Matt Lybbert's montage of recognition for UNBC founders. But trust me, Matt, there were hundreds like me who didn't--and, sadly, will never--get the recognition you have accorded to me. For example, Joanne Hewlett (partial owner Frank Hewlett & Sons Tire on Central Street) was the administrative backbone of the Interior University Society. Then there's Larry Wood, former general manager of Canadian Tire; Larry purchased IUS membership #2. Steve Faraday, owner of Earl's Restaurant, purchased the very first business membership to the IUS. I could go on and on, Matt, but you had limited time and, no doubt, a limit on what you could write. Me, too.
Rest assured of two things, Matt: recognizing excellence provides a very useful backdrop for the emergence of leaders like you. Secondly, us oldsters (I'm now 72!) delight in the recognition you have provided.
Best wishes for success at Harwin public school and, as you progress, success in life!
Interior University Society Petition Support Membership Program Coordinator, Founder: the University of Northern British Columbia, and now one of the top 15 of Prince George Citizens in the past century. What a thrill!
T.A. (Tom) Steadman
Ocala, Florida
