UNews - Elizabeth II

Gift of the past creates future opportunities

trevor.kenney — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 20:37:06 +0000

Kay's story was featured on Global News. View the video on the Global Lethbridge website.

When you sit in the presence of Dr. Kathleen Kerr (LLD ’04), better known as Kay, you have the keen sense that she’s the type of person you could shoot the breeze with for hours on end. Often recognized by the hats she frequently wears, she has a twinkle in her eye and carries a certain spunk not typically associated with a 94-year-old. It takes only minutes of conversation to confirm this suspicion as her story begins to take shape.

Kay Kerr and her late husband Jack owned four Kentucky Fried Chicken locations, and she personally developed the gravy recipe still used by KFC, while staying in the home of Colonel Sanders himself.

As Kay will tell you, her first job out of business college was in John Diefenbaker’s law office in Prince Albert, Sask. She was married in 1939, just a few days before Canada joined the Second World War, and she lost a brother (LAC George Hanson) in a flying accident in 1941. Kay and her late husband John (Jack) owned four Kentucky Fried Chicken locations, and she personally developed the gravy recipe still used by KFC, while staying in the home of Colonel Sanders himself.

Although Kay and Jack travelled the world, they made their home amidst the mountains in the Crowsnest Pass where they ran the legendary Turtle Mountain Hotel in Frank, Alta. Kay has received numerous accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and an honorary degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Her life history is rich.

It follows then that her former three-story home was filled to the brim with nearly a century's worth of collectables, each with its own memory: German-crafted wardrobes, a long cigarette holder kept in a roll top desk, an intricate Arctic oosik (made from the bone of a walrus penis), a cup and saucer received as a wedding gift, boxes of KFC memorabilia, a K-Tell plug-in coffee maker for your car (still pristine in its box), a red velvet couch and a vintage camera – just to name a few.

However, when Kay made the move to a lodge in Blairmore, Alta., she knew she had to downsize and was faced with finding someone who would love her collection as much as she had.

A former member of the U of L Senate and Board of Governors, and long-time U of L supporter, Kay believed the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ might be just the place. Following a phone call and a visit, Kay made a plan to give the entire contents of her house to the U of L theatre department.

“After packing everything up in boxes, my two-car garage was absolutely loaded. I’ve seen pictures of houses where someone was a recluse and they’d saved everything, and corridors are piled high on both sides, well, that was my garage, right up to the rafters,” Kay recounts with a smile.

What followed was an epic move headed by James McDowell, the technical director for the U of L theatre. A 26-foot U-Haul trailer made the trip twice, three loads were carted in a pick-up and one more in a van – finally Kay’s garage was cleaned out.

The timing was serendipitous. Just weeks later, a set designer came into James’s office, explaining that he was looking for a large collection of antique furniture for his upcoming production, Courting Johanna.

“The opening line in the show was to be: “I have some furniture to ship…”

So I said, ‘come with me,’” James recalls. “We walked into the theatre where we had it stored, and he was like, ‘Oh my gosh, there it is.’”

And so it was, that many of Kay’s items already made their debut on stage earlier this year. As James explains, the newly acquired props can be hard to find and will help expand the drama department and benefit students.

“I’m grateful to Kay for offering this to us. She could have easily put it all up for auction and given the profit to her children. But she wanted to see it used. And she knows we’ll give it a good home. She recognized the value of what we do here, and we’re thankful,” says James.

As for Kay, she carries with her these words on stationery: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

“People ask me if I was sad to see everything go, but as far as the stuff is concerned, I really don’t miss it,” she says. “I think it’s just wonderful that my things will be used in a new way. It will just keep on giving, and that’s the best.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ individuals earn Jubilee medal

trevor.kenney — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:54:39 +0000

Community leaders and volunteers from Lethbridge and southern Alberta -- including a number of individuals with ties to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge -- were honoured today with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

The medals were presented by His Honour, Col. [Ret'd] the Honourable Donald S. Ethell at a ceremony at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge.

"The Diamond Jubilee Medal is presented to citizens who share our Queen's commitment to service," said Lieutenant Governor Ethell.

"These community leaders have dedicated themselves to enhancing the quality of life in Southern Alberta and across the province and they have earned the recognition and thanks of their fellow citizens."

BACKGROUND AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES -- Recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, September 6, 2012, Lethbridge, Alberta

The following individuals were presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Ethell at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge on September 6, 2012.

The Hon. Raymond Speaker (Enchant)- Honorary Degree recipient, 2003

Ray Speaker enjoyed a long and distinguished political career at the provincial and federal levels and, after retiring from politics, he also served the nation as a Member of the Security Intelligence Review Committee. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of Privy Council.

Henry Bergen (Coaldale) Honorary Degree recipient, 2008

Henry Bergen is an agricultural innovator whose engineering developments have resulted in important cost savings for producers while increasing crop yields and reducing negative impacts on the land. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Reginald Bibby (Lethbridge) U of L Faculty member

Reginald Bibby is a leading national and international scholar in the field of sociology whose work has enhanced our understanding of Canadian identity. He is a professor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and a founding director of the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Sergeant (Ret'd) Clarence Cluff (Coaldale)

Clarence Cluff served overseas during the Second World War as a member of the 20th Independent Field Battery, RCA, Lethbridge, continues to serve in his capacity as Honourary Senior Gunner and has been an active community volunteer. Following an invitations to travel to England and meet the Queen and Princess Anne he came to be known by the Royal Family as "the Alberta Rancher".

Karen Collin BMgt '86 (Lethbridge)

Karen Collin is a key organizer at the Annual Lethbridge Dragonboat Festival and a quiet volunteer who does a great deal for the community. She is a volunteer dragonboating coach, helps to get other coaches on board and serves as a flag person at the events.

Irma Dogterom (Lethbridge)

Irma Dogterom is a researcher and author who has played a vital role in ensuring that Lethbridge residents realize the importance of their history. She was instrumental in efforts to have Legacy Ridge streets named after important women from Lethbridge history and she has been a long term board member of the Lethbridge Historical Society.

Leonard Haney (Picture Butte) Honorary Degree recipient, 2005

Leonard Haney is a noted seed grower and cattleman who has offered valued contributions in agriculture. He has also been a longstanding community volunteer with organizations such as the Lethbridge School Division and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Jane Harris-Zsovan (Lethbridge)

In her role as Social Media Coordinator for the Monarchist League of Canada Jane Harris-Zsovan has been successful in the use of social media to promote the Crown in Canada.

James Horsman (Medicine Hat) U of L Chancellor Emeritus and Honorary Degree recipient,2004

Jim Horsman enjoyed a distinguished tenure as an Alberta MLA and Cabinet Minister. He has been a tireless volunteer, particularly in education, who has served institutions such as Medicine Hat College and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Darcie James (Lethbridge)

Darcie James served for 28 years as a police officer and has been an active community volunteer. She was among the first female officers in Lethbridge and was the first to achieve the rank of Staff Sergeant. Now retired, she is manager of the Lethbridge Region Police Service's Victim Services Unit and is president of VSU Alberta.

June Kometz (Lethbridge)

For many years, June Kometz has shown her deep sense of Canadian spirit and national pride through her longstanding service spearheading the annual Canada Day Celebrations in Lethbridge.

Les Manning (Medicine Hat)

Les Manning is a noted artist, teacher and arts advocate. He helped develop ceramics studies at the Banff Centre for the Arts into an internationally respected artist residency program and has offered valued contributions to programs at Medalta Potteries National Historic Site. He is a Member of the Order of Canada.

Sheriff Troy MacKay (Lethbridge)

Troy MacKay is an Alberta Sheriff who has been a member of the public service for 14 years. He has provided distinguished support to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta since 2000 and also serves as longstanding volunteer with Alberta Special Olympics.

Irwin Kenneth McNeely (Lethbridge)

Irwin Kenneth McNeely served with the 39th Field Battery, RCA, Lethbridge during the Second World War and has been and active member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 50 years. He has been a dedicated volunteer who is committed to making his city, province and nation a better place for live and raise a family.

Warrant Officer (Ret'd) Glenn Miller (Lethbridge)

WO (Ret'd) Glenn Miller is a great friend to the veterans of southwestern Alberta. His extensive research has added to the military history and heritage of the artillery in Lethbridge and his work as a visitor to schools, museums, the Legion and seniors homes helps to keep alive our military history and the memory of those who have served. He is Constituency Manager for MLA Bridget Pastoor.

Robert Elliot Moors (Lethbridge)

Following service with the Canadian Armed Forces, Bob Moors returned to Lethbridge for duties with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires where he is presently a Chief Warrant Officer. He is a member of the Army, Navy and Air Force Association and has been a longstanding volunteer on behalf of his fellow veterans and the community as a whole.

Ian Morgan CD and Faye Morgan CD (Okotoks)

Ian and Faye Morgan have been longstanding community volunteers. They have donated countless hours working with the Alberta Summer Games, helping at community flu shot centres and contributing their time, energy and expertise to the Naval Museum in Calgary.

Lloyd (Loye) Olsen (Cardston)

Loye Olsen, along with his magnificent horses and horse drawn carriages, is a regular fixture at parades, rodeos and special events in Southwestern Alberta. He has donated countless hours over the years leading his horses and carriages and carrying dignitaries and others through parades in virtually every town in the region.

Margaret Roberts (Lethbridge)

Margaret Roberts is a very active and highly regarded member of the Friends of the Galt Museum who has volunteered in every department of the facility and in virtually every capacity, big and small. She was instrumental in planning the Galt's Centennial Celebrations.

Dr. Kenneth Sauer (Medicine Hat)

Kenneth Sauer has made great contributions as a volunteer in the areas of health, sport and community service, both in the community of Medicine Hat and at the provincial level. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Joan Stebbins (Lethbridge) Honorary Degree recipient, 2009

Joan Stebbins established the Southern Alberta Art Gallery as one of Canada's leading contemporary art institutions and has been highly successful in making contemporary art accessible to the public. She is a Member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award.

Constable Blaine Stodolka (Lethbridge)

Constable Blaine Stodolka has offered 23 years of exemplary service to the crown through his policing career. He has done extensive work with community groups involved with crime prevention initiatives and has made significant contributions through his volunteer work with the Special Olympic and Safety City Organizations.

Robert Tarleck (Lethbridge)

Bob Tarleck was the 34th Mayor of the City of Lethbridge and has been a great friend to the people and institutions of Lethbridge and surrounding areas. He served as director of volunteers for the Alberta Summer Games in Lethbridge and his efforts to establish positive relations between the City of Lethbridge and Alberta's First Nations led to him being honoured by the Kainai with a name meaning "Owner of Many Horses".

Lorne Vaughan

Citation unavailable at time of publication.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ mourns passing of Arnold

trevor.kenney — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:20:15 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community offers its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Dr. Islay Arnold, a U of L Chancellor Emeritus, Honorary degree recipient and lifelong educator.

Dr. Arnold passed away Sept. 22, 2009 at age 95 after a life well lived as an educator, community volunteer and dedicated parent.

She was the first female Chancellor of the U of L, a position she attained in 1979 after serving a number of years on the U of L Senate.

In recognition of her service, Islay received many awards and honours. She was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. She was given: an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge; a Lady Ishbel Aberdeen Award, Victorian Order of Nurses; an invitation to tea with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace; a Canada Volunteer Award – Certificate of Merit; a Women of Distinction Award, Lethbridge Y.W.C.A, and a Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs' tribute for, "Outstanding Contributions to the Community."

A complete obituary can be found at the Lethbridge Herald website:

http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/content/view/102468/35/

UNews - Elizabeth II

Gift of the past creates future opportunities

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