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By Ivan Dubinsky, Assistant keeper, Cape Beale Lighthouse, British Columbia, Canada
Recently, Queen Elizabeth II visited Canada as part of her Golden Jubilee tour (50 years reigning). In order to honor Canadians who had made outstanding contributions to Canadian society, a special Golden Jubilee medal was minted. This medal was presented to just 900 Canadians in all walks of life.
Of these 900 medals sixteen were presented to Canadian lighthouse keepers in recognition of their long and outstanding service to mariners. Norbert (Norbie) Brand, senior lightkeeper at Cape Beale, was one of the recipients. Norbie has been a lightkeeper for 27 years, of which, all but one have been at Cape Beale.
On November 02/2002, Glenna Evans, Superintendent of Lightstation Operations, from Canadian Coast Guard base, Victoria, BC, arrived by helicopter to present Norbie with his medal. She was representing Senator Pat Carney (Ms.) who, unfortunately, had to be in Ottawa on official business. Nevertheless, Norbie was very honored to finally receive the recognition that we feel all lightkeepers deserve.
This story appeared in the January 2003 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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