RFABC Awards
Since 1952 the Association has hosted an annual conference, and this event has been held in all areas of the province (along with one in Seattle, Washington and two in Alberta-Edmonton and Jasper). Starting in 1957 at these functions (when the Association was originally known as the BC Arena, Auditorium & Stadium Association), the RFABC has been able to recognize excellence in the field through its awards program.
Many outstanding individuals, groups, provincial zones and facilities have been honoured over the years.
Please browse through the various individual award listings which showcase the various awards, the lists of the winners and provide some background information on the people our memorial awards are named after.
We encourage you to nominate someone deserving to continue the tradition at this year’s conference:
AWARDS NOMINATION APPLICATION FORM FOR:
- John Bate Award of Merit
- Bill Woycik Outstanding Facility Award
- Dave Dauphinee Memorial Trophy
- Gerry Morgan Memorial Trophy
- Harry Atkinson Memorial Trophy
- Joyce Fordyce Facility Programming Award
ISLAND ZONE EDUCATION $500 GRANT APPLICATION FORM
POLAR ENGINEERING CLIMATE ACTION NOMINATION FORM
This award is presented to any person within the Association for meritorious service to the Association. Names for the John Bate Award of Merit may be submitted by members or by Zones giving the reasons for selection.
Click Here for Nomination Form
Recipients
John Bate, Victoria
Reg Stone, Trail
John MacKenzie, Kimberley
Gerry Morgan, Gold River
Vince Kreiser, Vancouver Community College
W.E. "Bill” Woycik, Prince George
Denis Leclerc, New Westminster
Mayor & Council, Gold River
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Ken Kelbough, Victoria
Mike Reed, Esquimalt
Chris Nelson, Esquimalt
Jim Weicker, Cowichan Valley
Ron Booth, City of New Westminster
Ron Aubrey
W.E. “Bill” Woycik was the eighth President (1962-1963) and a long serving Secretary-Treasurer (1969-1976) of the Association when it was originally known as the BC Arena, Auditorium & Stadium Association.
Bill served his community as the Manager of the Prince George Coliseum. He later became the Civic Properties Manager, Manager of the Civic Properties and Recreation Commission and his last official title up to 1987 while working for the City was Director of Civic Properties and Recreation.
Bill sadly passed away in 1991.
For his meritorious service to the Association Bill was awarded an Award of Merit by the Association in 1991. This award was presented posthumously to his wife Florence and two daughters Sherri-Lee and Shirlee-Ann.
The memorial award in Bill’s name was established to honour him and is awarded to one outstanding new or improved facility in the province each year.
The conditions of the award are:
It must be a recreation, sport or leisure facility. It must be a relatively new or newly renovated facility. It must meet a demonstrated (and greatest) community need. It should demonstrate innovations in design, energy management, operations, revenue generation, services, etc. The facility or community must have a member of good standing within the RFABC. The facility should demonstrate efficiencies in operation, energy conservation and preventative maintenance.
Click Here for Nomination Form
Recipients
Castlegar & District Aquatic Centre
Riverside Coliseum, Kamloops
District of Taylor Ice Arena
Rutland Arena, Kelowna
Panorama Leisure Centre & Prince George Civic Centre
Ice Sports Centre
Strathcona Gardens, Campbell River & Pinetree Community Centre, Coquitlam
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
Seaparc Leisure Complex, Sooke & Surrey Sports and Leisure Complex
Port Alberni Multi Plex
Guildford Community Centre, Surrey
Oceanside Place, Parksville
Esquimalt Recreation Centre
Revelstoke Recreation Centre & Mission Leisure Centre
Nanaimo Ice Centre, Nanaimo
Armstrong / Spallumckeen Arena, Armstrong
Cowichan Aquatic Centre, Duncan
Poirier Sports & Leisure Centre, Coquitlam
Cowichan Sports Arena Renovation Project, Duncan
Pitt Meadows Arena, Pitt Meadows
Kin Centre Enhancement Project, Prince George
Ladner Leisure Centre, Delta
Timms Community Centre, Langley
City Centre Community Centre, Richmond
Delbrook Community Centre, North Vancouver
Aldergrove Community Centre, Langley
Queen's Park Arena, New Westminster
Masich Stadium, Prince George
Minoru Centre for Active Living
This memorial trophy was named in honour of Robert John McNaughton “Bob” Muir.
Bob was a hockey player, husband, father, hardware merchant and a very civic minded individual in his community of Powell River. In addition to his many other accomplishments and responsibilities he took on the major role of being Chairman for the building of the Powell River (Willingdon) Arena. This facility opened in 1955. That same year he was honoured with the title of “Good Citizen” for his dedicated service to the community. Tragically Bob Muir and all of the other people on board were killed in the 1956 crash of Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight 810 into Mount Slesse near Chilliwack.
To honour his memory the Association decided to create this trophy in Bob’s name. It was presented by Bob Muir’s widow Alice Muir to the first winner in 1957.
The original conditions of the award were:
President’s Award to the “Manager of the Year” for his outstanding contribution to the BC Arena, Auditorium & Stadium Association.
Currently the conditions of this award are:
This award is presented to the member of the Association who in the opinion of the President has made an outstanding contribution to the Association during the year.
Recipients
Herb Phillips, Vernon
Jack Morgan, Nelson
Reg Stone, Trail
J.O. “Bus” Evans, PNE
Jack Morgan, Victoria
Harry Atkinson, Kerrisdale
Jack Morgan, Victoria
J.J. lannarelli, Sr., Esquimalt
John Bate, Victoria
Joe Dukowski, Coquitlam
Jack Boutilier, Vernon
Hobie Clark, Edmonton
W.E. “Bill” Woycik, Prince George
W.H. “Bill” Young, Saanich
Stan Shigehiro, Coquitlam
W.H. “Bill” Young, Saanich
Doug Ruttan, Juan de Fuca
Chuck Lawrence, Surrey
Gordon Smith, Kelowna
Ron Gardler, Saanich
Fred Madden, Logan Lake
Len Bjola, Sooke
Gerry Morgan, Gold River
Dave Susak, Williams Lake
John Bate, Victoria
John Atkinson, White Rock
Tom Walton, Mackenzie
Vince Kreiser, Vancouver Community College
Denis Leclerc, New Westminster
Mike Creedon, Courtenay
Bill Reekie, Campbell River
Vince Kreiser, Vancouver Community College
David Susak, Kamloops
Bob Coghill, Salmon Arm
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Louie Labbe, Surrey
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Ray Boogaards, Prince George
Ray Boogaards, Prince George
Carolyn Madge, Oliver
Wilbur Wostradowski, Kelowna
Chris Nelson, Esquimalt
Joyce Fordyce, Coquitlam
Jamie Rennie, Surrey
John Elzinga, Lake Cowichan
Ed Dockter, Squamish
Bob Grant, Oliver
Gary Rushton, Aldergrove
Todd Wallace, Castlegar
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Karin Carlson, Fort St. John
Robert Baker, Trail
Ron Dietrich, Westshore Parks and Recreation
Chris Siddaway, Coquitlam
Geoff Chesterton, Aldergrove
Terry Welsh, Nakusp
Ron Dietrich, Westshore Parks and Recreation
Ian Welle, Victoria
Jenna Stevens, Port Moody
Geoff Chesterton
This trophy was named in honour of Dave Dauphinee who was the First President of the Association when it was originally known as the BC Arena, Auditorium & Stadium Association (1950-1951).
Dave started out in the recreation facilities’ field as an Engineer at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Forum in Vancouver and later moved through to being named Manager of that facility. When Empire Stadium was built for the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games Dave was named the Stadium Manager. Throughout his career at the PNE Dave continued to take on more responsibilities culminating in him being named General Manager of the overall organization. Dave also became a mentor and friend for a long time Honourary Past President of the Association, John Bate. As an interesting side note, John and his wife Marilyn named their son David in honour of Dave Dauphinee.
Dave sadly passed away in 1979.
The conditions of the award are:
Willingness to assist their fellow members throughout the Association. Dedication and involvement within their Zone. For service to overall growth of the Association. For an outstanding new member of the Association for their dedication and achievement in their community or facility. Names for the Dave Dauphinee Memorial Trophy may be submitted by members or by Zones giving the reasons for this selection.
Click Here for Nomination Form
Recipients
Stan Shigehiro, Coquitlam
W.E. “Bill” Woycik, Prince George
W.H. "Bill" Young, Saanich
Jim Langhorn, Centaur Athletics
Len Bjola, Sooke
John Bate, Victoria
Peter Kozak, Nelson
Kurt Houlden, Chilliwack
George Tufnail, White Rock
Gerry Morgan, Gold River
Bill Reekie, Campbell River
Mike Creedon, Courtenay
Ernie Mansueti, North Cowichan
Ron Booth, New Westminster
Joyce Fordyce, Burnaby
Ray Boogaards, Prince George
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Mike Reed, Esquimalt
Ernie Mansueti, North Cowichan
John Elzlnga, Cowichan Lake
Jim Weicker, Cowichan Valley
Ed Dockter, Squamish
Lori Blackman, Powell River
Dennis Magoffin, Armstrong
2009 World Under 17 Championship Committee, Vancouver Island
Jason Craig, Nelson
Sheena Boyles, Mill Bay
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Ron Dietrich, Westshore Parks and Recreation
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Ron Booth, New Westminster
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Steve Napper, Delta
Cyndi Lathrop, Surrey
Gary Paterson, Nanaimo
Wade Loukes, Prince George
Tamara Gillis, Bulkley Valley
This award is named in honour of Gerry Morgan who was a long serving Association’s Secretary-Treasurer (1982-1986 and 1991-1993) and President (1989-1990).
Jim Weicker a Past President of the RFABC was able to confirm that Gerry was the Superintendent, Parks & Recreation Dept. for the Village of Gold River. The local ice arena/curling rink/community hall complex is now called the Gerry Morgan Memorial Centre.
Another Past President of the Association Mike Creedon who knew Gerry very well indicated that he was very dedicated to his work on behalf of the RFABC. In his role as Secretary-Treasurer Gerry ensured that the Association’s financial matters were kept in very good order. Gerry also acted as the historian for the RFABC and could at almost anytime provide accurate information about an issue off of the top of his head. If not he would consult his well constructed and very detailed records that he maintained back in his office and get back to the person needing the required information.
Gerry sadly passed away in 1999.
The conditions of the award are:
The contribution of an individual, non-member, community or organization outside of the membership of the Recreation Facilities Association of BC. The willingness to assist throughout the Association. Service to the overall growth of the Association. Assist the Board to increase valued partnerships. Dedication and involvement with the Association. Names for the Gerry Morgan Memorial Trophy may be submitted by members or by Zones giving the reasons for selection.
Click Here for Nomination Form
Recipients
Gene Shutek, Langara College
Terrace Kraft Hockeyville Committee, Terrace
Vernon Funtastic Sports Society, Vernon
Audrey Polovnikoff, Castlegar
Vince Kreiser, Langara College
DB Perks-Commercial Aquatic Supply, North Vancouver
Technical Safety BC, New Westminster
Marilyn Bate, Victoria
Jared Kope, viaSportBC, Vancouver
No Nominations Recieved
From 1989-2008 this memorial trophy in honor of the seventh President (1961-1962) of the Association was presented to a spouse of a member.
Harry was the Manager of the Kerrisdale Arena in the City of Vancouver. He worked hard with the other members of his facility staff to ensure a high standard of operation was being provided for the users. This dedication to their work was reflected in the nice reviews contained in some written documents from the 1960’s time period.
Harry in his role as Association President also worked on the major provincial issue of the payment of music royalties and one that continues to be part of the recreation facilities’ field today.
Harry was one of the organizers for the Spouses’ Program at the Association’s annual conferences for a period of time. Marilyn Bate who has won this award in the past appreciated the work that Harry did for this program. At the time the Spouses’ Program was designed for the wives and girl friends of the members, Associates and Recreation Commissioners. Marilyn along with the other participating spouses were able to make some very good friends over the years and had an enjoyable time in the various communities which hosted the annual event.
Harry sadly passed away in 1987.
From 1989 – 2008 the conditions of the award were:
Willingness to assist their fellow spouses throughout the Association. Dedication and involvement within the Zone. For service to the overall growth of the Association. For an outstanding new member for their dedication and achievement to the Spouses’ Program. Names for the Harry Atkinson Memorial Trophy may be submitted by members or spouses giving the reasons for selection.
Currently the conditions of this award are:
The individual must be currently working full-time for a minimum of one calendar year, in a maintenance capacity within a public or private recreation facility (e.g. pool, arena, fitness centre, community theatre). The nominee must be currently employed in front line or career entry level positions and excludes supervisory or management staff. Nominated individuals are not required to be RFABC members. Staff members of current RFABC Board members are not eligible for nominations by a Board member.
Click Here for Nomination Form
Recipients
Kay Atkinson, White Rock
Jocelyne Shigehiro, Coquitlam
Nhorin Leclerc, New Westminster
Kathy Kreiser, Clearbrook
Sheila Morgan, Gold River
Marilyn Bate, Victoria
Jan Labbe, Delta
Sandra Boogaards, Prince George
Barb Vincent, Mill Bay
Ruth Kelbough, Victoria
Barbara Mulligan, Chilliwack
Traci Rennie, Surrey
Linda Magoffin, Armstrong
CHANGE of Award Criteria
Clayton Bannatyne, Parksville
Clarence Breikrentz, West Kelowna
Travis Drake, Trail
Zac Wethal, Nakusp
Tristan Webb, Westshore
Don Carter, Salmon Arm
No Nominations Recieved
This award was created in 2016 by Ron Aubrey who was the President of the Association from 2002-2003 and also a long serving Education Chairman of the Association. At the time of his retirement in 2002 Ron was the Sports Centre Manager for the Municipality of Esquimalt. He has been teaching Pool Operator Courses for over 40 years.
The conditions of the award are:
For their outstanding contribution to the Association by an Associate Member during the year. The immediate Past President and Associate Director in consultation with the Executive Director will select the recipient and the award shall be presented at the Conference Trade Show.
Recipients
Art Sutherland - Accent Refrigeration Systems, Langford
Doug Perks - DB Perks and Associates, North Vancouver
Brad Miller - Hi-Pro Sporting Goods Ltd., Vernon
Cimco Refrigeration, Vancouver
Polar Engineering, Victoria
Servitech Training Ltd., Victoria
This is a plate that is presented annually to the most effective Zone.
The conditions of the award are:
Percentage of attendance at Zone meetings.
– Number and content of Zone meetings.
– Contributions to the magazine by Zone.
– Attendance at the conference by Zone members.
– Workshops/seminars conducted by the Zone.
Recipients
Okanagan Zone
Mainland Zone
Island Zone
Okanagan Zone
Northern Zone
West Kootenay Zone
North West Zone
North Zone
Cariboo Central Zone
Island & Mainland Zone
North Zone
Mainland Zone
Mainland Zone
Mainland Zone
Skeena Bulkley Zone
Island Zone
North Zone
Island Zone
Cariboo Zone
Mainland Zone
West Kootenay Zone
Island Zone
Island Zone
Island Zone
Okanagan Zone
Island Zone & Mainland Zone
Island Zone
Mainland Zone
Cariboo Zone
Island Zone
Okanagan Zone
Island Zone
West Kootenay Zone
West Kootenay Zone
Island Zone
Lower Mainland Zone
Island Zone
Island Zone
Island Zone
Island Zone
Island Zone
Lower Mainland Zone
Lower Mainland Zone
This memorial bursary is named in honor of the first Secretary-Treasurer (1950-51) and also the longest serving President of the Association. He served as the second President (1951-1957) and then again as the fourteenth President (1968-1969) of the Association. Joe served as the Manager of the Victoria Memorial Arena for a period of time and then later served as the Manager of the Sports Centre in Coquitlam.
Denis Leclerc is a Past President of the Association who worked as a younger guy for Joe in Coquitlam. Denis described him in positive terms as an “old school” and hands on manager. He worked very well with the staff while being firm and fair in his dealings with them. In addition, he was willing to jump in and help out when things got busy in the concession and lounge areas during major special events like curling bonspiels.
Joe sadly passed away in 1981.
The bursary was started in 1981 for students in the Recreation Facilities Management Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Burnaby, BC and subsequently transferred to Vancouver Community College when the program was moved there in 1986. It is currently presented annually to a student enrolled in the Recreation Leadership Diploma Program at Langara College in Vancouver, BC.
The conditions of the award are:
The full-time graduating student enrolled in the fourth term of the program must have demonstrated to the Department faculty members a talent for and an interest in recreation facilities’ operation, as well as a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the field. The student must also demonstrate attributes of a diligent self-starter who works hard to accomplish goals that benefit others.
The award is a cash bursary of $500.00. In addition, the student will receive an honorarium of up to $250.00 for travel expenses to assist in attending the annual RFABC Conference. The student must attend the conference in order to receive the honorarium and receipts for their travel expenses must be presented to the RFABC Executive Director prior to a reimbursement being made. The conference host community will provide accommodation and meals (billets) for the student during the conference.
Recipients
Craig Briewis, BCIT
Joanne Carlson, BCIT
Bruce Tilbury, BCIT
Norm Gallicano, BCIT
Mike Cregan, BCIT
Rob Stagg, VCC
Lisa Wong, VCC
Susan Boeschoten, VCC
Jane Faulkner, VCC
Nancy Sylvain, VCC
Jim Davies, VCC
Timothy Turner, VCC
Kim Hilton, Langara College
Julie Freund, Langara College
Marian Gardner, Langara College
Sonja Boston, Langara College
Cheryl Kensick, Langara College
Lesley Sharp, Langara College
Victoria Murphy, Langara College
Grant Rice, Langara College
Monica McGinley, Langara College
Chris Shubert, Langara College
Nicole Castor, Langara College
Nicole Wilson, Langara College
Shawn Bourgoin, Langara College
Renata Turick, Langara College
Mark Houlden, Langara College
Bernard Lee, Langara College
Pam Berg, Langara College
Larry Alas, Langara College
Shannon Penway, Langara College
Travis Pearce, Langara College
Jerome Oregas, Langara College
Taylor Venner, Langara College
Kayla Raimondo, Langara College
Teelah Logan, Langara College
Steven Maisey, Langara College
Hannah Glavin, Langara College
Karina Tung, Langara College
Samson Lee, Langara College
Lukas Djuras, Langara College
RFABC Associate Members (companies and individuals that provide products and services to the recreation industry) added a second scholarship starting in 1991 to help support a deserving student each year.
This award is presented to a student enrolled in the Recreation Leadership Diploma Program at Langara College in Vancouver B.C.
Some early Associate Members who advocated for the establishment of this scholarship included: Doug Churchill, Dave Gillette and Dave Warner. Later on Perry Coleman and Norm Smith worked hard to cultivate the Associates’ continued sponsorship of this scholarship and also to boost the current dollar amount to be given out.
From 1991-2008 the conditions of the award were:
It was awarded to a second-year full-time student with the top G.P.A. in the first term of the program.
Currently the conditions of the award are:
It is presented to the second-year full-time student as chosen by the Instructor who showed strong leadership and a high level of interest and aptitude in the RECR 1162 course during their first term of study. The recipient must also demonstrate a willingness to help their fellow classmates during the Outdoor Field School component of the course. The award is a cash bursary of $500.00.
Recipients
Patti Minor
Timothy Turner
Dave Fossum & Jason Freund
Kevin Jeffery
Karlene Epp
Sonja Boston
Cheryl Kensick
Lesley Sharp
Brian Forrester
Erica McIntyre
Monica McGinley
Chris Shubert
Jaimie Brown
Tanya Penman & Brenda Alexander
Roy Liu
Shannu Poyser
Emma Peake
Erica Lowney
CHANGE of award criteria
Sophia Hughes
Ellen Dacamara
Jennifer Chohan
Simon Chiu
Barbara Vadovicova-Fong
Keltie Post
Sam Ahlgren
Tara Silva
Gregory Paton
Hannah Glavin
Fraser Cameron
Matthew Morin
Alyssa Formosa
TBD
Ron has served in many positions on the RFABC board including as President from 2002-2003 and most recently as Education Director and was instrumental in the development of the Education Policy Manual. He is the recipient of several awards provided by the Association. Recognition for Ron’s achievements extend to the Life Saving Society where he was awarded the H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent, 125th Anniversary Certificate of Merit to honour individuals who have given distinguished service to the Society. For his contributions and dedication, Ron received a RFABC Lifetime Membership in 2020.
This award is to recognize an RFABC instructor who has provided an exceptional level of educational instruction to students and has contributed to furthering the goals of the Association. The recipient shall receive a year’s free membership for the following year. The award presentation shall be at the annual Cadre meeting and shall be noted at the annual conference.
Considerations for the award:
– has provided an exceptional level of educational instruction to students.
– has contributed to furthering the goals of the Association.
– developed and delivered new teaching ideas, techniques or programs.
– availability and commitment to educating members in the recreation sector.
The Education Director, Education/Marketing Manager and Immediate Past President will select the recipient.
Recipients
Corrinne Garrett
Joyce enjoyed working in the ice arena field and was a figure skater for many years. She promoted the concept of using ice arenas in the province for more than just venues for renting ice out to user groups which involved the creation of innovative and fun programs. Joyce promoted gender equity and tried to encourage more females to become involved with the RFABC and the ice arena industry. She led by example and was involved with the technical aspects of recreation facilities and in establishing the Ice Facility Operator designation.
This award would be in recognition of an individual who is a member that has strongly contributed and are dedicated to the programming objectives and goals of the Association.
Considerations for the award are:
– Individual must be currently working full-time for a minimum of one calendar year in the programming capacity within a public or private recreation facility (e.g.
– Nominee must be currently employed in front line program positions and excludes supervisory or management staff.
– Nominated individuals are not required to be RFABC members.
– pool, arena, fitness centre, community theatre).
Nominations may be submitted by members or by Zones to the Awards committee. The Program Director or delegate shall present the award at the annual conference.
Click Here for Nomination Form
Recipients
Shawn Fengler, Port Coquitlam
RFABC-Island Zone Education $500 Grant has been established by the RFABC-Vancouver Island Zone to recognize the significant contributions and service from the Zone’s long serving members and their commitment to support educational contributions and commitment to the RFABC.
- Applicant Eligibility/Criteria
- Must reside within the Vancouver Island Zone of the RFABC
- Must be employed in the parks, recreation or community development industry or a student currently enrolled in a recognized recreation studies program
- Must complete an on-line application and agree to terms of the grant. The application shall include a brief summary of why the applicant feels they should be awarded the grant.
- Must provide the RFABC Island Zone a written summation of how the grant was used or alternatively attend a zone meeting to speak to the usage
- Must submit the grant application within the time frame allotted
Grant Process and Parameters
- This grant will be awarded annually by the Island Zone to a single recipient which will expire in 2 years from time of award, if not used.
- The grant will include a $500 voucher to be used for any RFABC or recreational educational course, program, conference or Leisure Development Course. The Recipient will also receive a 1-year free RFABC membership. The voucher is non-transferable and has no cash value.
More Details and Application Form
Recipients
This award has been established by the RFABC and Polar Engineering to recognize a recreation facility that is an industry leader in climate action by taking on and implementing a bold climate action project, implementing cutting-edge green technology, and drastically reducing its carbon footprint.
Conditions of the Award are:
- Must be a sport or leisure facility in BC
- Must have completed this project in the two previous calendar years
- Must have completed a bold climate action project by either implementing new technology or achieving deep carbon reductions
- Must be a member in good standing with RFABC.
Recipients