New Westminster resident Baj Puri was one of 15 people who received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at a presentation in Vancouver on Aug. 4.
The winners were nominated and awarded by the Jack Gin Family Foundation, a partner organization that helps recognize outstanding Canadians who have built and continue to build a caring society and country through their service, contributions and achievements.
The foundation, started by Burnaby businessman Jack Gin - best known for his work with Extreme CCTV - helps nominate, select and feature the winners of this prestigious award.
Puri was lauded for his civic leadership skills.
He immigrated to New Westminster in 1952, raising his family and becoming a well-respected public service advocate and volunteer.
In 1996, he was named New Westminster Citizen of the Year.
Puri's public service has included time on the New Westminster police board.
He has also served on the South Coast B.C. Transportation Authority police board, and was previously president of the B.C. Association of Police Boards; board director of the British Columbia Press Council; chair of the Douglas College Foundation; vice-chair of the New Westminster advisory planning commission; president of the Hyack Festival Association; president and director of the Navy League of Canada; and board chair of the New Westminster branch of the St. John Ambulance.
Puri previously won the Queen's Silver Jubilee medal and Gold Jubilee medal for community service.
Other winners honoured on Saturday were: Susan Chalkias of Seeds of Hope Children's Mission; Maurice McElrea of Union Gospel Mission; Tung Chan, board director and former chief executive officer of SUCCESS; Second World War veteran Cpl. Frank Wong; Former Vancouver Mayor and B.C. Premier Mike Harcourt; humanitarian Capt. Trevor Greene; community leader John McLernon; architect David H.T. Wong; entrepreneur Daniel Sitnam; entrepreneur, engineer and innovator Benjamin Sparrow; lawyer Martin Gifford; community leader Debra Hewson; professor Henry Yu; and humanitarian Judy Graves.
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