Blair Garnett, S.C. (posthumous)
Star of Courage
On July 12, 1969, a party of ten including seven members of the Garnett family were thrown into the sea near Long Beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island when the boat they occupied was struck by a huge wave and capsized. In the ensuing hour before help arrived three of the party were lost. The three older boys, all in their early teens, helped the younger ones and the adults as all were threatened again and again with drowning. Blair Garnett was observed to leave the others in what was seen as an attempt to swim ashore for help. He was caught in the strong undertow and lost his life. In the emergency it is evident that all the older boys conducted themselves in a most commendable fashion and Blair Garnett exhibited outstanding courage in attempting to help his family and friends.