Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 27, 1993
• Invested on: April 13, 1994

He was largely responsible for bringing jazz into the mainstream of music in Canada through radio performances, concerts and workshops with "Nimmons 'N' Nine" and other groups. As a clarinetist, composer, bandleader and teacher, he has not only contributed to the success of established musicians but has also influenced the careers of generations of younger musicians.