Awarded on: 2001-11-13
Gordon Douglas Heron, Edmonton, Alberta
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Gordon Heron has devoted most of his life for the benefit of children and his community. For 50 years, he has been serving the Edmonton Northlands, formerly the Edmonton Exhibition Association. He has rolled up his sleeves for any activity, from cleaning the stalls during a horse competition to assisting in the 4-H judging. A Shriner for 40 years, he has travelled to more than 20 cities in North America, visiting Shriners Hospitals and entertaining the children. For over 30 years, he has been an active member of the Edmonton Burns Club, which organizes the annual Burns banquet. An excellent hockey player himself, he devoted ten years to the Edmonton Hockey League as a coach and manager, fostering an atmosphere of patience, good sportsmanship and kindness.