CONQUEST - A man with close family ties to the Conquest area is being recognized by the provincial government next week.
Gordon Joyes, originally from Conquest and now living in Lloydminster, is one of 11 people receiving the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal by the provincial government. The news was announced on April 6 by Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty.
Joyes joins Valerie Cade (Regina), Marian Donnelly (Regina), Bill King (Lumsden), Wyatt Munson (Regina), Donna Nelson (Regina), Marlene Smith-Collins (Regina), Earl Swarbrick (Frontier), Bradley S. Sylvester (Saskatoon), Jean Taylor (Regina), and Louise Todd (Wood Mountain) in receiving the medal, which was established in 1995 to recognize the extraordinary work that's done by volunteers around the province. Since its creation, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal has been awarded to 249 individuals.
In a media release, Lt. Governor Mirasty commended the latest recipients of the medal for commiting themselves to doing the work that makes their communities better places for people.
"The 2022 recipients of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal do exceptional work to help make life better for others by giving their time and effort to organizations and communities across the province," Mirasty said. "This honour is well-deserved and is an expression of thanks from the people of Saskatchewan."
Gordon Joyes has been giving of his time and skills in supporting a number of community organizations and initiatives for most of his life. He managed the woodwork shop at Mallard Co-operative Industries, a program where adults with both physical and intellectual disabilities provided local shoe repair and woodworking.
When most people think of Gordon, perhaps it's his long-time work in serving with Wounded Warriors of Saskatchewan that immediately comes to mind, whether it's organizing weekend events that include lodging for veterans, fishing tournaments and outdoor concerts. Joyes has also personally sold more than $220,000 in raffle tickets, travelling across the province raising funds. Joyes was also a Legion member for more than 20 years and served on various recreation boards, and he also spent time as Zone Chairman at Saskatchewan's first Winter Games event and was a key organizer for the first Special Olympic Saskatchewan Winter Games.
Joyes and his fellow recipients will be presented with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal on April 18 at a ceremony at Government House in Regina during National Volunteer Week.
