Ken Duncan and his wife Sheila have been together for 33 years, almost as long as he's worked for Nanaimo Search and Rescue. His efforts were honoured on Nov. 7 after being awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2019. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

highest volunteer honour

Longest serving Nanaimo SAR volunteer hangs up his boots following federal honour

Nov 8, 2023 | 5:38 AM

NANAIMO — The longest-serving member of Nanaimo Search and Rescue (SAR) was honoured for his hard work and dedication Tuesday, which also turned out to be his last official day on the job.

Ken Duncan joined the group a few years after it was created over 30 years ago, and has held numerous positions within the organization and on the board, including treasurer and search manager, the position he retired as.

He was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers at the Nanaimo SAR building on Fourth St. the evening of Tuesday, Nov 7, where Duncan was a bit surprised by the gathering, planned in secret by his team members.

“It’s an incredible honour…I appreciate all the help I’ve gotten from the group. All the support over the years.”

He was originally given the federal award back in 2019, but due to health issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and renovations to Government House in Victoria, no formal ceremony was able to be held until now.

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Duncan also surprised his long-time SAR family by announcing his retirement, literally “hanging up his boots” with the organization he’s spent so much time with.

Duncan hung up his boots when he announced his retirement from Nanaimo SAR. His boots will be displayed somewhere at their headquarters. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Following his retirement announcement, the SAR board held an informal vote to award him a lifetime membership, some holding back tears as they paid tribute to their friend and colleague.

Chief of operations with Nanaimo SAR Duane Young said Duncan’s absence will be felt by the entire group, as he has been a part of the organization almost since its inception.

“We’ll absolutely miss Ken. He’s been such a big part of the group since I started 25 years ago. He’s the rock of our group. Everybody really enjoys it when he shows up and we’re happy that he is now through his health issues and he still wanted to come and be part of the group.”

While his retirement announcement took Young by surprise, they know Duncan won’t be able to stay away from their Fourth St. facility for very long.

“It’ll be tough to replace him for sure. Maybe we’ll talk him out of it, who knows,” Young said laughing.

Nanaimo mayor Leonard Krog (L), a long-time family friend, presented Duncan with the medal, while SAR president Carly Trobridge had the honour of pinning the medal to his lapel. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Duncan is not the first mid-Island resident to be recognized with the sovereign medal for volunteers this year.

Rose McCulley was also honoured earlier this fall thanks to her apple pie fundraisers, which she’s been doing for about the same time Duncan has been a member of Nanaimo SAR.

Duncan’s efforts have been recognized multiple times, including in 2019 when he received the Commanding Officers Commendation from the RCMP, celebrating 25 years of service.

Nanaimo SAR held a grand opening for their upgraded Fourth St. location in Nov. 2021, following years of planning and uncertainty.

(Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow