Fernie resident Bruce Elson is the 2024 recipient of the George S. Majic Spiritus Award.
The City of Fernie presented Elson with the award on Dec. 17, in recognition of years of dedicated community volunteerism. Long-time family friend Jacqueline Arling, Mayor Nic Milligan and George Majic's wife Anne spoke at the event.
According to the city's website, the award is given out annually "to a person or persons who exemplify the spirit of giving and through their contributions, have enriched our community without expectation of recognition or reward."
Arling submitted Elson's name as a contender for the award, for his decades of community involvement. Elson has been a Cycling Without Age pilot since 2021, including pilot of the year in 2023; a course marshal and coordinator of Senior Men's Golf at Fernie Golf Club since 2006; and a volunteer coordinator for admission at the Lion's Derby since 2021.
He has given his time to many local clubs, fundraising for Angel Flight East Kootenay and Salvation Army, and advising on water issues for the Elk River Alliance. He's served on the Knox Church Board and as a Nordic Club Ambassador, and was part of the committee to create Sparling East Park. He's also worked as a RCR ski host for many years.
"Someone who volunteers for the community without any skin in the game other than wanting to make the community a better place, that's someone special," said Arling.
Arling first became acquainted with Elson nearly 30 years ago through her husband, who was friends with Elson's son. They often joined up with Elson to hike in Banff and Kananaskis. Although the four of them lived in Calgary at the time, they coincidentally all moved to Fernie a few years apart. Now, Arling and Elson are both volunteer pilots for Cycling Without Age, helping transport seniors around the city by bike.
"As a person, he's just really kind and generous with his time and a really good listener. He just quietly gets it all done," she said.
"He's absolutely a role model for myself and my husband and other people in the community, that age doesn't matter. It's still important to be involved and be part of the community and to give back at any age," she added.
Al Kamp, another close friend, has fond memories of golfing with Elson.
Kamp said Elson has managed to grow Senior Men's Golf from a small group to as many as 40 people each session, and has expanded golf meet-ups to three days per week.
He's also played a role in organizing Griz Days golf.
"First winter was -30, probably about a foot and a half of snow on the driving range," Kamp recalled, referencing the very first Griz Days event. "We all pitched in and the grounds crew helped us a lot too. We made a three-hole golf course that you could play with a tennis ball and hit the ball with anything you could bring, whether it was a baseball bat, tennis club, golf club, whatever."
"Fortunately we haven't had that repeat," Kamp added, referring to the weather.
Kamp said Elson has worked as the head host at Fernie Alpine Resort, greeting people and sharing information about some of the special runs at the hill.
"He's a wonderful gentleman, always willing to lend a hand. He's a great friend. The award went to a very deserving fellow," said Kamp.
