LITTLE CURRENT—Numerous comrades of Branch #177 Little Current were feted during the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual honours and awards celebration held earlier this month.
Duane Deschamps acted as master of ceremonies for the event and began by asking those present to stand for a moment of silence for two branch members who had passed away earlier this year, Grenville Green and Harley Warner.
Following a prayer by Branch Chaplain Rev. Whitney Bruno, Comrade Deschamps bestowed a Life Membership to Branch #177 to Norris Valiquette, who couldn’t be at the event as he was recovering in hospital from a fall. (Comrade Valiquette was presented with his life membership in his hospital room immediately following the honours and awards celebration.)
photos by Alicia McCutcheon
“On January 7, 2004 Comrade Norris joined the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 177 as an associate member,” Comrade Deschamps began. “As of 2025, he has maintained continuous and active membership for 22 years.”
Comrade Deschamps ran through a lengthy list of Comrade Valiquette’s involvement, including acting as sports chair, bar chair and director. He has also been a key player in running the Legion’s popular billiards tournaments and keeping the tables in tip top shape.
“Comrade Norris has also consistently assisted in setting up and cleaning up for events, repairing equipment and supporting Legion fundraising efforts such as community breakfasts and door duty during functions,” Comrade Deschamps added. “His dedication has helped sustain and elevate the operational success of Branch #177.”
“The one thing that is prominent is that he truly has the heart and soul of the Legion in mind and wants to make the Legion the best it can be and have fun at the same time,” the emcee continued. “At a recent birthday party that he planned himself (and eventually did let the executive help in making food) he asked that in lieu of gifts that the people attending donate what they could to the Royal Canadian Legion Service Dog program. He was successful and a large donation was collected.”
“Norris Valiquette is truly deserving of the Life Membership award,” Comrade Deschamps said. “Your tireless efforts, dedication to service and unwavering support of both the Legion and the community, have had a lasting and positive impact. You have set an admirable example for future sports officer and Legion members alike, fostering camaraderie, growth and community spirit through your initiatives.”
Another prestigious award was handed out at the event, Legionnaire of the Year, presented to Christy Deschamps by President Leslie Burnett.
Comrade Christy Deschamps has been a member of the Legion for four years but has proved herself a dedicated member in that time. She currently serves as secretary/treasurer, honours and awards co-chair and membership co-chair alongside Comrade Kari Borque.
“Comrade Christy, alongside Comrade Kari, looks after the weekly deposits and can be found at most branch events helping in any way she can. Some of these include prepping wings on wing nights, bussing tables and setting up and decorating the hall for special events. Comrade Christy is most deserving of this award, and we could not find a more dedicated volunteer.”
Next, Comrade Linda Kelly, the branch’s longest-swerving female member, was awarded with her 50-year pin. Comrade Kelly joined the Air Force on May 19, 1962 at the age of 19 and spent five years in the service. She joined Branch #177 in 1974.
A number of Merit Awards were handed out to branch members and supporters. This year’s Merit Award winners are Kari Bourque, Leslie Burnett Joe Hannah, Arianna Bowerman Linda Bowerman, Julie Deschamps, Nathan Shawanda and the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.
Certificates of Appreciation were gifted to Paul Abbott, Blake St. Jacques, Ted Bemister, Charles Adams, Doug Clarke, Dave Patreau, Darrel Eadie, Patricia Norton, Julie Casson, Liam Campbell, Sarah Williams, Josh Dunn, Quinton Swartz, Nick Muller, Roy Eaton, Lavish Dhir, Little Current Lions Club, Three Cows and a Cone, Tammy Bryan-Walsh and Alyssa and Brianna Burnett.
Ms. Bryan-Walsh was also gifted with a certificate of appreciation for her work on the Poppy Campaign and for her work on the branch’s membership program.
The awarding of membership pens concluded the event. They are as follows: Five-year, Kevin Eshkawkigan and Ashley Migwans; 10-year, Judy Miller and Ben Thurston; 15-year, Paul Abbott; 20-year Joe and Sue Morin; 25-year, Michael Aelick, Linda Bowerman and Rick McCutcheon; 30-year, Blake St. Jacques; 40-year, Rick Gjos; and as noted earlier, 50-year, Linda Kelly.
