QE Medals for Thorsby
Four Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals were recently awarded in Thorsby: (L to R) Cpl Dwayne Hanusich of RCMP Thorsby Detachment stands with Ted Bilar, Sam Kobeluck, Phyllis Madiuk, Mayor Barry Rasch (presenter), and Thorsby Fire Chief Norm Osness.
On February 26, 2013, four Thorsby residents were awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne. The medal honours Her Majesty for her service to this country, and it honours contributions and achievements by Canadians. Thorsby Mayor Barry Rasch presented the medals to the following outstanding community citizens: Ted Bilar, Sam Kobeluck, Phyllis Madiuk and Thorsby Fire Chief Norm Osness.
Ted Bilar first arrived in Thorsby from Mundare in 1938 and attended Thorsby School from grades 2–12. He has operated Bilar’s Garage from 1948 to present. He served as a volunteer firefighter from 1948 to 1975. Ted has been a member and charter member of the Lions for 65 years, and been a member with the Chamber of Commerce for 48 years. Ted has served four terms on Village Council with two as mayor. He was a Justice of the Peace for 25 years. He married Marjorie Liske in 1968. They have two children—Grant and Donna-Mae—and their spouses, and four grandchildren.
Sam Kobeluck has taught for 37 years and coached every sport in both the junior and senior high level, retiring in 2007. As well, he has coached minor league hockey, softball, and baseball in Thorsby. He was the founder and coach of the Thorsby and Warburg Bearcats Bantam tackle football team, and founder of Thorsby Demolition Derby Club. In the 1980s, Sam was a Thorsby Village Councillor—with six years as mayor. He served as the Thorsby Volunteer Fire Department Captain until 1998. Sam was a board member for Senior Lodging-Leduc Foundation for 14 years. He presently holds memberships in the Ag Society, the Thorsby Long Weekend Committee, and the Thorsby and District Recreation Board, and plays mixed fastball in Leduc. He currently serves as a school board trustee for Black Gold Regional Schools and has dedicated himself to his family, community and the youth of the area.
Phyllis Madiuk is a well-known resident having worked in the Thorsby Post Office from 1951 to 1988. In 1986, she received the Community Relations Award for outstanding community service. She served on village council from 1880 to 1992 including mayor for six. A community mover and shaker, she has been instrumental in initiating several local building projects—the Rec Complex (circa 1985), the Community Centre, and placing the village signs at the north and south ends of town. She brought the first Medical Memorial Society to Thorsby (i.e., CPR). Many school homecomings have flourished under her leadership. In the 90s, Phyllis was active as a Goodwill Ambassador—hosting guests from Thorsby’s companion city of Thorsby, Alabama and going on an exchange visit. Phyllis has tirelessly worked many federal and provincial elections; and bingos for the Agricultural Association. She has shared her talents with her church as President of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League and as Church Treasurer. She is currently president of the Thorsby Legion.
Norm Osness started his business career in the Thorsby area in 1994 and moved to Thorsby in 1996. He became active with the Chamber of Commerce and that same year, helped organize the highly successful, annual Christmas in the Village Customer Appreciation Event. Norm served as president of the Chamber for two years. He has been a Village Council member for two terms. He joined Thorsby Fire Department in 1996 and became Fire Chief in 2004 (when the new fire station opened) until present. He runs a fire gear cleaning business in the Village.
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