TISDALE — A pillar of the community who died suddenly last year received two of eight awards at the Tisdale Chamber of Commerce’s Imprints of Success gala.
Kirby Burningham received citizen’s honour for his community efforts over a period of three decades, while the Burningham Law Office received the pioneer business award for long time business excellence.
“It was a real honour for him to be recognized for his contributions,” said Diane Burningham, his wife, at the April 25 event. “He gave to the community. He was so committed to the community.”
“We’re so proud of dad and dad would be so proud,” said Sarah Burningham, his daughter. “He would be just so thrilled. He loved this community so much and he was just so happy to serve it. He’d be so touched by it.”
Kirby came to Tisdale in 1986. He was involved in establishing and administering the Barron and Montgomery Community Trusts, making the HealthPlex a reality, attracting doctors to the community, and working on other community projects, like the downtown beautification project, daycares, community justice committee, outdoor concerts and the fountain.
“We’ve seen the impact he’s made on people and the legacy he’s left and so we’re really grateful for the town and the Chamber of Commerce,” Sarah said.
She added he liked being involved.
“He said that wasn’t an obligation; it was a privilege.”
The Burningham Law Office opened in 1988 and served clients from all across the Northeast.
“He was 25 with six months experience. To me that’s incredible,” Sarah said. “I’m so proud of him for that. He grew that business into a successful law practice.”
She said in speech that her dad said looking back, he couldn’t believe he had done it.
Also nominated for citizen’s honour were Melanie Brandt and Andy Renaud. Other nominees for pioneer business were Beeland Co-op and Gus’s Greek Ribs.
Sarah said Kirby would have been happy to see the other nominees and award winners, to see how people care about the community so much.
“He would be so proud of everyone here for their own victories, their own achievements.”
Kirby’s other children are Kenneth, Keir, Amy, Julien, Gabriel and Emily. His family is also establishing a scholarship for law students that are articling in rural areas.
Citizen of the year
Pat Olson was selected as citizen of the year. The owner of the Beehive Hotel has supported many fundraising functions for Humboldt Broncos, the North East Outreach and Support Services’ domestic violence, the Tisdale Ramblers and Trojans, and much more.
Olson said she was surprised to win the award.
“I do things, I don’t think about helping the community. If somebody’s in need, I’m out there to help them.”
The other nominees were Steve Liebel and Gord Mamer.
“I just couldn’t believe I won because I feel the other two deserved it too.”
Olson said she’ll continue putting on events and helping people.
“You have to share in this community. If somebody is down and out, do something about it.”
Junior citizen of the year
The winner of the junior citizen of the year was Danae Harpham. She assists teaching at the Tisdale Dance Centre, is involved in the Tisdale Middle & Secondary School’s Student Representative Council and is active on the cross-country and track and field teams. She will also be going to the Genee Awards, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, in Hong Kong, this year.
The other nominees were McKenzie Squires and Baylee Cresswell.
“I was extremely happy and honoured to have won the award,” Harpham wrote via email. “The two other girls in my category are amazing and I feel very lucky to be in their company.”
Four other awards presented
The business of the year is the Tisdale Hotel and Pub. Others nominated were Stat Towing and Delivery, as well as Milk and Honey.
The winner of the agricultural business of the year was Cas-Grain Farms Partnership. Prosoils and Greenleaf Seeds were the other nominees.
The Tisdale Dance Centre’s 2017 Dance Experience won group of the year. Other groups were the 2017 Men’s Provincial Tankard committee and the 2017 Rockin’ the Square committee.
The customer’s choice of the year, awarded for excellent customer service, was Deanne Oleksyn. Others nominated for Tanya Ofukany and Ashley Spagrud.
