Kimberley City Council returned to work on Monday, January 8 and the first order of business was to present the Jack Ratcliffe Commitment to Community Award.
This year’s recipient is Pat Barclay, who, mainly through the Rotary Club, has spent 40 years volunteering in Kimberley.
Jack Ratcliffe himself was present in Council chambers for the presentation and Mayor Don McCormick said it was Ratcliffe’s exceptional level of service to the community that inspired the award.
Pat Barclay has shown an exceptional dedication to serving the community for the past 40 years, McCormick said. He is a true community leader.
Patrick Barclay first made Kimberley his home in 1976 when he assumed the role of Vice Principal at McKim School. Over the years, he ascended through various leadership positions, serving as the Principal of McKim School, Vice Principal at Selkirk Secondary School, then Director of Instruction, and ultimately as the Assistant Superintendent of School District #6.
In addition to his dedicated career in education, Mr. Barclay has been a devoted member of the Kimberley Rotary Club for over forty years, demonstrating a commitment to the club’s motto, “Service above Self.” His exemplary leadership qualities were evident as he served as the club’s President six times.
Beyond his Rotary Club involvement, Mr. Barclay actively participated in community initiatives such as the BC Festival of the Arts, the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers Festivals, Round the Mountain, the Taiwanese Lantern Festival, and the 55+ BC Games. His unwavering dedication to community service and involvement in various projects have set him apart as a true community leader.
Among his many other accomplishments, Mr. Barclay spearheaded the Marysville Falls project, securing a major grant for the refurbishment of the much-loved trail ensuring it is accessible for all. He established a partnership with the food bank and Save-on Foods for pandemic-related food deliveries, and actively supported international projects for Shelterbox and the Market Children of Central America. He was also one of the main organizers of the Rotary Splash Park Project. As a dedicated supporter of the Rotary Foundation, Mr. Barclay has also been recognized as a Four-Time (Emerald Level) Paul Harris Fellow.
In submitting Barclay’s nomination to the city, Doug Vanhooren, of the Rotary Club said. “Patrick Barclay is undoubtedly the glue that keeps our club together. His tireless efforts in supporting Kimberley and its residents make him a true inspiration to us all. The Jack Ratcliffe Commitment to Community Award Is a fitting tribute to Pat’s lifelong dedication to serving others and making a lasting impact on the community.”
Accepting the award, Barclay thanked everyone for the honour and said it had been his pleasure to spend so many years volunteering with other amazing people.
The Jack Ratcliffe Commitment to Community Award is given once per year. Recipients have made a significant impact on the community through extensive volunteer time commitments to support community growth, visibility, and/or opportunities. Recipients must be resident(s) of Kimberley (no age restriction) and must have made a long-term commitment to the community.