The picture shows Governor General Michaelle Jean pinning the Order of Canada on a most deserving Susan Butler M.C. of Miramichi, New Brunswick.
I first met Susan in 1989 when she invited me to present an Achievers award to the legendary Canadian achiever K.C. Irving. The Irving empire began in that community. Presenting the award to him in a packed-to-capacity arena was a memorable experience; meeting Susan Butler was equally memorable. I was blown away by her quiet, confident manner. I learned later that organizing this major event was only one of her many volunteer undertakings.
My wife Aline is from nearby Rogersville, so we took the opportunity to spend some time with Susan following the event. The more we spoke, the more impressed I was with her. It seemed she was the go-to person whenever an organization needed help.
That was back in 1989. Since then she has kept up her commitment to volunteering. That is why I was pleased, but not surprised, to see a recent front page story in the Miramichi Leader announcing her Order of Canada appointment honouring her volunteer work.
A quote in the newspaper story said, “She doesn’t turn anyone down.” And that pretty well sums up the attitude of this wonderful mother of two.
Born and raised in the Miramichi area, she comes by volunteering naturally. When I asked why she dedicates so much of her time to volunteering she replied, “Dick, I came from parents who were givers and I can remember how blessed their lives were. It seemed to me to be the natural thing to do. The people that I have assisted in one way or the other have enriched my life. The rewards in helping someone else are priceless. I may not be rich, but I feel like a millionaire.”
And now you know why the governor general pinned the Order of Canada on this very deserving person and why she has every reason to wear her Order of Canada with pride and display M.C. after her name.
Susan Butler M.C. is truly a Canadian Achiever.
Learn more about her at www.canadianachievers.com.
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