Burnaby, British Columbia
Over the past 30 years, Mr. Pawson has contributed in a substantial way to the remembrance of the sacrifices and achievements of Canada's Veterans. Mr. Pawson has made enormous efforts on their behalf, and his volunteer work includes accompanying Second World War Veterans on pilgrimages overseas to visit memorials and battle sites.
He has helped Veterans locate the final resting places of their family members and friends. An important goal of Mr. Pawson's devotion in ensuring that Veterans get recognized, has been to nominate particularly deserving Veterans for awards such as the Order of British Columbia. Mr. Pawson's efforts to nominate Mr. Ernest A. "Smoky" Smith, VC, to this Order were successful, and as a result, "Smoky" Smith was presented with the province's highest distinction on October 10, 2002. Another important goal of Mr. Pawson has been to have landmarks in the Lower Mainland renamed to include the names of Victoria Cross recipients. In his spare time, Mr. Pawson also helps maintain the graves of Veterans in local cemeteries. Mr. Pawson teaches classes for new Canadians on Canada's military history and military achievements and, over the past 20 years, has donated numerous books and publications about Canada's military history and Veterans' achievements to local elementary and secondary schools. Mr. Pawson has made a real impact on the lives of Veterans, and he is recognized by his peers for his extraordinary dedication and commitment to honouring their lives and their contribution to Canada.