Local Minor Hockey Profiles Inside Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Vol. 48, No. 06
www.weeklyreview.ca
$1 includes GST
Your LOCAL Paper
Krips honoured for service by MLA Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter
Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely held a special recognition event on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in Camrose honouring a few special people from throughout her constituency. One of those she honoured included former Viking and Daysland CAO Rod Krips, “recognizing his career and how he has selflessly provided for others.” Lovely invited Viking Mayor Jamie Buttner to speak a few words about Krips before the presentation of his award, saying, “I’m really looking forward to giving some public acknowledgment to Rod Krips, who is going to be spoken about by Mayor Jamie Buttner and CAO Doug Lefsrud.” Buttner and Lefsrud came up to the podium, where Buttner said, “Honestly, I’m honoured to be here, on behalf of my Council, myself, CAO Lefsrud, and Kayla Lawes, a great friend of Rod’s. “Rod is a true leader, embodying the values of dedication, compassion, and service to others. At 82 years old, Rod’s committment to his family, his community, and his volunteer work is nothing short of inspiring. “Despite recently undergoing quadruple heart surgery, he continues to pursue his goals with unmatching resilience, whether through his work with the men’s group, or his involvement with the hospice care, or his preparation for a marathon; and many more. “Rod’s generosity of spirit shines through in everything he does. He always makes time for his friends, his family, and his community. He never misses an opportunity to lend a hand, share his wisdom, or offer support. “His positive outlook on life is evident. He never speaks ill of anyone, and has spent his entire life ensuring that every person is heard, valued, and
respected. “Rod is a mentor in the truest sense; leading by example, and inspiring those around him and with him with his selflessness, kindness, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. He is not only a remarkable friend, but also a pillar of strength and guidance for all who are fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of caring and giving will undoubtably continue to influence and outlive generations to come.” Lovely then invited Krips up to receive a special plaque, including those from Viking and elsewhere who attended the event with Rod. That included all of Viking Council, along with some family members and friends. Krips then took the podium, leaking that it was also Lovely’s birthday that evening; wishing her a “Happy Birthday,” and leading the crowd through an impromptu verse of “Happy Birthday to you.” “Again, thank you. I’m very humbled by this honour, as I know that there are many more deserving residents of Viking who are much more involved than I am. “As I look around this room at those assembled this evening, the room is full of volunteers that care about their communities, and I want to thank all of you for what you do to make your communities a vibrant place to raise your families and for them to proudly call home.” Krips then had praise for Lovely, when he said, “She works tirelessly, travelling around her huge constituency, making sure that her communities are heard and looked after in the Legislature. “As an example, there was Jackie, who knocked on the door of the Minister of Municipal Affairs several times to put the Daysland Lift Station on top of the many files that were
Former Viking and Daysland CAO Rod Krips was honoured by Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely at a special recognition event held Tuesday, Feb. 4 in Camrose. Above: back row, from left: Viking Mayor Jamie Buttner, Viking CAO Doug Lefsrud. Front: Rod Krips, and MLA Jackie Lovely. LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTO
applying for funding. It was during COVID, and the Minister was accepting projects that were shovel-ready for approval and moving forward into the tendering stage. “Jackie did her homework in advising the Minister that the Daysland project was ready to go. Thank you Jackie, for your unwavering support and belief that it was very important for the project, for the community of Daysland while I was there as the Chief Administrative Officer. “There are several individuals here this evening that have mentored me for my career in public administration, and they are committed volunteers as well for their community. Pam Mykityshyn, past treasurer of the Viking Health Foundation, and was very active in Girl Guides and Brownies, the United Church of Canada, and many more organizations; Tim Doran, past-Viking town councillor; many years of coaching minor league baseball in St. Albert, organizing member for the Camrose Men’s Group and organizing member for the Viking Christian’s group. “Also Doug Lefsrud, CAO, and
council members Mayor Jamie Buttner, Deputy Mayor Julianne Merta, councillors Cindy Lefsrud, Judy Acres, and Dana Ewashko, who are committed to bringing excellent projects and growth for the town of Viking. “My boys, Calvin and Jason, and their families, are present here tonight, with the exception of my daughter-inlaw Diana, unable to attend due to car troubles. They are also involved in their communities, and I appreciate what they do.” Rod paused to also acknowledge past colleague “Kayla Law, Fortis Alberta Stakeholder Manager, and a vital part of Fortis’ charity work with ‘Make A Wish Canada.’ “You are all very centred and the heartbeat of your communities. Thanks again for all your dedication.” In closing, Krips quoted a few lines from the Barbara Streisand song, ‘People,” ending with, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world. Your communities are the luckiest people in the world because of your support, dedication, and leadership.”