An Inaugural Year Life of Alberta Award in 1967 to Captain Jack Boddington; Founder of the Military Collectors Club of Canada

Canada; Bronze with blue and white enamels, maker marked "BIRKS" on the edge, obverse illustrating The Life of Alberta Award insignia in the centre, with the Canadian Centennial 1867-1967 insignia below, inscribed "THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE" above and "INAUGURATED CANADIAN CENTENNIAL YEAR" below, reverse engraved "CAPT. J. BODDINGTON For Service 1967" within an open-ended wreath of laurel leaves, 35.5 mm, original ribbon suspended from a bronze pinback hanger engraved "ALBERTA", extremely fine.

Footnote: Jack Boddington was born on October 11, 1926, in Oldham, England, where he served in Her Majesty's Forces. He and his wife, Joan, immigrated to Canada in 1956. He commenced a long career with the City of Edmonton, rising to the position of Parks and Recreation General Manager, followed by Bylaw Services. His passion for water started at school in England. He recalls that, “we were very lucky that our school provided swimming lessons, not many children had that opportunity way back then.” Those school lessons launched him into a lifetime of swimming and lifesaving skills training. Boddington's skills as a swimmer served him well, when at the age of 22, he was required by his employer to become trained in water rescue. This led him to completing his first Bronze Medallion in 1948, which at that time was seen as a rare and precious capability. He earned numerous Lifesaving Society medals over the years. His first Bronze Medallion, was only the beginning, as he obtained the full suite of lifesaving proficiency skill awards. Over the next twenty years, he kept his awards current: Bronze Medallion (18 Bars); Bronze Cross (12 Bars); Award of Merit (14 Bars), Distinction and Diploma. He was also a recipient of the Service Cross (1962) with an incredible five bars (1964, 1968, 1975, 1981 & 1988). Jack Boddington was a long time volunteer and advocate of the Lifesaving Society and held the highest volunteer service award that the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth. The Jack Boddington Award was instituted by the Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch of the Lifesaving Society in 1970, the year after he retired as President of the branch. It is presented annually to recognize significant volunteer contribution made by an individual member adding to the success of the Branch. This award is in recognition for the many Society Members who contribute in ways beyond Lifeguarding and Instructing. Roles include affiliate/club, branch and/or national activities, coaching and officiating, instructing and examining, administration and programming. Boddington had a lifelong love of swimming and was an accomplished member of the Edmonton Masters Swim club, competing in provincial, national and World Masters Games in Australia and Italy, where he won numerous silver and gold medals. In addition, his many accomplishments included Life Governor of the Royal Canadian Humane Association, Honourary Officer of the Royal Life Saving Society, Knight of the Venerable Order of St. John, Member of the Canadian Order of the Red Cross and being a Fifty Year Member of Toastmasters. He achieved the City of Edmonton Award of Excellence in the Sports Hall of Fame and founded the Military Collectors Club of Canada. He was President of the Canadian Water Polo Association during the 1976 Olympic Games, and was involved with the Commonwealth Games in 1978 and the Universiade Games in 1983, both held in Edmonton. He was known as a gentleman, dignified in his kindness and gentle humour. Boddington died on April 19, 2016, in Edmonton, Alberta, at the age of 89. His wife, Joan, predeceased him.