British North America Philatelic Society (BNAPS) Past President Eldon Godfrey, of Calgary, Alta., was one of 83 appointments to the Order of Canada this June.
Not only an accomplished philatelist but also an experienced diving judge, Godfrey was given the honour “for his prodigious contributions to the sport of diving, as a judge, official and volunteer in Canada and abroad, and for his commitment to promoting Canadian sporting values on the international stage,” reads a statement issued by the Rideau Hall press office following the announcement by Governor General Julie Payette on June 27.
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest honours and celebrates people “whose service shapes our society; whose innovations ignite our imaginations; and whose compassion unites our communities.”
Altogether, nearly 7,000 people have been invested into the Order of Canada.
All members are given striking six-point white enamel insignia produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. It features a red annulus at its centre surmounted by the royal crown and with a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the order’s motto, “DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM,” which means “They desire a better country.”
In addition to BNAPS, Godfrey is a member of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada, Postal History Society of Canada, Calgary Philatelic Society and Canadian Philatelic Society of Great Britain.