2008 Men of Honour Fundraising Gala

Men of Honour Award Recipient Biographies

Jeffrey Bisanz

Jeffrey Bisanz is the Director of the Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth, and Families (CUP) and a Professor of Psychology at the University of Alberta. Guided by his beliefs regarding the value of rigorous academic research, the importance of community, and the need for people to be meaningful involved in decisions that affect them,  Jeffrey has fostered the development of several community-university research initiatives that improve educational programming, early childhood developmental screening, service integration for low-income families, and programming for at-risk youth. Jeffrey also shows his dedication to community betterment through his participation in numerous community events, committees, and boards. Jeffrey inspires his university and community colleagues, students, and neighbors with his keen insights, thoughtful approach, humility, honesty, openness, and ability to “respectfully challenge others to do their best – in all things.”

Leo Campos

Leo Campos came to Canada from Chile and has a deep passion for building supportive networks within and between the diverse populations of Edmonton.  He works tirelessly to make our city a truly welcoming and vibrant community and has dedicated himself to developing initiatives that cultivate the contributions of immigrant men within and beyond the Capital Region.  Examples of his many associations are the Multicultural

Health Brokers Cooperative and the Las Americas Housing Cooperative.  Leo is described as a loving and gentle individual who champions social justice, equality, and dignity for all individuals.  For many years he has run the Community Networks Group which is a web-based forum for people to share information about programs, events, and opportunities in and around Edmonton.

Mark Cherrington

Mark Cherrington is well known by colleagues in youth-serving organizations as a selfless, uplifting, and trustworthy person who is passionate about providing young offenders and vulnerable youth with transformative opportunities for positive futures. As a youth court worker with the Youth Criminal Defense Office, Mark supports, engages, and mentors at-risk youth through his leadership and participation in a variety of creative initiatives such as the Youth Restorative Action Project (YRAP), an alternative to traditional punitive justice that allows the sentences of young offenders to be decided by a panel of youth. In addition, as the creator and developer of Youth Menace, a youth-hosted radio program on CJSR, Mark has both given voice to and positively engaged vulnerable youth for more than ten years. Fueled by his tireless enthusiasm, Mark is spearheading the 2010 Urban Games, a crime prevention strategy that will highlight the talents and pursuits of inner city youth.

 Timothy Gillese

Timothy Gillese is a psychiatrist, contracted by the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) for the past 20 years, with specialized knowledge and skills in the areas of substance abuse, addictions, and concurrent disorders. His innovative, non-judgmental, empathic, and compassionate approach to working with clients, many of whom are disempowered and destitute, is held in high regard by his colleagues, who also appreciate the professional mentorship that he provides them. Timothy’s colleagues are especially inspired by his unique ability to offer hope to clients. One colleague explains, “Dr. Gillese has compassion and a true understanding of how sexual exploitation impacts a person’s spirit”. Another describes, “The word hopeless does not exist for him. There are only opportunities for healing and for growth.”

Trevor Gladue

Trevor Gladue is a respected Metis leader in Edmonton, presently provincial vice-president of the Metis Nation of Alberta and founder of the "Metis Matters" magazine.  He is noted to be a caring champion and gentleman to all people regardless of gender, race, or class with genuine concern for the rights and well being of all community members throughout the province.  As a role model, he has demonstrated what it takes to be a steward of humanity by giving of his own time and  energy to create positive outcomes, staying within the truth, and appreciating the wisdom of elders.  He has overcome a number of personal difficulties and as a result, has empathy for others struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Trevor has shown determination and perseverance in achieving personal goals.  He actively participates in native spiritual and cultural traditions by attending sweats and ceremonies.

Rod Hammel

Rod Hammel works at the Bissell Thrift store. His responsibilities include delivering merchandise to customers. But, he delivers much more than items purchased at the Thrift store. Rod gives of himself to improve the lives of people who are recovering from addictions and who are dealing with other personal difficulties by giving them rides, finding them jobs, taking time to listen to them, taking a genuine interest in them, and helping them to believe in themselves. Thrift store customers admire Rod and describe him as patient, kind, non-judgmental, generous, empathic, and compassionate. In addition to all else that Rod does in the community, he has close and supportive family relationships and he is a caring “big brother” for one of his sisters who is disabled. 

Dave Hill

Dave Hill is a lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in the Edmonton General Prosecutions Office. In recent years, he has focused his work in the area of Restorative Justice, serving as the Provincial Crown Prosecutor with the Edmonton Drug Treatment and Community Restoration Court (EDTCRC). As a recognized leader in the Restorative Justice field, Dave has worked with numerous boards, committees, and non-profit agencies to develop innovative strategies for addressing justice and safety issues. Currently, he is the Chairperson of the Edmonton Aboriginal Justice Committee and he has played a central role in the establishment of the Mental Health Specialty Court. Colleagues and participants in EDTCRC appreciate his wisdom, compassion, and sense of humour. Dave’s down-to-earth approach and his “ability to see the person rather than the criminal or addict” allow him to easily connect with and relate to people from all walks of life.

Craig MacTavish

Craig MacTavish played 17 years in the NHL including nine years with the Edmonton Oilers, where he was also Team Captain.  After retiring in 1997, he began a career in coaching, returning to Edmonton in 1999 as Kevin Lowe's assistant before taking over the bench boss job the next season.  In the face of relentless media coverage, he is always aware of his wife, his family, sports fans, and especially the young followers who may be watching.  He has maintained a personal code of conduct that recognizes a greater audience.  He sees his role in coaching and in life as a mentor, teacher, communicator, leader, and motivator.  This has been a consistent message from contacts with minor hockey, corporate partners, local charities and coaching for Canada at international tournaments.  Craig is described as a man of principle, caring for everyone around him the way he takes care of the Oilers.  In the midst of all commitments, he is a concerned and caring parent of his daughter and two sons.

Robin Murray

Robin Murray is the Assistant Executive Director of the Edmonton John Howard Society, where he has worked in a variety of positions for the past 20 years. In addition, he has served on numerous committees and boards in the human services sector, including several United Way Committees, the Alberta Criminal Justice Association board, and currently the George Spady Centre board. Robin is also a dedicated, loving, and involved husband and father. He is passionately committed to inclusiveness so that all people have opportunities for improvement. In addition, he recognizes the necessity of collaborative partnerships and holistic approaches for achieving healthy and safe communities. Colleagues and friends value his sincerity, approachability, support, compassion, kindness, humour, and ability to motivate others.

Michael Phair

Michael Phair, first elected to city council in 1992, was Edmonton's first openly gay politician and proud to blaze the trail for others in the community.  He continued to serve the City through Ward 4 for fifteen years and became recognized as a tireless and dedicated worker as well as Edmonton's most colorful councillor.  Michael's continual advocacy for the poor and disadvantaged led to his designation as "council's social conscience."  His philosophy was that the quality of all our lives would suffer if we do not pay attention to all members of society.  He was also a long time supporter of the cultural community and pushed for the establishment of an arts council to support new funding for the arts.  After his retirement from politics, the Michael Phair Leadership Award Endowment was established through the University of Alberta to provide an annual award to students with demonstrated leadership qualities committed to advancing the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community.

2007 Men of Honour Breakfast

Chief Boyd made a very moving speech.  Click here to read it

Our Men of Honour Breakfast was a great success!! 

From left to right

Chief Boyd, Patrick LaForge, Clif Purvis, Janice Melnychuk,

Neil Skinner, Project KARE, Mike, Ed Campbell, Kourch Chan,

Kate Quinn, Don Langford and Brian Nowlan