June 2002

Western Region: Alberta South

Congratulations to Tom Whitehead

Whereas, therefore and be it known that … the members of CPC Calgary Bow River would like to extend their heartiest congratulations to fellow member Tom Whitehead, who was honoured with the Bill Durrant Memorial Award for Excellence at this year's CPC Western Region Convention.

The award, sponsored by CPC Greater Vancouver in memory of 1988 National Hall of Famer Bill Durrant, is presented annually to the Western Progressian who most demonstrates the qualities for which Mr. Durrant was renowned, including a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to the cause of Progress; an unfailing ability to combine diplomacy with wit, warmth and good will; and a deep conviction in the words: "It's great to be Canadian / Soyons fiers d'être Canadiens".

This year's Bill Durrant Award recipient, Tom Whitehead, was inducted into Progress in 1982.  He is currently an active member of the Calgary Bow River club, but has also been a member of the Edmonton Centre and Edmonton Downtown clubs.  Twice club president (Bow River 1996-1997, Edmonton Centre 1990-1991), Tom has extended his commitment and contribution to the Canadian Progress Club's aims and objectives by actively participating on the Board of Directors of Big Sisters & Big Brothers of Calgary and Area, serving in various official capacities such as Treasurer, Vice President and, most recently, President.

As a member of Progress for over 20 years, Tom continues to demonstrate the values and true meaning of Progress.  He has sponsored and mentored at least 10 new members, several of whom have gone on to achieve distinction at the Club, Regional and National levels.  He is a proponent of continuous education and self-improvement and has used his experiences in these areas as well as his experiences in running his own successful business to create strategic plans to encourage the "business" of Progress to be current and viable.

During club meetings, his liberal interpretations of Parliamentary Procedures have been known to inspire and maintain decorum-and if that doesn't work, a few jokes delivered in character with appropriate comic accent does the trick.

And those infamous long-winded motions that contain many "whereas" and "therefores"—well it's hard to find fault with concise quality!

Always a man with a warm handshake and a generous smile, a Progress pin on his lapel and a ready toast to "Queen and country", Tom continues to be a source of inspiration to his fellow Bow River Boys.

Here's looking forward to at least another 20 years in Progress!

(Back to Contents)