By Nigel Maxwell

Kinsmen Club announces Citizen of the Year

Dec 31, 2013 | 11:00 AM

The 2013 Prince Albert Citizen of the Year is a name most residents should recognize.

Lyle Karasiuk, who is head of public affairs at Parkland Ambulance, was chosen based on his numerous volunteer activities in the community. Those activities include Relay for Life, the upcoming Saskatchewan Winter Games, and the Pineview Furnishings Campaign.

“It was totally unexpected,” said Karasiuk when describing how he felt when he heard the news. “It is certainly gratifying that people think what I did in the community was worthy of such an important recognition.”

Karasiuk was born and raised in Prince Albert. He said there is no one activity that he enjoys more than the others.

“Part of my involvement in the community is the old adage of paying it forward, and doing something to help other people. In some cases, it's not so much a task but it's an enjoyment.”

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

13h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

16h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

20h ago

Karasiuk said his volunteer activities date back to his days in high school, adding he can still recall many of his activities from junior and senior high.

“There are projects that have come and gone and certainly I've been happy to have passed on to the torch to other people to make those community organizations both provincially and nationally in much better, and I hope I've left them, in much better shape than when we started,” he said.

In addition to his many volunteer activities, Karasiuk has received many awards for his work with Parkland Ambulance including the Governor General of Canada

Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal. He has also received the Queen’s Jubilee, Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, and the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.

Karasiuk will receive his award Feb. 8, during a ceremony at the PA Inn.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell