Vernon doctor appointed to Order of B.C.

VERNON – A Vernon doctor is one of 13 people across the province being appointed to the Order of British Columbia, Lt. Gov. Judith Guichon, announced today.

Dr. Finley Armanious, a now retired intensive care physician who spearheaded fundraising efforts at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, is being recognized with admittance into what Guichon says is the province's "most prestigious accolade."

"It is an opportunity to publicly recognize those who have dedicated themselves to bettering the lives of their fellow citizens," Guichon stated in a media release. "These recipients exemplify the positive difference one person can make in a community and are an inspiration to all British Columbians."

Premier Christy Clark said the Order of British Columbia recognizes "remarkable accomplishments by extraordinary British Columbians."

"This year's recipients have each made a difference in their communities and to the province," Clark said. "On behalf of all British Columbians, I want to thank them for their dedication – and all they do to make B.C. better."

The Order of British Columbia ceremony will be held for recipients and invited guests at Government House in Victoria sometime this fall. Since the order was first introduced in 1989, 345 people have become members.

The other 12 B.C. individuals include:

Peter S. Anderson, M.A. of Burnaby – emergency communications and
disaster warning expert
Larry Berg of Richmond – Vancouver International Airport leader and
visionary
Sergio Cocchia of West Vancouver – entrepreneur and philanthropist
supporting children's charities
Donna Crocker of Langley – fundraiser and advocate for homeless people
Gregory Fahlman, Ph.D. of Victoria – world renowned astronomy researcher
Dr. Paula Gordon of Vancouver – innovative breast cancer screening
researcher
Wendy Grant-John of Vancouver – First Nations economic and community
leader
Arthur S. Hara, O.C., LL.C., O.R.S. of Vancouver – Asia-Pacific
businessman and economic leader
Robert Ho of West Vancouver – philanthropist supporting health care and
universities
George W. Hungerford, O.C., Q.C. of Vancouver – philanthropist in sport,
health care and education
Charles J. Jago, Ph.D. of Prince George – leader in education, economic
development and the arts
Dr. Charles H. Scudamore of Vancouver – cancer researcher, transplant
surgeon and teacher