File photo of the late Cor Van Raay. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge’s Cor Van Raay, Blood Reserve’s Lena Heavy Shields-Russell receive Alberta Order of Excellence

Dec 20, 2021 | 11:50 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The late Cor Van Raay is one of the recipients of the 2021 Alberta Order of Excellence.

Van Raay was known for his philanthropic contributions to the Lethbridge and southern Alberta community. The Cor Van Raay YMCA in west Lethbridge is named after him. Van Raay passed away earlier this year.

READ MORE: Lethbridge philanthropist Cor Van Raay passes away at 85

In October, it was announced that he would be inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence, along with seven others. On December 20, the province noted that Van Raay and the other recipients were inducted in scaled-back, intimate ceremonies to adhere to COVID-19 health measures.

READ MORE: Cor Van Raay, seven others inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

The Alberta Order of Excellence recognizes Albertans who have made an outstanding impact at the provincial, national or international level. The province notes it is the highest honours Alberta can bestow and is an official part of the Canadian Honours System. With the additions announced for the class of 2020 and 2021, there are 197 recipients of the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Below is a list of the recipients for 2021, including Cor Van Raay and Lena Heavy Shields-Russell (Ikkináínihki) of the Blood Reserve (descriptions provided by the Government of Alberta):

• Joan Donald of Red Deer has enriched the social and economic health of her community by bringing governance and leadership to boardrooms of organizations that range from business, health and education to social justice, sport and culture.
• Cyril Kay of Edmonton is among the world’s eminent biochemists, unlocking the building blocks of life. His vision to create and lead internationally respected multidisciplinary teams has revolutionized biomedical research.
• Murray McCann of Calgary is an entrepreneur and community leader who reinvests his success into organizations that combat hunger, homelessness, fear and violence. He created programs that honour fallen soldiers and support homeless veterans.
• Barb Olson of Calgary is an internationally recognized researcher, entrepreneur and toxicology expert. Her research with husband Merle in veterinary medicine has led to a better understanding of bacterial infections and treatment in humans and animals.
• Merle Olson of Calgary is an internationally renowned veterinarian and researcher. His entrepreneurism with wife Barb has led to innovative biotech and pharmaceutical companies specializing in veterinary products to address animal welfare issues.
• Greg Powell of Calgary is a pioneering emergency physician, innovator and educator. He has saved countless lives by co-founding and leading the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) and revolutionizing emergency medicine.
• Cor Van Raay of Lethbridge strengthened both agriculture and agribusiness in Western Canada through his innovation and entrepreneurship. His generosity and community building enriched the lives of Albertans.
• Lena Heavy Shields-Russell (Ikkináínihki) of the Blood Reserve is an Elder, author, teacher and trailblazing translator. She created Alberta’s Blackfoot curriculum, safeguarding the language and culture to pass on to future generations.

Below is a list of recipients for 2020 (descriptions provided by the Government of Alberta):

• JudyLynn Archer of Edmonton has helped women and children escape poverty and realize their potential through Women Building Futures by encouraging and training women in the construction industry trades.
• Jim Boucher of Fort McKay is a visionary leader and businessman who led Fort McKay First Nation to become one of the most successful and enterprising Indigenous communities in the world.
• Charlie Fischer of Calgary was a lifetime leader in Canada’s energy industry. His positive advocacy created wide-spread change, from corporate social and environmental responsibility to health care and post-secondary education.
• Frances Harley of Edmonton pioneered the field of pediatric nephrology in Canada. She dedicated her remarkable career to helping vulnerable and underserved groups and inspiring others to do the same. Her courageous advocacy saves lives.
• John Mah of Edmonton enriches lives of Albertans and people around the world as a respected lawyer, dedicated member of the Canadian Armed Forces, tireless St. John International volunteer, and advocate for the Chinese Canadian community.
• Holger Petersen of Edmonton is a legend in the music world. As co-founder of Stony Plain Records and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and broadcaster on CKUA and CBC Radio, he introduces Alberta musicians to the world and brings world music home to Alberta.
• Ed Stelmach of Andrew has lived a life of service, from school trustee, councillor and reeve, to MLA, cabinet minister and premier of Alberta. Always a farmer, his work now includes leading Covenant Health and the Ed Stelmach Community Foundation.

For more detailed biographies and photos of the new members, as well as part entrants, visit the Alberta Order of Excellence website here.