Charles J. G. Verge, FRPSC, named Geldert Medal winner for 2006

James Kraemer, FRPSC, chairman of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) committee for the Geldert Medal has announced that Charles J.G. Verge, FRPSC, of Ottawa has been awarded the Geldert Medal for 2006. The Geldert Medal is given annually for the best article or series of articles in The Canadian Philatelist, journal of the society.

Verge merited the Geldert Medal for his ground-breaking story and research on Jan Gabriel Perold who was president of the RPSC from1928-1930. Verge’s story, "Professor The Reverend Jan Gabriel Perold, BD, MA (1877-1944)" appeared in the September-October 2006 issue of The Canadian Philatelist.

Charles J. G. Verge is a long time stamp collector whose many efforts for the hobby in Canada and abroad are well known. He was president of The RPSC from 2000-2006 and is the immediate past president as well as society historian.

Verge has written extensively on philatelic subjects for Scott’s Stamp Monthly, The Ottawa Citizen, and other publications. He is a philatelic and literature judge at the international level.

On winning the Geldert Medal Verge said "I was surprised as I did not expect it. It’s great to know that your writings and research are being recognized." He is "pleased The RPSC has the Geldert medal and hopes it will encourage others to write for our prize-winning magazine."

Verge considers himself in special company. "Look at the previous winners," he said. "Most of them were giants of Canadian philatelic literature."

The Geldert Medal was established by Phyllis Geldert in memory of her husband Dr. George M. "Mac" Geldert, FRPSC, a former president of The RPSC (1958-1967). Mrs. Geldert put up the medal in 1967 shortly after Dr. Geldert’s death. A notable stamp collector herself, Mrs. Geldert was prominent in many facets of RPSC work, including a directorship from 1967 to 1978. She also served as executive director for three years. She was elected as a Fellow (FRPSC) of The Royal in 1968. Mrs. Geldert died on August 23, 2000.

Rick Penko, FRPSC, President of The RPSC said "Charles Verge is a stalwart in the stamp collecting fraternity in Canada, and I wish him continued success in his writing and research projects."

The Geldert Medal selection committee is made up of James E. Kraemer, FRPSC, Cimon Morin, FRPSC, and Michael Nowlan

Information on The RPSC can be had by e-mail at info@rpsc.org or by visiting the Society's website at www.rpsc.org, or by calling 416-979-8874, toll free 1-888-285-4143.

For more information contact:

Michael O. Nowlan 506-357-2698
Margaret Schulzke 1 888-285-4143