At the 83rd annual meeting of members of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) held in Dorval, Quebec May 13-15, 2011, President George Pepall reintroduced the President’s Award which was created in 2000 by then President Charles J. G. Verge to recognize deserving individuals for extraordinary service to the hobby.

The first President’s Award went to Kasimer Bileski to celebrate his 80 years as a stamp dealer. Verge said, “Originally it was to be a one-of-a-kind award, but other outstanding achievements rose to the fore in subsequent years.”

The awards have all been different; for example, one was an RPSC Gold Medal mounted on wood with an appropriate inscription. Verge said, “The purpose of the award was to recognize outstanding achievement that would bring a world level of recognition to Canadian philately.”

At Dorval, President Pepall made two awards: one went to the man who created it, Charles J.G. Verge, FRPSC, FRPSL, and the other to Raymond Ireson, FRPSC.

After citing Verge’s accomplishments for philately, which included seven years in the president’s chair and yeoman service to philately on the international level and as a long time philatelic author and editor, Pepall said, "Charles combines an awareness of decorum and diplomacy in our operations with a sense of the value and importance of the traditions of the Society.” He added, “While acting as a wise and informed assistant to those leading the Society now, he has continued to be a major influence in international philately.”

Raymond Ireson has given leadership in many facets of philately within his own club - Lakeshore Stamp Club (Dorval) - and to the hobby through writing and directorships.

Pepall said, “Through energetic service to Canadian philately, and by touching all bases in the hobby with warmth and humour, Ray offers a role model to us all for philatelic leadership at both the local and national levels.”

Both recipients of the President‘s Award for 2011 have received numerous medals and citations for their exhibits.

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:

Margaret Schulzke, FRPSC 1 888-285-4143