Aaron Santesso

Aaron Santesso was born in Trail in 1972.  He received a BA at UBC and a MA and PhD from Queen’s University.  He is a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellow and is currently a Professor of Literature at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).

 Dr. Santesso has authored or edited a number of books; most recently he is co-author (with David Rosen) of The Watchman in Pieces: Surveillance, Literature, and Liberal Personhood.  The book was awarded the Modern Language Association’s James Russell Lowell Prize, among the most prestigious academic awards in North America.  He has published dozens of articles and reviews in academic journals and general-audience publications.  He will be appearing in a forthcoming documentary about surveillance.

Armando Gri

Armando Gri was one of most honoured and decorated non-commissioned officers in the Canadian Army in WWII.

Armando was born in Phoenix, BC on December 25, 1918. He grew up in Trail's Gulch, where he was known as Gabby.

In 1940, Armando enlisted in the Canadian Army. Initially with the Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver regiment) he later transferred to the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's). While serving with the Princess Mary's in France and in Holland Sgt. Gri distinguished himself on numerous occasions. For his acts of bravery and courage as a platoon commander, he was awarded the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

He later received a bar to the Military Medal, and two oak leaves.

Taken a prisoner by the Germans in 1944, Armando endured horrific conditions while being transported in a railway goods van across Germany. Through his foresight in concealing a penknife, Armando and his fellow prisoners were able to carve an escape hatch in the side of the van and make their escape. With the aid of Dutch freedom fighters Armando was able to reach Holland, where he made contact with the British Army.

After the war, Armando worked for construction companies across Canada. He died January 1, 1991 in Vancouver.

Ben McPeek

Ben McPeek was best known as "King of the Jingle" for 2000 commercials he wrote.

Brian "Ben" McPeek was born in Saskatchewan and came to Trail in 1940. He started studying music at the age of nine with Jessie Gairnes. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1956 with a degree in music.

Besides jingles, Ben wrote pop music and serious piano music. Ben helped initiate The Guess Who, Bachman Turner Overdrive, and many other young musicians.

He initiated the idea of a Library of Canadian Music and with the assistance of Imperial Oil, The Imperial Oil McPeek Pops Library was founded.

Ben died in 1981, but is well remembered as a conductor, an arranger, a performer, a business entrepreneur and a top music industry personality.

Darla Crispin

Darla was born in Trail in 1964.  She studied piano under the tutelage of fellow "Champion" Helen Dahlstrom.  She obtained her Bachelor of Music from the University of Victoria and a Masters of Music and Doctoral Degree in Musicology in London, England.

She began her music career teaching music in London, moving to the Royal College of Music as Head of Graduate Programs in 2002.

Darla has performed many concerts in North America and Europe, has made CD recordings of graded repertoire piano books and has been an invited speaker at many concert performances and a consultant for a number of musical committees.  She is also an author of many commissioned writings and has been widely published.

In 2009, Darla was awarded an Honourary Doctorate for all her contributions in the field of music, presented to her by Charles, Prince of Wales.

Darla currently works as a Research Fellow in Creative Practice at the Royal College of Music and as a Senior Research Fellow at the Orpheus Institute in Ghent, Belgium.  In her free time, she enjoys long distance running linked to charitable work for the development of the United Kingdom bone marrow transplant register.

Deno Benetton

From peer support to counselling, to fundraising for patient needs/research, and raising public awareness about kidney disease and organ donation, Deno dedicated a great deal of time, energy and passion towards improving the lives of people living with kidney disease. The last 25 years of his life were filled with accomplishments in this field, including national recognition from the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Deno, however, was most proud of the relationship he built with his peers and his ability to make a positive impact on their lives.

Deno was diagnosed with a hereditary form of kidney disease in his late teens. By the time he reached his mid-30s, he was in end-stage renal failure and required dialysis treatment 3 times per week in order to sustain life.

A few years after starting dialysis, Deno was in contact with the Kidney Foundation of Canada and learned they were looking for regions to develop local chapters. He recruited 6 other people and the Trail Chapter was born. Deno was named President and this was a position he held for over 10 years.

Deno spent a great deal of time counselling patients and their families. He was a role model for patients and assisted them on their journey toward acceptance. Fortunately, in May of 1989, Deno was blessed with a successful kidney transplant. He then began another mission which was to increase awareness about organ donation. He was responsible for helping many people achieve a better life through kidney transplants.

In 1991, Deno was awarded an honourary lifetime membership in the Kidney Foundation of Canada as acknowledgement of his extraordinary contribution to the field of kidney disease. He continued to focus on identifying patient needs and acting as an advocate on their behalf. He continued to offer patients and their families emotional support, continually updating his skills by completing the Kidney Foundation’s peer support training program, as well as hospice training. He was instrumental in retaining support services for renal patients and advocating for the community units to alleviate disruption for patients living outside the local area. He also assisted the development of a local support group for patients as well as their families. Deno’s love, passion and commitment to enhance the life of people living with kidney disease was unwavering right up until his sudden passing in June of 2001.

Elsie G. Turnbull

Elsie Turnbull was a well-known community worker and historian.

She is best known for her historical accounts of Trail. Some of her books include Topping's Trail, Churches of the Kootenays, Trail: An Invitation to History and Trail Between Two Wars. These books were thoroughly researched and were a pleasure to read.

Elsie attended the University of Toronto, majoring in History and English.

She worked with the Trail Skating Club and was Commissioner for the Girl Guide Association.

As well as being involved in numerous other clubs, Mrs. Turnbull wrote many newspaper and magazine articles.

Elsie died in 1995.

Frank Beinder

Frank Beinder came to Rossland in 1947 from Britain. He started working at Cominco in Public Relations and was Senior Public Relations Assistant when he retired in 1976.
Immediately upon arriving in Rossland, he joined the Scouting movement as a leader and then went on to serve seventeen years on the Trail School Board.

He also served as:
President: BC Chamber of Commerce
Chairman: Selkirk College Council
President: BC School Trustees Association
President: BC Association of Colleges

Graham Kenyon

Graham Kenyon was born in Leicester England and immigrated to Canada in 1961 settling in Rossland and was employed by Cominco/Teck.  He became active in local wildlife and conservation organizations and carried forward his dedication to environmental causes to the provincial and national levels.  He became President of the Trail Wildlife Association, President of the BC Wildlife Federation, was a member of the BC Environmental Appeal Board, Director of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and founding Chair of the BC Conservation Foundation. 

Locally he was a member of the Trail Lead Task Force, a founding member of the Trail Environmental Health Committee and a Director of Community Futures.  Graham passed away in April 2015.

Helen Dahlstrom

Helen Dahlstrom was awarded the 1998 Order of British Columbia.

Mrs. Dahlstrom's contribution to music in our area is legendary and may be unparalleled in the province. Her interest in music and the teaching of young performers has led to numerous positions in a long list of local, provincial and national music organizations for over 70 years. Through this dedication, she has guided young musicians to major achievements in music in Canada, the United States and Europe.

She was instrumental in the establishment of Canada Music Week to recognize and promote the work of Canadian composers and was Chairman of this organization for 25 years.

She was an organist and choir leader of St. Andrew's Church in Rossland and for thirty-five years, was a director and conductor of the A Capella Singers.

Jeff Lakes

Jeff Lakes was born in Trail in April 1962. He began climbing at age 18 on bluffs and mountains in and around Trail. Jeff became an experienced mountaineer, an expert ice climber, and a talented photographer.

As his climbing techniques improved, he began climbing in more challenging locales, mostly in the Canadian Rockies.

His resume over his 15 year climbing career include solo ascents in the Canadian Rockies, ascents of peaks in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, in the Himalayas, and in Alaska. Photographs taken by Jeff during these adventures have appeared in numerous mountaineering and outdoor magazines in Canada and the United States.

Throughout his career, Jeff was known for his skill, his awareness of safety, and his competence. He taught many others the basics of climbing, introducing them to the sport he loved.

In 1993, Jeff was part of a Dutch expedition attempting to climb K2 in Pakistan, the world's second highest mountain. This expedition was turned back due to a severe storm.

In 1995, the opportunity arose again for Jeff to be part of a New Zealand team attempting to climb K2. Tragedy struck the team when it was hit by a severe storm and Jeff and 6 other climbers perished on the mountain.

In memory of Jeff, the College of the Rockies in Fernie has named a climbing wall in his honour to assist others in participating in the sport of mountaineering.

Joe Kobluk

Joe began a career in radio as a student announcer with CJAT in Trail in 1942. He became a full-time announcer in 1944 and rose to be General Manager in 1960 and Managing Director in 1965. Joe left CJAT in 1976.

With his broadcasting experience, Joe participated in many community events and activities. He was Master of Ceremonies for numerous functions, such as building and business openings and special events in the community. He conducted and directed local talent presentations on stage and on the air, sporting events and community displays.

He has been involved in many community and charitable organizations, usually becoming President. These include: the Catholic Youth Organization, Knights of Columbus, Trail & District Arts Council, Trail & District Chamber of Commerce, Trail Rotary Club, Trail International Film Society, Trail Regional Hospital Foundation, and the Trail Senior Hockey Club.

Joe also Chaired committees that organized major community events, such as the 1951 Jubilee of Incorporation, the 1967 Centennial Committee, the 1971 Esplanade Centennial Park Project, the Trail Day at Expo ’74 in Spokane, Washington, the 1976 City Diamond Jubilee Celebration and the Kootenay Music Festival. In 1977, Joe received the Queen’s Silver Medal for his dedication and service to his community.
Joe also assisted with the founding of the Knights of Columbus Trail/Warfield Citizen of the Year and the Home of Champions Monument.

Joe’s dedication to improving the welfare of his community and its residents is remarkable.

John Barron

John was born in Trail in 1939.  Following graduation from the Crowe, he attended the University of Toronto studying music education.  There, he fell in love with choirs and obtained his Masters in music.  In 1970, he moved to London, Ontario where he taught in the local school board's music program, retiring in 1996.

In 1985, John founded the Anabile Youth Singers.  The choir won the CBC's bi-annual competition consecutively from its inception until 2000, when it stopped entering the competition.  It has also won numerous competitions in Europe and recorded several CDs.

Throughout his 45 year career, John has been sought after as a clinician and adjudicator with music organizations and institutions throughout Canada and the US and has been recognized with numerous awards for his contribution to music education and performance both nationally and internationally.

In 2008, John was awarded the Order of Canada by Governor General Michaelle Jean, our Country's highest civilian honour.  He passed away in April 2014 in Toronto, ON.

John R. Anderson

Admiral John Anderson was born in Trail. He attended the University of British Columbia as a Naval Officer Cadet, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Physics. On graduation in 1963, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy.f
During his career, Admiral Anderson served on HMC ships: HMC New Glasgow, Fraser, Saskatchewan, St. Croix, Bonaventure, and Iroquois, in both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets. His professional training included Long Operations Officer's Course, the United States Navy Computer Programming Course, and the Canadian Forces Command and Staff Course. In 1978, Admiral Anderson was appointed Commanding Officer of the Esquimalt - based HMCS Restigouche. On promotion to Captain in 1982, he assumed command, in Halifax,of the first Destroyer Squadron. Service on the staff at National Defense Headquarters, Ottawa, followed in 1983.

Admiral Anderson was promoted to the rank of Commodore in 1986 and was appointed Director General, Maritime Doctorate in Operations. In 1987, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and, shortly afterwards, was tasked to head the Canadian Nuclear Submarine Acquisition Project. This was followed by his appointment as Chief, Maritime Doctorate in Operations in 1989.

He was appointed a Command of the Order of Military Merit, in July 1989. He has also been awarded the Canadian Decoration and Good Service Medal.

Promoted to Vice Admiral in 1991, Admiral Anderson assumed command, in Halifax, of Canada's Navy, until his appointment as the Vice Chief of Defense Staff in 1992. In January 1993, he was promoted Admiral and appointed Chief of Defense Staff.

On retirement from the Canadian Forces, Admiral Anderson was appointed as Canada's Ambassador and permanent representative to the North Atlantic Council at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He assumed his appointment in May 1994.

On retirement from the Canadian Forces, Admiral Anderson was appointed as Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He assumed his appointment in May 1994. Admiral Anderson completed his tour of duty in August 1997 and returned to Canada. He and his wife, Anne, now reside in North Saanich, British Columbia.

Admiral Anderson continues his association with NATO through participation in a series of high-level exercises, sponsored by various NATO Military Headquarters. He is a Senior Fellow at the Lester B. Pearson Canadian International Peacekeeping Training Centre, and a member of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Branch. He is on the Board of Trustees for the Maritime Museum of British Columbia Society.

Kate E. Shaw

Kate dedicated her life to her love of Highland Dancing and to her students. She taught children of all ages, levels and abilities, and never turned away any individual who wanted to learn how to dance. Her students have accomplished many national, as well as international, successes due to her patience, love and skills.

She produced many great dancers, dance teachers, and even champions. She kept the traditions of Scottish heritage alive in our community by instructing those willing to learn. Kate's other accomplishments include over 60 years of teaching Sunday School and over 40 years working with disabled people.  She was on the Board of Managers with the Presbyterian Church, Secretary for the Caledonian Society, Executive Secretary for the I.O.D.E. and Secretary for the Elk's Lodge.

Kevin McNulty

Kevin McNulty was born in Penticton, BC, lived in Warfield, Rossland, and Trail, studied piano as a child and joined the Rossland Light Opera where, at 16 years old, he played 'Ol Joe in "Showboat" in black face.  He attended Washington State University in the late 70's and in 1982 Kevin graduated from the prestigious acting program at Studio 58, Langara College in Vancouver.  In the early eighties, Kevin spent two years at the Stratford Festival.  Returning to Vancouver, Kevin found himself in the right place at the right time as film and television production blossomed and casting directors looked to theatre actors to fill small roles in American TV sereis and MOW's.  His acting credits range from the Beach Combers to the X-Files on television, The Accused to Fantastic 4 on film, with many lawyer roles in movies-of-the-week in between.  He currently plays Mel Ivarson on CBC's Arctic Air.

Kevin has a long and varied career on stage, as well, and has received 2 Best Supporting Actor Jessie Richardson Awards.

Most recently, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the 2012 Sam Payne Lifetime Achievement Award.

Kevin shares a house in Vancouver with actor/playwright Susinn McFarlen and their children Lucy and Dylan.

L.J. "Flip" Filippelli

In July 1956, Flip Filippelli was elected to the National Presidency of the Canadian Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Flip was born in Trail in 1923 and attended local schools.

He obtained his B.Sc. in chemistry from the University of Alberta and then joined Cominco in Trail.

Flip held the presidency of the BC and Yukon Division in 1954 and has been National Vice-president for Alberta, BC and Yukon in 1955.

Flip was inducted into the Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame in 2000 and had previously been inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame. He has officiated at World Championships, Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.

Lieutenant Hampton Gray

VICTORIA CROSS - POSTHUMOUS AWARD
Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray was born in Trail, BC on November 2, 1917.
In July of 1940, Robert left the University of British Columbia to join the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and sailed to the United Kingdom in September. In 1942, he qualified for his wings, was commissioned, and sent on fighter operational training. From July 1942, he served on various squadrons in Africa on fleet support duties. In 1944, he was appointed Senior Pilot of the 1841 Squadron aboard the aircraft carrier, HMS Formidable. During August of that year, Formidable and her squadrons took part in two attacks on the German battleship, Tirpitz. Gray was mentioned in despatches for his part in the action. In September, Formidable was assigned to the British Pacific Fleet where strikes were carried out against Japanese naval and air forces, shipping, shipyards, and coastal objectives. The Squadron of Formidable’s Air Group took part in these operations until hostilities ceased.

On July 28, 1945, Robert led a low-level strike against the naval base at Maisuru, north of Kyoto, and his own bombs sank a destroyer. This attack resulted in Gray receiving an immediate Award of the Distinguished Service Cross.
On August 9, 1945, Hampton Gray and his flight of Corsair fighter-bombers lifted off the deck of the Formidable on a 200-mile mission to attack Japanese warships at anchor on Onagawa Bay.

Gray led the attack and was hit almost at once, but he held his course to release his bombs at the last possible second, to sink the ocean escort Amakusa before crashing to his death in the water.

Lieutenant Hampton Gray was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award that can be received in the United Kingdom, the last Canadian to be so honoured.

Other medals won by Lieutenant Hampton Gray include the Distinguished Service Cross, 1939-45 Star, the Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, War Medal 1939-1945, and Mentioned- In-Despatches.

Michael Kobluk

Michael Kobluk was a member of the Chad Mitchell Trio (late 50's through the 60's), a singing group that was formed by students at the Gonzaga University Glee Club.

In the beginning, the group generally performed in college circles, small nightclubs and music halls. They became well-known in the Pacific Northwest. The trio's repertoire consisted of folk songs based socio-political material.

From Left: Michael Kobluk, John Denver, Dave BoweyEventually, the group achieved national recognition when they appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and the Arthur Godfrey Radio Show.

They were chosen by the US State Department to tour as good will ambassadors in South America.

Chad Mitchell eventually left the trio and was replaced by John Denver.  However, the group disbanded just shortly before their new member became a star.

Muriel Griffiths

Muriel Griffiths is a long-time builder of arts and culture in Greater Trail and British Columbia. She became involved in presenting performing arts in Trail in 1951, starting with the Celebrity Concert Series. Under her leadership, Trail developed one of the longest running and best-attended Community Performance Series in the province.

She was a director for the Southeast Region of BC on the BC Touring Council from 1984 to 1992. During this period, the BC Touring Council greatly expanded cultural opportunities in small towns in the Kootenays and in the rest of BC.

Muriel served on the Trail and District Community Arts Council from 1982 to 1996 in various capacities, including president. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was the creation and upgrading of performing and visual arts spaces in the Greater Trail Community Centre. She raised the funds for and oversaw all other aspects of the project, which saw the birth of the VISAC Gallery, the renovation of the Charles Bailey Theatre, and the creation of a small recital space that today bears her name.

In 1992 Muriel received the Les Carbeau Award from the Governor-General "in recognition of outstanding contributions to Regional Culture." She has also been awarded the Canada 125th Commemorative Medal in recognition of her support of the Arts in BC.

Muriel passed away in 2010.

Peter McIntyre

Pete was born in June 1986 in Perch, Ontario. He received his education at the University of Ontario and joined the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company in 1921 in the Research Department and later moved to the Refinery where he became Superintendent. During World War II, he became Controller of Manpower for the Company.

Pete was one of the earliest promoters of sports in Trail and area. He was an accomplished golfer and curler and played and coached baseball, hockey, field lacrosse, and track and field in the community.

Through his position with Cominco, he was responsible or instrumental in bringing to Trail many of those already recognized as Champions on the Home of Champions Monument.

Pete was one of the original organizers of the Trail and District Welfare Society (Community Chest) serving for five years as Director. For eleven years, he was also a member of the Trail/Tadanac Parks Board, being Chairman for six of those years.

Pete was an early President of the Trail Athletic Association and Past President of the Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey Club. In 1960/61 he was a member of the World Champion Smoke Eaters Committee.

Pete was a great sportsman and was generous in winning and graceful in losing. His greatest forte was in dealing with individuals. He always thought the best of everyone and he was one of the best community workers and citizens that Trail has ever known.