The Town of Drayton Valley took a moment to acknowledge world events and pay tribute to a couple of Drayton’s prominent community members this week.
At council’s regular meeting Mar. 2, Mayor Nancy Dodds opened the meeting by taking a moment to stand with the people of Ukraine.
Dodds said that between the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of the European country, it is understandable if nerves are a little frayed right now.
“Some of us might have feelings of fear and uncertainty, and I cannot imagine that magnitude of that that is felt by both the people of Ukraine and Russia currently,” said Dodds.
Dodds also hoped that people will be compassionate in these times, adding, “As we are watching the events unfold, the power to imagine the previously unimaginable should inspire us all to act just a little bit differently.”
Dodds then took a moment to acknowledge the passing of two of Drayton Valley’s distinguished citizens.
Howard Olsen passed away on Feb. 15, 2022 at the age of 88. Olsen was a former Drayton Valley town councillor, who served from 1980 – 1992.
Dodds recalled meeting with Olsen at Drayton Valley’s 55+ Club and seeking his advice when she was running for office.
“We thank him for the service that he dedicated to our community, and that he shaped our community,” summed up Dodds.
Dodds then paid tribute to Hamdon Hamdon. Born in Lebanon, Haj Hamdon Mohammed Hamdon came to Canada in 1952, and settled in Drayton Valley in 1965. He purchased Drayton Valley’s general store, the Blocks Store. Over the years, he expanded the store into Drayton’s first shopping centre, the Derrick Mall. It was one of his many business ventures in Drayton Valley and Edmonton.
While Hamdon had retired to Arizona, Dodds noted that he frequently returned to Drayton Valley to visit friends and family still in the area.
“Hamdon was such a generous, kind man, and I remember how he made people feel,” remarked Dodds.
Hamdon passed away on Feb. 26, 2022 at the age of 89.
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