Flaxcombe honours Wes and Judy Becker with lifetime achievement award
By Joan Janzen
The community of Flaxcombe presented Judy and Wes Becker with the first annual Flaxcombe Seniors Lifetime Individual Achievement Award on June 30.
Unfortunately, the honoured couple was unable to attend the community dinner and celebration that evening as Wes was recovering from an injury. However, the following day a delicious supper and cake, along with prizes, gifts and a trophy, were delivered to their home.
Wes Becker displays the Flaxcombe Seniors Lifetime Individual Achievement Award, trophy and a congratulatory letter presented to him and his wife, Judy, after they were unable to attend the June 30 community celebration. Friends delivered the honours, along with a celebratory supper and cake, to the couple's home the following day. PHOTO SUBMITTED
“I was really surprised with all the gifts and nice words said about us,” Wes said. “I really appreciated it.”
Judy, like most volunteers who love to serve their community, found the attention overwhelming and didn't think they needed to receive so much recognition.
The recognition also included a letter from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and will continue in September when the honoured couple will ride in an antique car during Kindersley's Goose Festival parade.
Gwen Britton of Flaxcombe said, “We hope that more communities will follow suit and this becomes a much bigger event all across Saskatchewan.”
The Flaxcombe Recreation Association gratefully received a grant from SaskEnergy that helped pay for the festivities celebrating the honoured couple, along with runner-up Jake Zacharias.
Judy and Wes moved to Flaxcombe in 1996 and have been involved in the community ever since, helping with local events and lending a hand whenever needed. Judy has a special love for animals and is known for finding homes for abandoned pets.
Wes served as a First Responder for 15 years and organized the local tractor pull events from 2019 to 2021. He was often found providing snow removal at little or no cost and helped new residents move into their homes.
The Saskatoon bushes, poplar and evergreen trees planted on the north side of Flaxcombe are the handiwork of Judy and Wes, who continue to care for them. Their dedication, volunteer spirit and commitment to community improvement have made a lasting impact on the Village of Flaxcombe.