"A man whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of this community."
BONNYVILLE – The Town of Bonnyville council chambers was packed with community members who had gathered to witness a long-time resident receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his work as an educator, legislator, minister, and mayor.
Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr introduced Ernest Isley as a pillar of the community during the Dec. 19 event, describing Isley as “A man whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of this community.”
Cyr described the medal as a mark of distinction bestowed upon a community member for outstanding service and civic duty.
“Few lives have so fully embodied the meaning of service to others. The medal stands as a reflection of Ernie’s enduring impact . . . A symbol of exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to one's country and community . . . This is not merely a reward, it is a mark of distinction, reflecting a life devoted to service, integrity, and unity,” said Cyr.
The event was held at the Bonnyville Townhall building where Isley’s portraits are displayed on the wall, among all the portraits of Bonnyville’s former mayors.
“When I look up at the wall, there are three pictures there that have you as a sitting mayor,” said current mayor Elisa Brosseau. “That is such a testament to the leadership that you provided to the town, and I can only hope and dream that as a council we will have the dedication to continue to move this town into the future like you paved the way to . . . I hope that we’re making you proud in the work that we do,” said Brosseau.
Isley was the Mayor of Bonnyville from 2006 to 2013 and notably oversaw the development of the C2 Centre.
Many awards Isley has received over the years were on display during the ceremony. Several of those awards are kept at the Townhall. And although the awards on display were plentiful, Isley has even more at his home – a testament to the abundant success Islay has accomplished throughout his life.
Cyr spoke of Isley’s careers as the Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS) principal, legislator, minister, and mayor of Bonnyville, highlighting a robust career and many years of dedication to his community.
“His tenure in government was marked by decisive leadership . . . Ernie’s legacy of infrastructure is still visible in the roads and highways that connect our communities, as well as the health care facilities that continue to serve us,” said Cyr.
Isley was elected as an MLA in 1979 and over 14 years served in the Alberta legislature as Minister of Manpower, Minister of Public Works, Supply and Services, and Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development.
Cyr spoke of Isley’s early career as the Principal of BCHS, starting in 1971, saying his leadership made the school a hub of academic excellence.
Past students, colleagues, and friends stood to offer anecdotes about Islay, showing their gratitude for the impact he had on their lives.
A theme throughout the ceremony kept emerging in the speeches and conversations, as people told stories of Isley being the person who took a chance to hire them – or encouraged them to pursue a specific career. The stories painted Isley as someone who has not only been a positive force in the community, but as someone who has had a significant impact on individual lives - a person who sees a spark in someone and adds kindling to their fire.
Isley thanked his wife Sheila Isley for the support she’s given him over the past 66 years.
“She said she didn't want me in politics - but she told me what to do most of the time,” joked Isley.
He told the audience that what he has accomplished, he did not accomplish alone, and that there were many people in the audience who helped and supported him over the years.
Isley said he surrounded himself with wise people who helped and advised him.
“I consider this one of the greatest honours I’ve ever received,” said Isley, and felt it was “rather touching” to look out at the crowd and see all the familiar faces who showed up for him.
