The Honourable Jerry Ouellette, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, presented Jack O’Dette with the first Annual Minister of Natural Resources Conservationist Award at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, (O.F.A.H.), 75th Annual General Meeting and Wildlife Conference in Hamilton, Ontario.
Mr. O’Dette, a former President of the O.F.A.H., and the Canadian Wildlife Federation, and a recipient of the Order of Canada in 1978, was recognized for his lifetime of volunteer work in fish and wildlife conservation and resource management.
Over a long and distinguished career devoted to the conservation and preservation of our valuable natural resources, Mr. O’Dette also received the Carling O’Keefe Conservation Award in 1960 and 1984, the Winchester Canada Outdoorsman of the Year Award in 1978 and the American Motors Award for North America in 1979.
He has served as President and Director of the Kingston and District Rod and Gun Club, as President of the Frontenac Rifle and Pistol Club and as Past Chairman, Finance and Administration, of the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority. His dedication to the O.F.A.H. and to the conservation of fish and wildlife has made a significant difference in the lives of many residents of Ontario and he is truly deserving of this award.
For more information about the conference, awards programs or annual general meeting, please contact O.F.A.H. Communications Liaison Mark Cousins at (705) 748-6324, fax (705) 748-9577 or e-mail to mark_cousins@ofah.org.