Published in The BANAR, June 2016 by Miriam Hampson
Garth Hampson, pictured with his family, received the Sovereign Medal for volunteerism from
Governor General David Johnstone, 3rd from the left.
On the 12th of April, 2016 Dad (Garth Hampson) was one of fifty people to receive the first ever presentation by Governor General David Johnstone of the Sovereign Medal for volunteerism.
The medal is in recognition of his over 50 years of extraordinary continuous volunteer service to Canada, the RCMP, RCMP Veterans’ Association, fundraising concerts and community service activities, including his continued singing for award ceremonies at Rideau Hall.
From 1964-1989 Garth was principal soloist with the internationally acclaimed RCMP Band. And over the next several decades, he combined his musical gifts with numerous instances of leadership in community and charitable activities, including fundraising concerts for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ottawa), RCMP Charity Balls which raised monies for numerous non-profit organizations, including the Robin Easey Trust Fund, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. He was a driving force in the rebuilding of the Cathedral of St. Jude in Iqaluit, devastated by fire in 2005. Garth has also sung the national anthem on thousands of occasions — two Grey Cup Games, major league baseball, and NHL hockey games, and performed the anthem for medal presentations at Rideau Hall. He’s also sung lead roles in the Savoy Society’s Gilbert and Sullivan annual productions, the Orpheus Society, and, performed operatic roles with Studio Opera Guild. He has also served as soloist at Christ Church Cathedral and other parishes in the Diocese of Ottawa.
He brought his talented voice to many Seniors residences throughout the City including Amica and Blackburn Lodge and is singing the American + Canadian Anthems on Parliament Hill this Saturday for the launch of the “Capital to Capital” First Responders Bicycle Awareness Ride for PTSD + Mental Health in EMS workers.
He served on the Crimestoppers Board for many years and led an anti-graffiti campaign in Blackburn Hamlet several years ago. He is quick to volunteer his services to help community initiatives and is an outstanding role model for his two children and five grandchildren who all reside in Blackburn.