It has been a year since Rod Osiowy was honoured with being named Cranbrook's 2009 Citizen of the Year, and I just wanted to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce and the City for this recognition.

Rod was truly humbled that evening in January 2010 when he was presented with the Citizen of the Year Award. As he said that night, everything he did was purely for the joy of it and the reward for him was the richness it brought to his life and seeing others succeed and grow. Rod was proud to call Cranbrook home and was always extremely grateful for the amazing support he received from all sectors of the community over the years. For Jasmine, Jordan and me, being able to share in Rod's endeavours and celebrate his successes is something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

I cannot adequately express my thanks to everyone in this community who reached out to Rod and our family last year-friends, colleagues, fellow Rotarians, students and former students-to show their support and love for Rod and their appreciation for all that he gave throughout his life. I am overwhelmed by the caring and kindness we felt-and continue to feel-and at this time of passing on the recognition of Citizen of the Year, I am reminded once again of what a wonderful community we live in. Cranbrook is indeed blessed to have so many outstanding individuals who give so much.

Congratulations to Art Gruenig, Cranbrook's Citizen of the Year for 2010, and thank you for making our community a better and brighter place.

Colleen Osiowy

Cranbrook