Six long-time Abbotsford residents were honoured on Friday (May 3) during the 86th annual Pioneers Banquet hosted by the MSA Pioneers Association.
The sold-out event was held at Matsqui Hall and included a buffet dinner.
Those honoured for 2024 were: J.O. Trethewey, a businessman and philanthropist; Ray Konya, owner of Ray’s Esso on Mt. Lehman Road; Vivian Trethewey, long-time resident and philanthropist; Mark Rushton, a former editor of The Abbotsford News; and Jake and Marilyn Siemens, whose family established Hub Motors in 1954.
MC Ken Keis presented the bios for each recipient followed by short video interviews by Cheryl Wiens.
There was time for visiting and catching up with old friends, and a variety of door prizes – donated by local businesses – were awarded.
Mayor Ross Siemens wrapped up the program with a few words acknowledging the six recipients as valuable members of the community, many of whom have also helped him in different ways throughout his life.
Pioneers are those who have been residents of the community for at least 40 years or are descendants of an MSA (Matsqui, Sumas, Abbotsford) family.
The date set for next year’s banquet is May 2.
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