VICTORIA Nov.27 – Lorne Swanell, the province’s oldest living forester, at 100 years, was honoured today, with the creation of a $1,500 bursary to the University of Northern British Columbia’s Ecological Science and Management program in his name.
Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell, created the bursary to recognize and thank Swanell, who was the province’s chief forester from 1965 to 1972, for his contributions to B.C.’s forest industry.
“The creation of this bursary in Lorne Swanell’s name is a fitting honour for a man whose dedication and commitment to our forest industry is to be commended,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “We thank Mr. Swanell for his long service to his province and his country.”
“Lorne is a true icon in the forest industry and has advocated for sustainable forest management as far back as 1932 when he worked at the site of the province’s first reforestation project on West Thurlow Island,” said Bell. “This bursary has been created to thank Lorne for his dedication and service to B.C.’s forest industry and to hopefully inspire and encourage upcoming forestry students to follow in Lorne’s large and illustrious footsteps.”
Lorne Swanell was born in Victoria on Sept. 2, 1908. He attended the University of British Columbia and completed a bachelor of arts degree in May 1930 and a bachelor of applied science (forest engineering) with honours in May 1931.
He began his career in Victoria with the Land Branch of the B.C. Forest Service, became a ranger for a year and then started work as a junior forester in Kamloops, which was experiencing a serious mountain pine beetle epidemic. He moved to Prince George in 1939 to become the assistant district forester. From 1939 to 1945, Lorne served in Europe during the Second World War as part of the 2nd Survey Regiment.
Upon his return from the war, Swanell resumed his duties as assistant district forester in Prince George, eventually becoming district forester. While in Prince George, Swanell met and married Grace, his lifelong companion for 55 years until her passing in 2004.
In 1965, he became chief forester of B.C., holding this prominent position until retiring in 1972. His designation as Registered Professional Forester #6 (retired) now makes him the oldest living forester in British Columbia.
Media
contact: Sophia Proctor
Ministry of Forests and Range
250 387-4592
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