Fort Macleod’s Janet Tilbe was recognized for 65 years of service through the Royal Purple.
Fort Macleod council recognized the longtime Royal Purple member and community volunteer during the May 12 meeting.
“It’s been a strong organization to belong to,” Janet Tilbe said. “I didn’t ever think that I would reach 65 years though. I guess I’m fortunate that I have my health still, and that I can still enjoy the organization.”
Tilbe appeared with other Royal Purple members at council’s regular meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building.
“We want to present you with a token of appreciation for the service you’ve done in the community,” Mayor Brent Feyter said.
Tilbe served in many leadership roles with the Royal Purple, including Honoured Royal Lady on three separate occasions, and was involved representing Fort Macleod at both the provincial and national levels.
“There were a lot of changes over the years,” Tilbe said. “Slowly as the decades rolled by some of the rules and obligations were changing.”
Royal Purple meetings were governed with an obligation, the first one being a promise to be true to the laws of Canada and of the Royal Purple.
“We promoted the principle of justice, charity, love and fidelity because we were a fraternal association.” Tilbe said.
That changed in 2014 when the Elks separated themselves from the Royal Purple.
“We formed our own organization,” Tilbe said of the Canadian Royal Purple. “We govern ourselves almost with the same obligation, except we promote the principles of justice, charity, love and service.”
Although no longer affiliated, in Fort Macleod the Royal Purple and Elks Club often work together on projects and initiatives.
“In smaller communities, that’s what happened,” Tilbe said.
The Royal Purple through the years has raised money in support of other organizations.
When Tilbe joined, one of the focuses was deaf detection.
“We had a mobile unit that came to Fort Macleod a few times,” Tilbe said.
The Royal Purple later assisted the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research and more recently the women’s emergency shelter and brain injury awareness and prevention.
“This year we have been given recognition world-wide for our participation in brain research and supporting the women’s shelters,” Tilbe said.
In addition to volunteering with the Royal Purple, Tilbe served the community in other capacities through her church, Girl Guides, the library board and Fort Macleod Health Care Auxiliary Association.
Council interrupted the meeting to have photographs taken with Janet Tilbe.
“I appreciate your recognition,” Tilbe said.
The Royal Purple’s Niesje Vanden Dool thanked council for recognizing Janet Tilbe.
“We think it’s fantastic,” Vanden Dool said.
Royal Purple Week is celebrated from May 18-24 in Canada.
Fort Macleod council last week honoured Janet Tilbe for 65 years of service with the Royal Purple.
