A beaming Ben Klassen accepts the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from MP Bob Zimmer

Prince George, BC – Both men had a hard time containing their emotions, as Prince George-Peace River MP Bob Zimmer presented long-time family friend and mentor, Ben Klassen, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal during this morning’s service at the Lakewood Alliance Church.

Zimmer told the congregation, "Ben had actually won alderman in Fort St. John and was a councillor when I was a kid and my first impression of a politician was Ben and so it was a good example."

Zimmer recognized the long-time businessman, owner of Homesteader Meats, for a lifetime of putting service above self in both the larger community and within his church community.  "From his countless acts of kindness, driven by his sincere love for Jesus, Ben has been, and still is, a shining example of a man who walks out his faith and I couldn’t think of a better person to receive this award."

For his part, Klassen said he was almost speechless. "I don’t know what to say and I really don’t have trouble talking," he said with a chuckle.  "You know, when I think about this, I don’t think I should be standing here – I think somebody else should be standing here and there’s a number of people that could be standing here."

"I just feel very delighted, very honoured.  It’s just very neat when you can communicate with people – a variety of people – that I’ve had the privilege of doing for many years."

Klassen pointed out he’s known Bob Zimmer since he was two days old, and still in the hospital in Dawson Creek.  "So it’s quite an honour for us as a family, to see Bob in Parliament and I thank him very much for being here today and it’s a real joy."

The medals were created by the Canadian government to commemorate the Queen’s 60-years on the throne and are being handed out to 60-thousand deserving citizens across the country.