1967

Stan Hampton

Supported the involvement of Edmonton Power employees in the early days of raft racing and encouraged the expansion of the race in becoming a city-wide event. (Deceased)
 

1968

Al Niels

Recognized for the assistance provided by Molson Brewery not only to the race participants but also the organizers of the raft race. The pre and post celebration that Molson provided helped to make this water event the premier attraction of the Edmonton summer. (Deceased)
 

1969

Reg Easton and Rear Admiral Richard Rodger, USN 7^th Fleet

Dedicated his energy toward strengthening the relationships between the Raft Race Association, the Edmonton Exhibition, and the Klondike Days Association for overall benefit of the City of Edmonton. (Deceased)
 

1970

Jack Webber

Served as inspiration for all the volunteers in the many committees that worked to stage the city’s summer celebration. Supported the Raft Race Association in their work and recognized our desire to maintain our own identity. (Deceased)
 

1971

Malcolm Tweedle and Rear Admiral David Alen Collins, Cdn. Navy

The rapidly expanding raft race needed and received a wide range of support services from a number of City of Edmonton departments. There was recognition by this City Commissioner that Edmonton would benefit greatly through the success realized by the volunteers in staging the river event. (Deceased)
 

1972

Graham Jones and Commodore Vic Henning, Cdn. Navy

The Exhibition Association, through Graham Jones, was again recognized for the assistance provided to the organizers of the annual river race. (Deceased)
 

1973

Ross McLean and Rear Admiral George William Robertson, British Navy

He was a member of the original committee that brought the idea of Klondike Days into being. He encouraged and supported the expansion of the raft races along with a wide range of related water events. (Deceased)
 

1974

Ron Assaly

Another member of the original organizing committee was being recognized for this dedication and effort in making Klondike Days a successful event.
 

1975

Lucky Binnie

A tireless worker within the Klondike Days Association and a much appreciated friend of the Raft Race Committee. Lucky provided many suggestions and ideas to the organizers of the race, always for the purpose of making the event bigger and better than the year before. (Deceased)
 

1976

Sandy McArthur

In recognition of the assistance and cooperation extended by the Exhibition Association to the Klondike Days Association and to the raft races. His influence strengthened the relationships being developed among the three organizations. (Deceased)
 

Provided a continuation of the bonding among the summer festival organizers and supported the growth of the river events. Was seen as a good friend and helper of the Sourdoughs.
 

1978

Ivor Dent

Participated enthusiastically in a range of water activities that were organized. Actually took part in racing events and was certainly no stranger to the water of the North Saskatchewan River. Commanded a rubber raft in the Mayor Challenge Race and was the only Admiral to have been wounded in the line of duty.
 

1979

Bob Freeman

A tireless volunteer who dedicated unbelievable energy to ensuring that his part in the festival was carried out on schedule. Was admired by the raft race organizers as a dedicated and sincere worker that contributed greatly to the success of Klondike Days.
 

1980

Ed Saddy

In recognition as one of the original organizers of Klondike Days. His work in the earlier years influenced and strengthened the partnership of the Klondike Days Association and the Sourdough Raft Race.
 

1981

Norm Forbes

Worked with the Sourdoughs in the early years as a Chairman of the River Regatta. Influential in the establishment of a wide range of river activities and dedicated to focusing attention to the North Saskatchewan River and Valley Parks.

1982

Ross McBain and Commodore Doug Learoyd, Cdn. Navy

His work and direction within the Northlands organization contributed to the growth of our summer celebration and also to the river races.
 

1983

Tom Fox

One of the original six Sleepy Sourdoughs that hosted the breakfast on Raft Race Sunday. Shared the river valley with endless lines of spectator traffic, participants and organizers. His cooperation and understanding enabled the growth and expansion of the raft race’s river side requirements. (Deceased)
 

1984

Walt Badowsky

A long time member of the Raft Race Committee dedicated to ensuring that the races continued to grow and provide to the city a unique and spectacular water show.
 

1985

Bud Damur

Awarded in recognition of his long time support of Klondike Days and the Klondike Melodrama. A long time member of the Sourdough Raft Race Association and creator of many innovative ideas for the association. Bud was an excellent selection for Admiral of the Fleet for 1985. (Deceased)
 

1986

Gordon Docken

Recognized as another example of the corporate assistance that is provided to help the volunteer efforts of the raft race organizers and corporate assistance that enables so much to be done through the time and efforts of the various race committees. (Deceased)
 

1987

George Hughes

Awarded in recognition of the assistance provided to the Sourdough by Edmonton Northlands. The success and growth of the river activities, which we are now enjoying, are directly related to the interest and assistance that had been extended by Edmonton Northlands.
 

1988

Don Clarke

Awarded in recognition of the support of one of our corporate friends. Don has been actively involved in the community and is a strong supporter and friend of the raft races.
 

1989

Harley Deeks

Awarded in recognition of Molson’s continuous support and sponsorship since 1960. Harley has enriched the lives of people in many areas through his support and community services with various organizations, as well as through his knowledge and expertise as a brewmaster.
 

1990

Jack Chesney

Awarded in recognition of his continuous involvement and contributions over the past 40 years to the Sourdough Raft Race Association, Edmonton Northlands and Klondike Days Association. Jack has literally covered the four corners of the world through his marketing business and through his volunteer hours with Papal visits, Commonwealth Games, Universiade committees and his connection with the Klondike Dollars. (Deceased)
 

1991

Gerry Yuen

In recognition of his long-time community service and support of Edmonton’s Klondike Days, Gerry was selected as Admiral of the 1991 Sourdough Fleet. A native Albertan, Gerry has long been committed to community activities in Edmonton as indicated by his tenure with the Edmonton Klondike Days Association and Edmonton Northlands, as a shareholder since 1973 and 1976 respectively.
 

1992

Eileen Yonkers

Awarded in recognition of her many years of community involvement that significantly contributed to the success of Edmonton’s Klondike Days. Eileen has been a Director of Edmonton Northlands since 1982, serving on the executive Committee since 1990. A tireless volunteer, she helped to strengthen the ties between the three organizations representing Edmonton’s Klondike Days during her tenure as president of the Edmonton Klondike Days Association. (Deceased)
 

1993

Earl Krausert

In recognition of his long service to Klondike Days and the City of Edmonton, Earl was an easy choice for Admiral of the Fleet in 1993. A native Albertan who served 10 years on the board of Klondike Days – the last two as president. Earl was a founder of the Uncles at large program and member of the Canadian Progress Club since 1964. He was past chairman of the Canada Day Celebrations and past president of the Edmonton Downtown Club. He is currently chairman of the Cheechacko Breakfast held during Klondike Days.
 

1994

Fred Windwick

In recognition of his many years of community involvement and long time support of the Sourdough Raft Race, Klondike Days and the City of Edmonton, Fred Windwick was chosen as Admiral of the 1994 Sourdough Fleet. His accomplishments have involved being president of the Kinsmen Club in 1969, member of the Board of Directors of Northlands Park (formerly Edmonton Northlands) in 1994, past president of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce to his current position as C.E.O. for Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
 

1995

Don Sprague

Don Sprague was selected the 1995 Admiral of the Fleet for his dynamic community leadership and support of Edmonton’s Klondike Days. Don brought great distinction to Edmonton as the chairman of the very successful 1994 Royal Bank Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Don has dedicated his time and expertise to assisting various sports and community organizations, and was the chairman of the 1996 World Figure Skating Championships.
 

1996

Janet Riopel

Awarded in recognition of her years spent promoting and working towards the betterment of the City of Edmonton and its festivals. Janet is a member of Economic Development Edmonton, Urban Development Institute and Edmonton Glenora Rotary Club, as well as a past member of the Colleagues of MacEwan and the Habitat 94 World Congress. She presently is the president of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
 

1997

No Admiral Chosen

No Admiral Chosen
 

1998

Vic Mah

Vic Mah has provided outstanding service to the citizens of Edmonton for almost 50 years. A native of Saskatoon, his early years were spent in Western Canada and China. During the early 1950s, Vic, along with some partners, started a restaurant called the Blue Willow. During the 1960s, Vic was instrumental in forming a four-team Junior A baseball league, then sponsoring one of the teams. Vic was then invited to become a partner of the Junior A Edmonton Oil Kings and was active in the club’s operations. Today, this team is known as the Portland Winter Hawks. Vic was appointed the first president of the Capital City Savings and Credit Union of Alberta.
 

1999

John Bracegirdle

No information available.
 

2000

Dave Walker

Dave Walker has provided outstanding service to the city of Edmonton for over 30 years. He is a life member and shareholder of the Edmonton Klondike Days Association. Dave has co-chaired activities and projects for the St. Albert school district, was a parent volunteer for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, co-chaired the Logistics Committee for the 1996 Edmonton International Air Show and is a member of the board for the Edmonton Power Historical Association. Dave received the Cheechako Progress Club Award for outstanding volunteer community service in 1992.
 

2001

Ed Bean

Ed Bean has maintained his trademark sense of humor and community involvement during his 50 years in business. Ed is a contributor to the purchase of the Edmonton Oilers and the Police Helicopter Funds. With his wife, Ingrid, they started “The Crystal Kids,” an after school facility. His involvement and contribution to charities is well known. Ed Bean joins a distinguished group of Edmontonians chosen as Admirals of the Sourdough Fleet based on their valuable contributions to the city.
 

2002

Bev Armstrong

Bev Armstrong has provided outstanding volunteer services to the City of Edmonton for more then three decades. Bev has been on the Board of Directors at Northlands for many years, is a life member and shareholder of the Edmonton Klondike Days Association and has served as Vice President of events. Bev won the 1993 Cheechako Progress Club Award for outstanding volunteer community service and many other awards, including the Bobby Breen Award for the most outstanding contribution to Klondike Days.
 

2003

Bill Comrie

When he was only 16, Bill signed with the Chicago Black Hawks and played for the Moose Jaw Canucks and the Edmonton Oil Kings. By 19, he decided to end his hockey career and went into the furniture business to create what is now The Brick Warehouse Corporation. The Brick has grown into the largest retailer of furniture, appliances, mattresses and electronics in Canada, employing over 4,000 people. Bill has received many distinguished citizens awards and has always kept busy with memberships in numerous organizations. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club; he is a member of the Alberta Cardiac Institution Strategy Council and the Edmonton Police Foundation, and sits on the Board for Junior Achievement. In 1997, Bill agreed to chair the capital campaign for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation to build a state-of-the-art facility in Edmonton. Bill and his campaign cabinet raised over $10 million to ensure the very best health care resources were available for countless children in Alberta and Western Canada. Recently, he accepted an invitation to chair the capital campaign for a world-class heart institute in Edmonton that will serve patients from across the province and Western Canada. The Alberta Heart Institute will become one of Canada’s leading heart centres.
 

Lyle Best hails from Brantford, Ontario, and attended school in Hamilton, Ontario, Washington, D.C, and in Atlanta, Georgia. It must have been somewhere in this time that Lyle began to show his true colors. His skills and hard work moved him in directions we’re sure even he didn’t see coming. Lyle has worked at a variety of interesting careers from being a Private Investigator, to becoming President and CEO of Quickcard Solutions Inc. Mr. Best has had numerous awards and honours bestowed upon him including the most recent Honorary Membership with the Alberta Dental Association & College. Lyle generously donates of himself selflessly. The list of Office Directorships, Professional Associations/Memberships and Service Organizations he is active in, is almost non-ending. His impressive record in helping children’s organizations, and others, is first in nature and second to none.

2005

Bill Smith

Bill Smith was chosen for many reasons, namely his passion for the Edmonton Capital Region and Alberta; his vision for Alberta’s future and its potential; his leadership, capacity for hard work, and commitment to teamwork.  His hard work as our Mayor resulted in many benefits to the Edmonton Capital Region, including fostering stronger relations and communication between Alberta’s municipalities – thus ensuring that Alberta’s communities spoke with “one” voice on provincial and federal matters of common interest.

During Bill’s tenure as Mayor of the City of Edmonton he attracted dozens of world-class events to Edmonton, such as the World Masters Games, the Juno Awards and the World Championships in Athletics.  Bill has also achieved success as a professional athlete and his strong connection with Edmontonians began with his 7-year career as a football player with the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos.

In addition to winning the Grey Cup and “All Star” recognition, Bill learned the value of teamwork, leadership and perseverance from some of the athletes in the history of Canadian sport.

And a good sport he is, as we welcome him as the 2005 Admiral of the Sourdough Fleet.
 

2006

Len Worrell

Len was born in England and served in the Royal Naval Fleet Air Service. A well-known businessman and volunteer, Len has lived in Edmonton since 1952 with his wife Leta and raised three children. His has successfully run several companies; the most well known was Penguin Heating & Air Conditioning. Currently he is President of Worrell Holdings Ltd. Because of his enthusiasm and reliable reputation, Len has received many awards and honours during his lifetime including the prestigious Bobbie Breen Award given for outstanding volunteer contribution; the City of Edmonton Citation for Service to Citizens; Alberta Achievement Award, Award for Law Enforcement games; the 100^th Anniversary Award for Sports and Recreation and the 100^th Anniversary Medal. He is a life-time Director with Events Edmonton previously named the Edmonton Klondike Days Association and is currently on the “Mayor’s Seniors Picnic” committee. It is said if you want something done, give it to Len….
 

2007

Glasgow-born Nick Lees worked for several London newspapers and agencies before taking a cargo boat over the Atlantic. He honed his interview skills by talking with such people as Muhammad Ali, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton and the late Bobby Kennedy. Lees has been with The Journal for 27 years and pens a trice-weekly “People” column as well as writing about wine. Lees has used his enjoyment of running to raise funds for many charities. He helped create “The Doughboys”, which netted $250,000 for the Salvation Army in three years. He also raised more than $100,000 for the Alberta Arthritis Society.

Recognized for his community efforts many times, he is a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and The City of Edmonton's Award of Excellence for Sport Volunteering. Grant McEwan College recognized him as an Outstanding Citizen and presented him with an Honorary Diploma and the Professional Society of Fundraisers recognized him with one of its annual Philanthropy Award. Nick’s most recent achievements include cycling from Vancouver – 1,200 km in only nine days – to help raise some $75,000 for Kids with Cancer and he just returned from leading an Arthritis Society fun-raising group on a mountain bike trip in Cuba.

In recognition of his great contribution to our community, we welcome Nick as the 2007 Admiral of the Sourdough Fleet.