CHC Fred Rathje Award

Fred Rathje was the secretary of the Canadian Honey Council from 1975 until his death in 1982 (see tribute below). He took great pride in adding fun to all the meetings and conventions that he attended. A memorial award was set up at the AGM in Quebec City in 1983 in his memory.
The award is given annually to a person who has made a significant positive contribution of innovative, creative and effective effort for the betterment of the bee industry of Canada during the past year.

Winner of the award 
2010 Howard Bryans (Ontario)
2009 Dr. Medhat Nasr (Alberta)
2008 Roger Congdon (Ontario)
2007 Heather Clay (Alberta)
2006 Dale Hansen (British Columbia)
2005 Dr. Domingo D'Oliveira (Quebec)
2004 Wink Howland (Saskatchewan)
2003 Dr. Mark Winston (British Columbia)
2002 Doug McRory (Ontario)
2001 Don Nelson (Alberta)
2000 John Gruszka (Saskatchewan)
1999 Doug McCutcheon (British Columbia)
1998 Jean-Pierre Chapleau (Quebec)
1997 Merv Malyon (Manitoba)
1996 Lorna and Jack Robinson (Ontario)
1995 Gordon Kern (British Columbia)
1994 Kerry Clark (British Columbia)
1993 Linda Gane (Saskatchewan)
1992 Babe and Charlie Warren (British Columbia)
1991 Gerry Paradis (Alberta)
1990 Cam Jay (Manitoba)
1988 Don Dixon (Manitoba)
1987 John Corner (British Columbia)
1986 Gerry Smeltzer (Nova Scotia)
1985 Paul Pawlowski (Alberta)-First year of Award

In Memory

Canadian Honey Council's Executive Secretary Treasurer by CHC Presidnet Howard Bryans at CHC AGM 17 November 1982 Mr Fred Rathje of Bassano Alberta passed away October 1 in Calgary after a short illness. He was born in Grenaa Denmark on June 18, 1905 and came to Canada in 1925. He farmed in the Innisfail area and moved to Calgary during the depression where he met Ethel and they were married in 1936. Times were tough and Fred and Ethel were independent people and made paste which they sold to offices, Later in Calgary during the late thirties and early forties they got involved in manufacturing cake boards and it was also at this time they became involved in packing honey. In 1951 he moved his honey processing business from Calgary to Bassano where he also operated  the local creamery. The honey business grew until the early sixties when Fred sold to CADP (Alpha) continuing on as manager. In 1976 the Honey Plant was sold to Alberta Honey Producers Coop and he continued on as manager until January 1982. Fred was well known in the honey industry for his enthusiasm and love of anything pertaining to honey. Long past normal retirement age Freddy was still actively involved. Even while ill in the hospital he continued to be concerned about the Honey Council. This indicates a basic philosophy of never completely retiring or ceasing to contribute to the industry he loved. Fred was honoured many times by the beekeepers and others. He was an Honorary Life Member of Alberta Beekeepers Association, Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association, Canadian Honey Council and the Canadian Honey Packers Association and he was a "Mascot" of the Ladies Auxilliary of the Alberta Beekeepers Association. He was also very proud of the other awards he received such as the Grandfather clock, gold watch and B.S. award among others. Fred also contributed in his community by serving on the local hospital board for 18years (16 being chairman) and was active at one time on the Bassano Board of Trade and Bassano Stampede. Freddy was known for his clowning and hi-jinx not only at honey conventions but also in Bassano. He was always active and did not grow old in spirit. This was evidenced many times in various activities. Freddy is survived by his wife and constant help mate Ethel of Bassano, daughter Judy and her husband Peter and son Ken all of Calgary and seven grandchildren The CHC extends deepest sympathy to Ethel and the Rathje family.