The following is being distributed at the request of Her Honour the Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, ONL, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Eight distinguished Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador today during a ceremony at Government House.
Her Honour the Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, ONL, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by the Honourable Barry Petten, Deputy Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, to congratulate this year’s recipients being recognized for the exceptional achievements and contributions that have brought lasting benefits to the province and its people.
The 2026 recipients are:
- Ann Bell
- Garrett F. Browne
- Evangeline Mae Drudge
- Kathleen L. Knowling
- Randy Murphy
- Dr. A. Marion Pardy
- Ronald G. Penney
- Winston M.K. Perry
Biographies of the recipients are available in the backgrounder below.
With the addition of this year’s recipients, only 167 individuals have been invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador since its establishment in 2004, underscoring the distinction’s significance as the province’s highest honour.
Recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador are nominated by members of the public and selected in recognition of excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour that has benefited Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents in an outstanding manner. Members receive a medal bearing the shield of Newfoundland and Labrador surmounted by the Crown, a certificate signed by the Lieutenant Governor as Chancellor that is sealed with the seal of the Order, a miniature medal, and a lapel pin. Recipients are also entitled to use the post-nominal letters ONL.
Quotes
“Today we celebrate and honour eight incredible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Each recipient of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador has made remarkable and accomplished contributions to our province. Each one is so deserving of this honour. I congratulate the newest members of the Order. I thank them for their legacy of positive contributions to our province. You make us proud as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, ONL
Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Each recipient we honour today has left a lasting mark on Newfoundland and Labrador. Through their dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others, they have shown us that one person can make a profound difference, and that together, we build a stronger province.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Deputy Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
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Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
BACKGROUNDER
Ann Bell
Ann Bell, as an accomplished entrepreneur, previously owned and operated several bed and breakfast establishments in downtown St. John’s, contributing to the province’s tourism and hospitality industry. Her commitment to improving the lives of others has been equally significant. A dedicated advocate for women, Ms. Bell served as President of the Corner Brook Status of Women Council and became the first President of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, helping to advance opportunities and equality for women across the province.
Ms. Bell has been deeply involved in grassroots community initiatives throughout her life and has consistently supported those in need. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she assisted newly arrived refugees through her work with refugee settlement efforts and the Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, serving as one of three house captains on a duplex build in St. John’s that provided homes for single mothers.
As a nursing and health care leader, Ms. Bell demonstrated extraordinary determination by pursuing higher education while raising six young children. Her expertise, advocacy, and leadership left a lasting mark on Newfoundland and Labrador’s health-care system and inspired countless women to pursue their own goals. A mentor and role model to many, Ms. Bell is admired for her generosity, kindness, and engaging spirit.
Today, in her mid-80s, Ms. Bell continues to own and manage several successful enterprises. Despite the many honours she has received, she considers her greatest achievement to be her family: six children, ten grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Her legacy of service, compassion, and perseverance continues to inspire generations.
Garrett F. Browne
Garrett F. Browne served three years in the Canadian Armed Forces before joining the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, where he built an exemplary career in policing, rising through the ranks to become Deputy Chief. Mr. Browne was the first person born in Newfoundland and Labrador to be appointed to the prestigious Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (M.O.M.).
Mr. Browne’s devotion to military and police heritage, and to youth development, has been equally remarkable. He is a former long-serving member of the RNC Historical Society, and former President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Army Cadet League. He is a former Official Spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Command and served as Chair of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Mr. Browne was named a Life Honorary Member of the Army Cadet League of Canada. He received The CLB Governor and Commandant’s Medallion and the Knights of Columbus Citizen of the Year Award.
An accomplished author and historian, Mr. Browne has dedicated years to documenting and celebrating the achievements of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. His research played a significant role in securing national recognition for Lieutenant-Colonel Padre Thomas Nangle as a National Historic Person of Canada and for the Newfoundland National War Memorial as a National Historic Site of Canada.
Mr. Browne played a significant role in the refurbishment of the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John’s and in the repatriation of the Unknown Newfoundland Soldier. Through service, scholarship, and leadership, he has ensured that the sacrifices and achievements of generations will be remembered and valued.
Evangeline Mae Drudge
Evangeline Mae Drudge, throughout an expansive nursing career, served with distinction in a wide range of roles, including operating room, emergency, intensive care, surgery, mental health, supervisor, and nurse manager positions. Respected for her knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to patient care, she became a trusted colleague whose judgment was relied upon by senior medical personnel and health care teams alike.
Ms. Drudge’s impact extended far beyond her clinical responsibilities. Over decades of service, she mentored countless young nurses, medical students, and physicians, helping to shape future generations of health care professionals. Known for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty, she devoted her entire working life to serving her community and improving the health and well-being of others.
A pioneer in her field, Ms. Drudge played a key role in establishing the first medevac services to communities along the Labrador coast, helping to improve access to critical medical care for residents in remote regions. Even after retiring from hospital service in 2002, her commitment never wavered. She continued working in communities throughout Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, and later joined the casual staff for community clinics in Labrador, travelling to remote locations well into her later years. Remarkably, she continued accepting assignments in Labrador until last year, at the age of 81.
Ms. Drudge’s dedication to community service is equally inspiring. She introduced Girl Guides of Canada to her community more than 40 years ago, served on her church parish council, and has contributed to efforts to establish a new community war memorial. Her legacy is one of service, leadership, and extraordinary commitment to others.
Kathleen L. Knowling
Kathleen L. Knowling has built an extraordinary artistic career since 1975, exhibiting her work in dozens of solo and group exhibitions across Canada. Her work is held in the Permanent Collection of the Provincial Art Gallery at The Rooms, the Emma Butler Gallery, where she has been a featured artist for many years, and in numerous public and private collections throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Through her creativity, talent, and dedication, she has helped bring the stories, landscapes, and history of this province to audiences near and far.
Widely regarded as a living archivist of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and culture, Ms. Knowling possesses a remarkable depth of knowledge about the province and its people. Her expertise was recognized through her participation in the CBC documentary “Newfoundland at Armageddon,” where she shared her insights into the province’s rich historical legacy.
Ms. Knowling’s impact extends well beyond her own artistic achievements. In 1977, she founded the Group of 77, a weekly life-drawing class open to artists of all levels. Nearly five decades later, the group continues to thrive, fostering artistic development and community connection. She has also worked tirelessly to advance the visual arts through leadership as a founding member of the Eastern Edge Gallery and service on numerous boards and committees dedicated to culture, education, and community development.
A committed advocate for women’s rights and civic engagement, Ms. Knowling encouraged women to participate in public life and exercise their right to vote. Her enduring legacy is one of creativity, leadership, mentorship, and unwavering service to her community.
Randy Murphy
Randy Murphy’s journey with the East Coast Trail began in 1995 as a trail-cutting volunteer. Through dedication, perseverance, and exceptional leadership, he rose to become President and CEO of the East Coast Trail Association, a position he has held for the past thirty years. Under his guidance, the trail has grown into an internationally recognized destination, attracting visitors from around the world while creating opportunities for tourism, recreation, and community development throughout the region.
Mr. Murphy’s achievements extend far beyond the construction and expansion of the trail itself. Through collaboration with 23 communities and hundreds of landowners, he fostered partnerships built on mutual respect, shared purpose, and a commitment to protecting public access to Newfoundland and Labrador’s rugged coastal landscape. His ability to bring people together has been instrumental to the trail’s success and long-term sustainability.
Mr. Murphy has been a tireless advocate for the trail’s conservation and continued public access, championing the development of the legislative protections, policies, and resources that will be necessary to secure its future for generations to come. His strategic vision, unwavering integrity, and commitment to excellence have established the East Coast Trail Association as a model organization within the province and beyond.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Mr. Murphy was inducted into the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s College of Fellows in 2023. This honour reflects not only the success of the East Coast Trail, but also the vision, persistence, and leadership required to transform historic coastal pathways into an internationally significant recreational and cultural treasure. His legacy is etched along every kilometre of trail and in the communities it connects.
Dr. A. Marion Pardy
Dr. A. Marion Pardy has championed peace, justice, and human dignity for all people, regardless of race, religion, class, or gender throughout her distinguished career. A respected leader within The United Church of Canada, she served as the denomination’s 37th Moderator from 2000 to 2003, becoming only the fourth woman to hold this prestigious office since the church’s inception in 1925, and the first person from Newfoundland and Labrador to be elected Moderator while serving in the province. In this role and throughout her ministry, she used her voice with purpose and conviction, promoting interfaith dialogue, social reform, and greater understanding among diverse communities.
Dr. Pardy’s commitment to faith-based collaboration led to her appointment to the Governing Council of the Canadian Council of Churches in 2003, where she later served as Vice Chair from 2004 to 2009. Recognizing the power of shared action, she joined the Religious Social Action Coalition in 2007 and has served as its chair for many years. Bringing together Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, the coalition has worked to address poverty and advance the common belief in the dignity and kinship of all people.
Through ministry in rural and urban communities across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador, including Gower Street United Church in St. John’s, Dr. Pardy developed a deep understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty. Drawing upon these experiences, she has been a persistent advocate for meaningful social policy reform, including a guaranteed livable income.
Long past retirement age, Dr. Pardy remains actively engaged in pastoral care, public advocacy, and community leadership. Her enduring legacy is one of compassion, courage, faith, and a steadfast commitment to justice for all.
Ronald G. Penney
Ronald G. Penney held several significant leadership positions throughout his distinguished career in public administration, including serving as deputy minister in three provincial government departments and later as city manager for the City of St. John’s. In each role, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Penney has devoted countless hours to preserving and promoting the province’s history and cultural legacy. As Chair of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council, he has made remarkable contributions to commemorating the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Regiment. His leadership was instrumental in advancing initiatives that honour veterans and ensure that future generations understand and appreciate their contributions.
Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Penney co-chaired the Honour 100 commemorations, helping to mark the centenary of the First World War and the legacy of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. He contributed to efforts to erect a Caribou monument to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in Gallipoli, ensuring that important chapters of Newfoundland and Labrador’s military history are remembered both at home and abroad.
Mr. Penney’s dedication to public service extends to numerous community organizations, including his leadership as Chair of the Railway Coastal Museum, following its threatened closure in 2020, and Chair of the Grand Concourse Authority. Through vision, collaboration, and tireless commitment, he has strengthened community institutions and preserved the stories that define our province. His legacy is one of service, stewardship, and an enduring commitment to honouring Newfoundland and Labrador’s past while building for its future.
Winston M. K. Perry
Winston M. K. Perry helped found the Cape Freels Heritage Trust in 1991 and played a central role in developing the Barbour Living Heritage Village into the acclaimed tourism destination it is today. His contributions have been both extensive and hands-on, from designing buildings and overseeing maintenance to writing proposals, constructing theatre sets, donating historic structures, building traditional boats, and promoting the site to visitors from near and far. Through his efforts, the stories, traditions, and way of life of the region continue to be preserved and shared.
Mr. Perry’s dedication to community service has been equally remarkable. He served as President of the Cape Freels Development Association for more than a decade and was instrumental in organizing the Shore Committee, which fostered cooperation among communities in support of tourism development and historical preservation. As a member of the Stewardship Association of Municipalities, he championed the protection of wetlands and wildlife while helping create interpretive storyboards that highlighted the history of local communities, the Beothuk, and other Indigenous peoples.
He contributed to numerous organizations, including the Gander Airport Authority, the Bonavista North Museum, and the Indian Bay Ecosystem Committee. His enduring legacy is one of vision, service, and a profound commitment to community.
Mr. Perry designed the St. James Memorial Gallery, Pool’s Island. He oversaw construction and is involved in the ongoing upkeep of this new Memorial Gallery located on the original site of the St. James Anglican Church, known as the Sealer’s Church or the Church “between the tickles.” Mr. Perry is passionate about the preservation of history, is an excellent resource to all, and is happy to share his knowledge with others.