Ronald Greene of Victoria has been appointed an Honorary Life Member of the BC Historical Federation (BCHF), a special distinction that was presented at the Annual BCHF Awards Gala on June 8, 2019, in Courtenay, BC.
Honorary Life Membership recognizes current members of the BCHF who have made exceptional, long-standing contributions to the Federation and to the field of BC history. Greene’s work in these areas is deep and far-reaching.
Greene was a member of the BCHF Executive from 1998 to 2015 — a 16-year term that saw him serve as Treasurer, Vice-President, President and Past President. He is also a long-time proofreader of British Columbia History, the Federation’s flagship publication.
In 2015, Greene received the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Historical Writing for his book Carlo Gentile, Gold Rush Photographer, 1863-1866.
Greene is a founding member of the Friends of the BC Archives, a past chair of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia Foundation and the Victoria Civic Heritage Trust, a long-serving board member of the Victoria Historical Society, and a past member of the City of Victoria Heritage Advisory Committee.
He is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association, in which he provides a BC perspective.
Greene’s peers describe him as a strong advocate for BC history – the kind of person who can keep things moving, even when conditions conspire otherwise. He has been a tireless fundraiser for the BC Archives, and the organizer of countless workshops, symposia, conferences and special events that have connected people and expertise over a wide range of topics, from historical coins to the founding of Fort Victoria.
Greene’s appointment marks the first Honorary Life Member named to the Federation in several years.
“Over the last year, the BCHF has been working to revive this important recognition program,” said Caroline Ross, BCHF Vice President and Membership Chair. “At this year’s AGM, our members voted to expand the program. Next year, we look forward to appointing up to three new Honorary Life Members. We are proud to begin celebrating more of the Federation’s builders and leaders.”
