Smith founded Manitoulin less than a decade after QEII was crowned.

GORE BAY, ON —  The founder of Manitoulin Transport Doug Smith has been running trucks for almost as long as the Queen has reigned. And in a special ceremony held in late June, Smith was recognized for his accomplishments wiith a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

The medal was presented in a ceremony in Toronto, led by Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley.

“In keeping with the tradition of honoring Her Majesty’s milestone years of service, this commemorative medal has been created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne. The medal also serves to honor the contributions and achievements made by Canadians from all sectors of society,” reads a release from the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Smith flew in his company plane to Toronto from the Northern Ontario village of Gore Bay, which remains the trucking company’s headquarters. Gore Bay is on the northwest coast of Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron.

In 2007, Mr. Smith received the Order of Canada.

Smith started Manitoulin more than 50 years ago and it has grown into one of Canada’s leading for-hire carriers.

According to Smith’s hometown newspaper, the Gore Bay Recorder, “[Smith] provided stable employment and created spin-off economic benefits for the residents of Manitoulin Island by maintaining his national trucking company’s head office in this rural region. He is also a generous philanthropist who has ensured the health care, sporting, cultural and charitable groups can continue to offer services and programs to those living in northern communities.”

The ceremony, at which 59 other Canadians were similarly rewarded, included performances by some of Canada’s most prominent entertainers including Gordon Lightfoot, Molly Johnson, Susan Aglukark, and Ben Heppner and the Famous People Players. Peter Mansbridge was emcee.