FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - The City of Fort St. John gathered Thursday at City Hall to celebrate the contributions of two longtime community figures, during a special Legacy Freedom of the City Ceremony.
Both Henry T. ‘Pappy’ Galbreath and Ernie Carriere had previously received the Freedom of the City, the municipality’s highest civic honour.
During Thursday’s ceremony they were recognized with commemorative plaques intended to preserve their stories for future generations.
The ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Lilia Hansen, Chief Administrative Offcer Milo MacDonald, and family members who shared memories and reflections on the impact both men had on the community.
Mayor Hansen said the gathering was a reminder of how both men helped shape the character of Fort St. John.
“Today’s gathering was a beautiful reminder of how deeply Henry T. ‘Pappy’ Galbreath and Ernie Carriere shaped the spirit of Fort St. John,” Hansen said. “Their contributions didn’t end with their lifetimes; they live on in the people they raised, the values they instilled, and the community they helped build.”
Remembering “Pappy” Galbreath
Henry T. ‘Pappy’ Galbreath was well known throughout Fort St. John for his commitment to public service and his role in local business.
He operated Pappy’s Service Limited along the Alaska Highway, which became a familiar stop for residents and travellers.
Galbreath also served as an Alderman for 12 years between 1964 and 1976 during a period of significant growth for the community.
The City says Galbreath was widely respected for his approachable nature and dedication to helping others, earning a reputation as a humanitarian whose influence extended throughout the region.
Honouring a Dedicated Community Servant
Ernie Carriere spent more than two decades serving Fort St. John in a variety of roles. Between 1962 and 1984, he worked for the City in positions that ranged from undertaker and part-time RCMP officer to traffic warden, dogcatcher, parade marshal, and ambulance driver.
Carriere became known as a dependable jack-of-all-trades who stepped in wherever help was needed, handling both public-facing duties and behind-the-scenes responsibilities that helped keep the community running smoothly.
Thursday’s ceremony brought together family members, city officials and community residents to recognize the lasting contributions both men made to Fort St. John and to ensure their legacies remain a visible part of the city’s history.