A tip of the hat to Dr. Howard Fredeen of Lacombe.

Fredeen was one of 5 individuals recognized as an Alberta “Heritage Hero” at the 2016 Heritage Awards in Calgary Friday.

Fredeen was honoured for Outstanding Achievement for his dedication to preserving and sharing the rich history of Lacombe, and the own history he’s made researching gene functions in cattle and swine at the Lacombe Research Centre.

Dr. Don Hepburn of Red Deer was also recognized in the same category.

Hepburn’s a founding member of the Central Alberta Historical Society, and also has a legacy of preserving and creating awareness, he volunteers his time with a number of projects including the Central Alberta Heritage School Fairs, Red Deer Centennial Committee and Remembering the Children.


Bios

Recipient: Dr. Howard Fredeen (Lacombe) Category: Outstanding Achievement The Lacombe Globe has described Dr. Howard Fredeen as “one of Lacombe’s most gifted historians” and that talent and passion has shone through in the six volumes of local history he has been involved in as writer and editor. Dr. Fredeen’s dedication to preserving and sharing the rich history of Lacombe is evident as both a founder and committed member of the Lacombe and District Historical Society. Dr. Fredeen has not only worked to preserve history, but has made some of his own, recognized with both the Genetics Society of Canada Award for Excellence and the American Board of Human Development’s National Health Development Award for his work in the human genetic fields. Dr. Fredeen’s, research in specific gene functions in cattle and swine at the Lacombe Research Station, as well as his work on the Human Genome Project are among the hallmarks of his illustrious career and a source of pride for the community.

Recipient: Dr. Don Hepburn (Red Deer) Category: Outstanding Achievement One of the founding members of the Central Alberta Historical Society, Don Hepburn has served two terms as the organization’s president. His knowledge and passion have helped to sustain the organization as one of the most active in the province. A mainstay on the Programs Committee, Don contributed to numerous initiatives and was a driving force behind the popular Spring Heritage Bus Tours. Preserving and creating awareness, Dr. Hepburn also helped to bring the story of Central Alberta to a broader audience, assisting in the marketing efforts for six publications dedicated to local history. His dedication is seen in numerous heritage related efforts volunteering his time freely for projects including the Central Alberta Heritage School Fairs, Red Deer Centennial Committee and Remembering the Children.