Double Honours for St. David’s John Horton

Two prestigious awards in the past three months is an unique experience, even in the life of widely acclaimed St. David, Delta’s parishioner John Horton. On the very date (December 9), previously scheduled for John’s Induction into The Order of British Columbia, he and wife Mary attended a Canadian Lifeboat Institute function at Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. Taken completely by surprise,  they were piped to the podium where John received The Duke of Kent Gold Medal in recognition of his exemplary dedication to lifeboat service and his captaincy of the Delta Lifeboat.    

The Biblical words ‘They that go down to the seas in ships, that do business in great waters’ might once have been the mantra of John Malcolm Horton, a man whose lifelong fascination with the maritime world continues to be exemplified in countless numbers of ways.

John’s other momentous event, The Investiture Ceremony for 31 British Columbians appointed to The Order of British Columbia in 2020 and 2021, was able to proceed after postponement of several dates due to COVID-19. Delays, however, did not lessen the expectation of those receiving the province’s highest civilian honour of merit. The memorable occasion took place March 3 when nominees gathered in the Ballroom of Government House, Victoria, to receive the Order’s coveted insignia.

Individually called to the dais, Lieutenant Governor The Honourable Janet Austin, vice-regal representative of HM The Queen, and Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia, bestowed the silk ribbon and gold medallion on the collar of each new OBC member as Citations were read and congratulations extended by Lt. Gov. Austin and BC Premier The Honourable John Horgan.

Along with the 475 previously invested members of the Order, John is entitled to wear the stylized flower of the Pacific Dogwood (official provincial flower) with the obverse in white enamel with gold edging and bearing at its centre the shield of British Columbia’s Coat of Arms. All is surmounted by the crown of Saint Edward the Confessor.  

John gained his deep respect for dangers faced by commercial fishermen world-wide during his service with the Royal Navy’s Fishery Protection Squadron in the late 1950s. The seamanship and search and rescue skills achieved at that time are used by him to this day.

Since joining the Canadian Marine Rescue Auxiliary in 1979, John’s main focus has been assisting the Native and Commercial Fisheries in BC, although he obviously helps any mariner in distress. John began volunteering with the Canadian Lifeboat Institute’s Search and Rescue Service (SAR) in 1992 and, under its flag, continues to help watch over all who ply Lower Fraser River and Gulf of Georgia waters. Incredulously, Captain Horton was aboard Delta Lifeboat supporting the Roe Herring Fishery off Comox almost immediately after the Investiture Ceremony March 3.

The value of the Delta Lifeboat and its volunteer crew in patrolling the fishing fleets cannot by over-estimated for it has assisted many injured fishermen over the years. Nor has the City of Richmond’s recognition of John Horton as a notable marine artist been overlooked. His commissioned painting, Arrival of SV Titania’s in Steveston Harbour in 1889, is hung in Richmond City Hall as part of the City’s public art collection, inspired by the Canada 150 project. When South Delta Douglas J. Husband Discovery Centre is officially opened, John’s painting Arrival at Port Guichon will be on permanent display in the Archives. His dedication to furthering awareness of the area’s maritime history in pinpointing Port Guichon, triggered presentation of a ‘Friends of Heritage Award’ to this visual arts historian.

International Exhibitions of his works has given him a wide following. He is also a Canadian War Artist whose paintings hang in the National War Museum and in the headquarters of the Department of National Defence.

The following quote from John’s Citation pays tribute to this facet of his significant contribution: “In his outstanding paintings, over 1400 in number, John depicts the history of the coast of BC."

A founding member of The Society of Marine Artists (CSMA) and The Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA), and the Pacific Rim Institute of Marine Artists (PRIMA), John’s interest in the exploration and development of Canada’s West Coast prompted him to produce more than 60 historical paintings depicting the nautical voyages of both Captain James Cook and Captain George Vancouver. The educational value of his collection, in the form of illustrated lectures, has been shared internationally by interested groups ranging from seafarers, schools and museums, to seniors’ residences, yacht clubs, and military organizations.

John Horton is a humble and generous soul who uses his God-given gifts to serve and enrich the lives of those around him. Be it his skill as a marine artist, as a commissioned designer of Royal Mint nautical commemorative coins, volunteer historian and lecturer, captaincy of the Delta Lifeboat (previously named Artist’s Life and the Steveston Lifeboat) for volunteer service with the Canadian Lifeboat Institute or passing his sailing expertise on to groups ranging from Sea Scouts and Sea Cadets to Coast Guard and CLI crews, John continues to multi-task to the benefit of all. 

Horton’s incredible ability to combine his love of the sea, his seamanship, his historical knowledge and his artistic talent, has given British Columbians, and others, a lasting legacy. 

IMAGE

David Valentine, Aide to the LG,  John Horton recipient of the Order of British Columbia, Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Photo: Mary Horton