It was a very humble Greg and Judy Hoffarth who stepped forward Friday evening to accept the 2012 Citizen of the Year honour presented by the Picture Butte and District Chamber of Commerce.
In accepting the award and the evening’s praise, Greg  admitted when the couple first heard they had been selected for this year’s award they appreciated the honour but wanted to decline. It was only after they considered the number of people who help them each year with fundraisers and other support for community projects that they realized they had to accept on their behalf.
“We didn’t want to insult those who have worked with us.”
While it was hard to be the centre of attention for the evening, Greg expressed the couple’s appreciation for the honour and the support they have enjoyed in the community.
“Our success is only due to the citizens in this community.”
“This community is second to known.”
He said with each and ever fundraiser that takes place at the Cactus Pub and Grill, which he and his wife own and operate, he is blown away by the support from the community.
“I dare say there isn’t another community like us.”
Looking over the list of the previous winners of the Citizen of the Year award, Greg said it’s humbling for him and Judy to join their ranks. He added there are more deserving people in the community who often work behind the scenes and without recognition.
Picture Butte Mayor Terry Kerkhoff also made a presentation to the couple on behalf of the town.
“Greg and Judy don’t like being in the limelight but tonight they deserve to be here.”
“Thank you for just being good people.”
MP Jim Hillyer also recognized the couple and offered congratulations on behalf of the federal government. While he didn’t grow up in Picture Butte he has roots in the town, his mother grew up in the community and he recalls coming to the town as a kid.
“This is a pretty impressive community.”
He praised the Hoffarths for being the type of citizens who “show up, show up and show up” making their town a better place for everyone.
Cheryl Leclair and Charlie Chervenka, friends of the Hoffarths, introduced the couple ahead of the official presentation.
Leclair said the fact there was no auction scheduled anywhere in Southern Alberta Friday evening meant both Greg and Chervenka would be in attendance.
In preparing her remarks, Leclair said she was looking for words to describe the Hoffarths and included in the list were compassionate, supportive, hard working, trustworthy, deserving and invaluable.
“I think these words best describe Greg and Judy.”
Chervenka said while the couple may not be as famous as Shakespeare, Michelangelo or Beethoven and might not go down in the history books, “to this community they mean more than all these important, sophisticated people in the world.”

Chervenka did add, speaking of Greg, “When he’s angry he can come up with a string of words that are pretty poetic, they don’t rhyme but neither did Shakespeare.”
He said the Hoffarths donate a lot of their time and that of their business and staff to community fundraisers. They sponsor youth groups and help out with other community groups.
“We can depend on them without them being asked.”
He added his wife said it best “you can’t find truer or more loyal friends then Greg and Judy.”
Leclair said whether it’s a night of poker with the girls or organizing functions and fundraisers Judy is always there.
“She always finds time for family and friends.”
Leclair applauded both Greg and Judy for their commitment to the community.
“Greg and Judy, we are blessed to have you in our community and to call you both friends.”
The crowd gathered for the chamber’s annual banquet and awards presentation responded to the praise of the Hoffarths with a standing ovation.
In addition to the Citizen of the Year honour the chamber also presented business awards during the evening.
The Cactus Pub and Grill received this year’s Customer Service Award as presented by Henry Heinen who said the business demonstrates a positive attitude and excellent service.
“The customer service is professional.”
“This business exceeds expectations.”
The award was accepted by Nancy Henry, bar manager, and Jeff McAleese, bartender.
“We take great pride in what we do,” she said.
The Cactus also won the same award in 2005.
The Employer of the Year award was presented to Butte Home Hardware which also won the same award in 2007. Heinen said the company employees locally, attracts youth to the marketplace and takes great pride in its employee relationship.
“Staff are encouraged to bring forward new ideas.”
The award was accepted by Roelof and Mark Heinen.
The evening also included presentation of two Christmas light display awards. Darren and Sam Gillies picked up the town award while Larry and Gina Wojtowicz accepted the county award.
A report on the past year of chamber activities and plans for 2012 were also presented during the evening.
The new executive for 2012 was also introduced during the evening and includes Matt Beal as president, Everett Tanis as vice-president, Gus Buytels as second vice, Allison Vucurevich as treasurer, Shirley Kiffiak as secretary and Irene Hartgerink as administrator.