Coronation Medals Handed Out in Oxford County

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Monday, 26 May 2025 17:14

A special honour has been handed out to 5 Oxford County residents, as they received the King Charles the Third Coronation Medal.

OXFORD COUNTY - The King Charles the Third Coronation Medal has been handed out to 5 Oxford County residents.

Dr. Grace Carbilledo-Vincent, Ted Comiskey, Stephanie Nevins, Dr. Leonard Reeves and Lori Van Opstal received the honour as a recognition of their local contributions and exceptional achievements. A High Tea ceremony was held at Annandale National Historic Site and Museum in Tillsonburg on May 21.

MPP of Oxford County, Ernie Hardeman says what it meant to be a part of the ceremony.

"It was a privilege to honour this remarkable group of individuals whose care, commitment and service have made a real and lasting difference in our communities“ These medals are more than just a symbol. They are recognition of the positive impact these people have had on the lives around them."

The recipients received their Coronation Medals, along with a certificate and official letter of congratulations from the Province of Ontario. Below is a description on each recipient and what made them a great candidate for the medal.

Dr. Grace Carbilledo-Vincent - She is a retired dentist and maxillofacial surgeon from the Philippines, she immigrated to Canada in 2010 and has since become a Canadian citizen, a dedicated volunteer, performer and global ambassador of goodwill. She is a longtime member of Rotary, has volunteered her professional skills on numerous medical and dental mission trips, and in 2023, earned international recognition at the Dubai World Pageant where she earned three titles.

Ted Comiskey - He has been a devoted community leader and advocate for change and has earned many honours for his service, including recognitions from Rotary, the Knights of Columbus and the Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce. He is a dedicated volunteer who has shared his talents in music, theatre and carpentry. He founded the Canterbury Folk Festival that brought world-class music to Ingersoll for almost 20 years. As mayor of Ingersoll from 2010 to 2022, he helped lead a landmark push for municipal input on landfill decisions.

Stephanie Nevins - She is a champion for community health and leadership. As Executive Director of the Ingersoll Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic since 2017, she has been a tireless advocate for accessible, patient-focused care. Her leadership extends far beyond clinic walls—serving on numerous health and business boards at the local, regional, and provincial levels. Her deep commitment to improving healthcare and community resources reflects her vision of a future where families in Oxford County can thrive, close to home.

Dr. Leonard Reeves - He has dedicated decades of service to Woodstock and Oxford County through an extraordinary range of civic, charitable, and professional contributions. In 2006, he founded a charitable foundation that has since supported countless local initiatives. Professionally, Reeves has been a cornerstone of local business for 55 years starting with Reeves & McConnell Realty, where he grew from real estate agent to broker and now developer.

Lori Van Opstal - She is an entrepreneur, governance leader, and health advocate whose career spans over five decades. Since retiring from a career as a successful business owner in both Canada and the U.S., she has focused on health care advocacy, particularly for pancreatic cancer patients following the loss of her husband. Over 52 years, Van Opstal has held leadership roles with 11 organizations. She also supports the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Foundation and has mentored youth through Junior Achievement.