Long time Colwood resident Dick Emery served as coordinator and co-chair of the St. John’s Heritage Church Restoration Committee.  In addition to providing his own and his company’s services he was instrumental in persuading others to participate in the completely voluntary restoration.  Due to Emery’s tireless commitment, energy and imagination St. John’s Church has become a viable site.

Having moved to Colwood as a boy, Dick Emery recalls many of the early residents, as well as his own escapades. His volunteer service began at about that time as Dick helped his mother and other members of the Women’s Institute pack parcels for the soldiers overseas.

While working for his father’s electrical firm, E.H. Emery and Sons, Dick served as one of the original members of the Colwood Volunteer Fire Department, and as chief from 1952 to 1964.  Now an honorary life member he was instrumental in establishing the Colwood Fire Hall Museum which opened in 1994.  After leaving the fire service Dick served Colwood as a CRD director until 1973 and was active in the establishment of the Juan de Fuca recreation complex on the fields purchased from DND.  For his lifetime of volunteer work Dick was presented with a Westshore Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award in 1998.

It's people like Dick Emery that make Colwood a great place to live, work, learn and play.

Pictured with Mr. Emery is Marcy, our amazing City of Colwood staff member in heritage costume to promote this summer's St. John the Baptist Centennial Celebration. Step back in time to 1913 at this family-friendly event that features a heritage tea, a special production by Four Seasons Musical Theatre, horse and carriage rides, interactive heritage displays, live musical performances and more - all to celebrate the past 100 years.