Admiral’s Walk of Achievement

Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie with his sister Susan by his Walk of Achievement plaque. Photo by Janice Lee

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

The Comox Valley has produced several remarkable people who have moved from their grassroots community into the world to do amazing work.

To honour them, the city created the Comox Valley Walk of Achievement in Courtenay.

The most recent person to receive a sidewalk plaque is Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific.

On Saturday March 7, he joined the esteemed list of honorees, including actors John Hodgins (Bones) and Kim Cattrall (Sex in the City); B.C.’s first female Lieutenant Governor, Iona Campagnolo; researcher and biochemist Dr. Fred Leung; and Second World War flying ace Stocky Edwards.

Emcee David Durrant said the Admiral, with his 33 years of distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Navy, and still many more to go, elevated him as a remarkable Comox Valley native.

RAdm Auchterlonie has deep roots in the village of Cumberland. His grandfather founded a popular bakery in 1920 in the then bustling mining town, until the business was sold in 2003.

He attended Cumberland Elementary, Cumberland Junior, and George P. Vanier Secondary before venturing into the military.

“I am one person who can say he grew up in one of the best places on the planet and I truly believe that; and I can say this with authority because I have had a chance to travel and see most of the world during my service in the Royal Canadian Navy.”

His rise in the navy is due in part, he says, to being well supported by family, friends, and co-workers. But, he adds, his true secret weapon for success came from the “great foundation” of growing up in the Comox Valley, a unique community that gave him the perfect start in life.

The induction ceremony also included remarks by Mayor Bob Wells of Courtenay and Mayor Leslie Baird of Comox, members of the Comox Valley Walk of Achievement Committee, and his sister Susan Auchterlonie.