On the occasion of the passing of HRH, I found myself reflecting on my experiences with the DofE. I got involved with the programme in the mid-80s through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. At the time, I was already doing a lot of sport and expedition activities, so I thought DofE would be an interesting add-on to things I already liked doing. But it was having to do the things I hadn't really given much thought to, like the service part, and working with others, that really made me realise I still had much to learn.

In June, 1987, I made a six hour trip from my home to Regina, Saskatchewan to receive my Gold Award from the Duke of Edinburgh himself. At the ceremony, as I sat amongst a group of impressively accomplished young people from across western Canada, HRH gave a speech that I still remember to this day. He talked at length about the importance of what we had just accomplished. When he presented my award, he asked about my future plans. He seemed genuinely interested, and gave me some very astute advice about remembering what I had done for the award, if, at any point, I found myself with some self-doubt about my abilities.

For the following few years, I stayed involved as a leader until life took me in other directions. I was fortunate to meet HRH Prince Edward on a few occasions after he took over from his father, and it was clear the programme was in good hands. Completing my Gold, and later working as a leader with the participants who followed me, gave me great skills that I draw on to this day.