May 2005
DISTINGUISHED PHILATELISTS TO BE FETED

Harry Sutherland and Michael Madesker, past presidents, Fellows and 50-year members of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada and signers to the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, will be honoured at a special gathering in the Toronto area sometime in June.

Mr. Sutherland celebrated his 75th birthday on April 26 while Mr. Madesker will mark the 80th milestone on July 28.

Both men have made outstanding contributions to stamp collecting for a collective total of over 140 years. The curriculum vitae for each is a star-studded performance. They have received numerous awards and citations, and they have always been available to share their knowledge and expertise with collectors or interested persons throughout Canada and around the world.

Michael Madesker, a retired banker, served as a member of The RPSC board of directors and in several executive positions for over 25 years. His term as president from 1991-1993 was marked by considerable success for the Society, including the initiative that led to a bilingual title for the Society’s journal: The Canadian Philatelist/Le philatéliste canadien.

Madesker was elected President of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie’s Commission for Youth Philately, a position he held from 1992 until 2004. He is the first and only Canadian to serve as president of a FIP Commission. He signed The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists in 2000.

An international judge, eloquent spokesperson, and exhibitor, Madesker’s contributions to philately both at home and on the international scene are numerous. Charles J.G. Verge, RPSC president, says “he has represented Canada and The RPSC with great distinction. He was also instrumental in my joining the Board of The RPSC and he has always acted as mentor, friend, and good counsel to me in my international philatelic career and my Presidency of The RPSC.”

A retired career corporate lawyer, Harry Sutherland started his journey into stamp collecting when he was five years old and his interest in the hobby has not ceased. For 70 years he has been chasing and finding little gems of adhesive in every corner of the world.

Sutherland’s involvement in the hobby has included exhibiting, judging, organizing, executive positions, speaking engagements, collecting an impressive philatelic library, and holding directorships in numerous philatelic organizations. Verge says “to enumerate Harry Sutherland’s contribution to philately is to create a chronology of a first star in a game. For Harry, the game has been stamps. He learned the rules and he excelled at every facet of the hobby.”

He joined the Canadian Philatelic Society, The RPSC’s precursor, in 1950 and was elected a member of the board in 1957. He was the longest serving president of the RPSC having served in that capacity from 1967 until 1978. Overall he spent 44 years as a member of the board.

He was elected a Fellow of the RPSC in 1978, signed The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists in 1991, and received the Collectors’ Club of New York prestigious Lichtenstein Memorial Award in 2002.

Internationally, Sutherland has also been an influence. He has served as Canadian delegate at numerous international exhibitions. He is a qualified international judge for both literature and philately, and, as such, he has judged both in Canada and internationally. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society of London and is an elector to the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists.

Both Madesker and Sutherland also had time to form numerous collections and merit major awards at both national and international shows.

Charles Verge says “it is time for The Society to salute both Michael Madesker and Harry Sutherland for their dedication, contribution, and love of stamp collecting for so many years.”

Information on The RPSC can be had by e-mail at info@rpsc.org or by visiting the Society's website at www.rpsc.org, or by calling 416-979-8874.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Michael O. Nowlan 506-357-2698
Daryl Oliver 416-979-8874