Jean Fournier couldn’t be happier. A Fellow and Governor of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) for more than 15 years, he was presented with the Camsell Medal at the Society’s annual general meeting for his years of dedication and contribution to the organization.

“I was so surprised to be appointed as a Governor,” says Fournier, remembering the day that he became involved with the RCGS. “I’ve worked so hard at the Society.”

Over the years, Fournier has helped in fundraising efforts and was involved in the creation of the Canada Post envelope that marked the Society’s 75th anniversary in 2004. But the Trois-Rivières, Que., native, who is currently on the RCGS Advancement Committee, is just as pleased to be able to represent his home province. “I’ve kept the flame of Quebec alive in the Society,” he says. “I am very proud of that too.”

Fournier will add his latest honour to an already glittering mantelpiece — he was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2001 and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in April 2012 — and will look back on his time at the RCGS with admiration. “The Society is like a family for me,” he says. “I’ve found very bright people here.”