Sam Ketcham/Phil Bodman Memorial Bursary
The Award
The Council of Forest Industries, Northern Operations, Forest Education Program annually provides one $1000 bursary in memory of Sam Ketcham and Phil Bodman, two of the many pioneers who helped build the forest industry in central BC.
Samuel Kendall Ketcham (Sam) was born in Seattle, Washington in 1930 and grew up in the lumber business. He was the youngest of three sons born to Henry and Eugenia Ketcham. Sam attended Yale University and studied law at the University of Washington before becoming a partner in his father's Seattle based lumber brokerage firm, H.H. Ketcham Lumber.
In 1955, Sam and his two brothers bought a small lumber planing mill in Quesnel, B.C. and Sam moved to Quesnel to run the business. During a career that spanned three decades, Sam was the driving force behind building West Fraser into one of the country’s most well respected forest industry firms.
Phil Bodman graduated from UBC Forestry in 1950 RPF 172. His first job upon graduating was with the BCFS mapping forestry lookout sites throughout BC. He later was a consultant for Industrial Forest Services in Prince George during the 60’s and was often contracted to West Fraser Mills in Quesnel for their RPF work. They ultimately offered him a full time position in 1969 as their first and only RPF, later becoming their Chief Forester and Vice President of Woodlands. His ability, enthusiasm and forward thinking contributed greatly to West Fraser’s growth – he totally enjoyed his job. Phil was a very active member with numerous forestry associations. Outdoor activities and his family were very important to Phil.
1n 1977 Sam and Phil died tragically in a helicopter crash while returning from a business trip in Northern, B.C.
Eligibility
This bursary is open to all second year, full time College of New Caledonia Forest Resource Technology students who are in need of financial assistance and who reside within the boundaries of the Northern Interior Region of the Council of Forest Industries Northern Operations. To be eligible, students must not have received a scholarship or other award, which would eliminate the need.
Selection Criteria and Process
Selection will based on financial need with the successful candidate achieving a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average. Selection will be made by CNC.
Click on the CNC logo below to visit the "Scholarships and Bursaries" page on the CNC web site to apply for this award.
2008 Recipient
Hayley Letchford (2008 Sam Ketcham/Phil Bodman memorial Scholarship at CNC)
Photo Caption L-R Anne Baker (daughter of Phil Bodman), bursary winner Hayley Letchford, Chris Lear COFI
Previous Award Winners
(prior to 2007 the Sam Ketcham and Phil Bodman awards were two separate awards)
2007 Recipient
Laurel Priest (2007 Sam Ketcham/Phil Bodman memorial Bursary)
Photo Caption: Chris Lear presents Laurel Priest with the 2007 Sam Ketcham/Phil Bodman Memorial Scholarship December 2007
2006 Recipients
Petra Stacey (2006 Sam Ketcham Memorial Scholarship)
Amanda Horning (2006 Phil Bodman Memorial Scholarhsip)
"I was the very fortunate recipient of the Phil Bodman Bursary. I thank the Council of Forest Industries and the Northern Operations Forest Education Program for being so generous to the students at the College of New Caledonia by offering this scholarship. This bursary will aid with the financial burden that I experience while attending this full-time program and as I continue towards my degree. I will always remember the Council of Forest Industries and the Northern Operations Forest Education Program as important contributors to my education. I thank you again for selecting me as the candidate of this generous award."
2005 Recipients
Ken Lloyd ( Sam Ketcham Memorial Scholarship)
Brian Lodge (Phil Bodman Memorial Scholarship )