Transit System: Comox Valley
Anyone that lives in the Comox Valley and rides the bus knows who Transit Operator JD Ludlow is. But they’re more likely to know him as ‘The Flowerman’. This character, filled to the brim with community spirit, has been lifting people up and making them smile for the past three years. And his good deeds and infectious attitude have now officially been recognized by Highland Secondary School, who presented The Flowerman with the Highland Has Heart Award on March 1.
JD Ludlow moved to the Comox Valley from Manitoba in 2019. He’s overcome a lot of personal challenges, including homelessness, anxiety and depression, and sees it as a personal mission to help others feel joy. His random acts of kindness started off with Lei Day in May 2021, where he gave out leis to people getting on his bus. His “shenanigans” as he likes to call them have grown in magnitude and infamy, and have included a community snow shoveling cavalry and multiple Valentine’s Day events.
While these special events and occasions have been highlights, The Flowerman has a daily impact on the Comox Valley and its community members. No matter your age or background, getting on his bus means you’ll likely have a fun and out of the ordinary journey. And you’ll definitely smile!
On March 1, Highland Secondary turned the tables on The Flowerman, by making him smile, and shed a few tears. They presented him with their Highland Has Heart Award, for “the kindness, compassion and joy he has spread around the Comox Valley over the years.” This annual award is presented to a community member that has had a profound impact, and to say JD was touched would be an understatement.
“Of all the kind gestures I’ve experienced over the last few years, this by far has had the most impact,” said JD Ludlow. “To have children and a high school acknowledge what I’ve done is amazing.”
BC Transit thanks JD Ludlow for being a great transit advocate and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.
