He's particularly proud of the work to establish training for field officers - and said when they started increasing the focus on training, they started seeing talented people applying and greater interest.
"That would be the best thing that happened."
Mr Cawston said his knowledge of the condition had come a long way since his wife was diagnosed.
"I knew very, very little about [multiple sclerosis] when the diagnosis was made. All I could remember was seeing someone with a walker. For me MS meant walkers.
"I didn't realise for most people they just carry on and only a few actually suffer terribly. The majority make adjustments and carry on."
He said medications and better understanding had made a difference these days.
"It used to be almost like a sentence but now, particularly women find it is not the end of the world."
Mr Cawston became involved with the Rotorua branch at the suggestion of his accountant, who was also on the committee, and soon found himself elected the president.
"That was more than 10 years after my wife was diagnosed."
Over the years he fitted the voluntary work and trips to Wellington that went with it around his normal job and home life.
While Mr Cawston is still involved in the societies, it is more on the "periphery" these days."
He often found it interesting how many people he spoke to had friends or families affected by MS.
"It always surprises me."
As for the award, other than sharing the news with his wife who was "thrilled", Mr Cawston said he didn't think he'd be telling too many people.
"I'm just appreciative of the fact someone thought enough to put my name forward."
John Cawston
Awarded a Queen's Service Medal.
• Involvement with multiple sclerosis came after wife Heather's diagnosis in 1986.
• Served as president of Rotorua Multiple Sclerosis Society for more than a decade.
• Also served as president on National Executive.
