"It was brilliant," Mr Mowat (63) said.
"I mentioned the ceremony to my family thinking they probably wouldn't want to come, but they all did."
Mr Mowat, who served in the Royal New Zealand Navy between 1963 and 1977, including periods in Malaysia and Borneo, said his grandchildren were just beginning to take an interest in his military service.
"The older ones, especially the boys, are starting to ask questions about my medals."
Mr Mowat received a national RSA merit badge and certificate from Otago-Southland district president Bruce Henderson, of Bluff, recognising his contribution to the RSA at local, district and national levels.
Since joining the RSA in 1977, Mr Mowat has been heavily involved with administrative and welfare committees, and has been a delegate to national conferences.
He played a key role in the organisation's move from Moray Pl to the Dunedin Metropolitan Club and later to its home in Prince Albert Rd, and has been a long-serving member of the Otago branch of the Ex Navalmen's Association.
Three others - Bill Lucas, Gay Mullen and Harry Hedges - received long service certificates from the Dunedin RSA for their involvement with local, district or national committees, welfare committees, Montecillo Home, the Tin Hat Club, Poppy Day collections and Anzac Day commemorations.
