2016 Local Hero – Service Organization Volunteer

 

The name Bob Scales has become synonymous with volunteerism in the comox Valley.

Bob spends so much time volunteering, it’s a wonder his wife (Shelley) ever sees him.

Simply being an active member for a single service organization for 45 years would be enough to warrant nomination for the Service Organization Volunteer.

But Bob’s commitment to the community goes far beyond his involvement with Lions International, which dates back to 1970.

“That’s where it really started,” he said. “I was in Sechelt at the time. I’d been involved with things a little bit up to that point, but that’s where things really started to take off.”

He’s rarely had chance to catch his breath ever since.

He has served in nearly every capacity within the Lions Clubs, including District Governor, in 1983-1984, when he was in Prince George.

Currently Bob and Shelley are both members of the Comox Valley Lions Club, where Bob took over as president three years ago. He has also served in numerous capacities with the Monarch Lions Club.

But that’s just a sampling of Bob’s community service efforts.

He has been involved with Scouts Canada, helped start up CrimeStoppers in Dawson Creek, and served on numerous colleges in his various communities.

He has been an active member of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce for the past eight years, serving that organization in many capacities, including chair.

He  is the immediate past chair for the Glacier View Lodge, which he has served as a board member for nine years – the maximum allowable term. He has also just completed his ninth year on the board at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

“You are allowed a maximum of three, three-year terms and nine years is enough. Time for something different.”

That doesn’t mean more time on the golf course, however. He’s moved on to other social causes, such as his involvement with the Courtenay Low Income Housing Society, and d’Esterre Senior Citizens Housing Society. He serves as a director with both those societies – both Lions Club initiatives.

Where does he find the time to do it all?

“You just make the time,” said the retired banker. “You do what you have to do, and you get things done. Time management is something I learned in 42 years as a banker, and it just carries on.”

He said the reason for his volunteer work is simple.

“Just knowing that someone else is able to have a better life because of something that I have done, is the most satisfying part.

Age: 68

Workplace: Retired

Lives in: Comox

Family: Wife, Shelley; son, Robert

Nominated by:

Quote: “You need a purpose to get up in the morning, and volunteer work is one of those things we do.”