acquired us and then it became Wells Fargo. From Wells Fargo I went to the Bank at Oak Harbor which was Bellingham National Bank and then Puget Sound National Bank, which finally became Key Bank. That’s not too many, I don’t think. OH: You obviously like working. How many times have your retired? JB: Just once OH: Is that true? I think I have been to at least two of your retirement parties. JB: Oh no, you’re getting confused. That first one was just a birthday party (laughs). OH: You’ve been voted the Best Community Volunteer more than any other person in Oak Harbor. Why do you think volunteerism is important? JB: I don’t really consider myself as volunteering; I just get involved in things because it’s something I like. I mean, I’m selfish really, because I just love what I’m doing. So if I’m volunteering at what I love to do, that’s just that much better. OH: What do you give your time to and which organizations do you support? JB: Republicans! And I give to the Christian Reformed Church, World Relief
Committee, United Way, American Cancer Society and I give to just about every organization I belong to. OH: What organizations are those? JB: I’m in Navy League and Republican Women. I’m on the board for New Leaf, Island Thrift, Help House, IDIPIC, and oh, I don’t want to forget anybody. Oh, who else? Do you know any others I am with? OH: Do you volunteer for the Chamber? JB: Yes, I do. OH: You said you volunteered for Republicans before you mentioned anything else. Do you think it’s common to find that combination of Republicanism and the giving nature of volunteerism? JB: No, there are a lot of Republicans out there volunteering. It’s important to give to all the causes you care about, and there are a lot of people out there doing that. Being a Republican doesn’t mean you don’t care. OH: Given your love of politics and community service, why have you not run for public office? JB: Because I can’t stand rejection (laughs). If I lose, it breaks my heart. OH: You wouldn’t lose.
JB: Oh yes I have lost. Several times. OH: I don’t believe you. What have you lost? JB: Chamber of Commerce Board. Nora O’Connell-Balda beat me out. But it was all in the family so I guess I shouldn’t complain (laughing). OH: Let’s talk about some of the past elected officials and business leaders that you have known over the years. Would you like to think back and tell me, “Who’s hot and who’s not?” JB: (laughs) No, not really. OH: I mean let’s go with former Mayor Al Koetje — was he hot or not? JB: Well what is “hot?” OH: I feel like you’re dodging my question. JB: That may very well be. OH: You’re a lifetime Oak Harborite; do you believe there was ever a Dutch Mafia? JB: Oh, they say there has been one. I think it’s not a mafia exactly. It’s just a nice group of people having coffee. OH: Really? Are you a member? JB: I don’t think so. At least they’ve never invited me to any of their meetings. OH: What’s the biggest misconception that people have about you? JB: That I’m prim and stodgy. OH: Really? That surprises me. JB: Well don’t misunderstand, I’m not wild either. OH: Is there anything you would like to say to other generations about the importance of giving and community involvement? JB: I would say my only regret is that I started so late. Start early in your giving. And you know, the kids today are doing that, they are all involved in community service. [When you volunteer] you actually receive more than you give.
National City Mortgage
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“Home Sweet Home” starts with a sweet mortgage. • First-time Homebuyer programs • Conventional & Adjustable rate loans • FHA/VA loans • FREE Pre-approvals
Kim Grayson
Sara Grayson
888-393-9024
888-393-9024
Manager / Mortgage Loan Officer kim.grayson@ncmc.com
Mortgage Loan Officer
sara.grayson@ncmc.com
All loans subject to credit approval and property appraisal. Terms and conditions of this offer subject to change without notice. Pre-approval will result in a loan decision subject to conditions. National City Mortgage, a division of National City Bank.
November/December 2008
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