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THE BRIDGE
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 • Whidbey News-Times
Retired pastor picks up after Oak Harbor Lura finds his own way to serve the community By JANIS REID Staff reporter
Volunteerism isn’t just a hobby for David Lura. It’s just sort of how he rolls. An avid walker due to a double-knee replacement, Lura can be seen throughout Oak Harbor with his rolling trash cans, picking up trash and stopping to help whenever he’s needed. “People see me all over town,” he said. “I can’t stand trash. I’ve always been one to pick up trash, but a lot of people do it. There’s nothing special about me.” His first aim is to reach 10,000 steps each day to keep his knees healthy. Since he started walking with a pedometer in 2005, Lura has taken more than 20 million steps. His second aim is to volunteer his time everywhere and anywhere. “My philosophy was to be involved in the community and that’s still my philosophy,” Lura said. “We all have our role to play.” Lura retired as the pastor of Oak Harbor’s First Methodist Church in June of 2010 after 23 years. He then moved back to his first ministry in Rockford to pastor part time 2010 to 2012. Now back in Oak Harbor for good, Lura said his primary goal is to give back whereever he can. Lura served five years in the Navy as a radioman and drug and alcohol counselor and now serves as the chaplain for the Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League. Other than this regular responsibility, Lura’s approach to volunteerism is comparatively free-form. During his long walks around Oak Harbor, he may stop in to see a friend at a retail store, and spend two hours helping reorganize inventory. He regularly stops by Harbor Tower Village senior living center to help with landscaping, make minor repairs, chat with residents or sit in as receptionist
Photos by Janis Reid
David Lura picks up trash as he walks all over Oak Harbor and stops to help out as he can. He retired as the pastor of Oak Harbor’s First Methodist Church three years ago.
when they are short handed. “He’s a true servant,” said Harbor Tower Village’s Maintenance Director Steve Swankie. Harbor Tower Village Executive Director Hazel Welliver can’t say enough about Lura and his service to her residents and the community at large. “He’s got a friendly face and always takes a minute to talk to the residents,” Welliver said. “He’s a cheerleader for the staff. If someone takes the time to validate your day that just means the world to them.” Working his way around Oak Harbor, Lura also lends a hand as needed at Summerhill Assisted Living and Regency on Whidbey Retirement and Assisted Living. He also gives back by connecting people with the resources and organizations they need, See Lura, A17
Lura wheels a rolling garbage can as he walks around the city.