Presentation of Paul Harris Fellow to Dr Bob Jones
Ron Somerville introduced granddaughters of Dr Jones who spoke of his prestigious career. Sidney Jones on the right and Calla Jordan; see pic below:
The following is from Jill, Dr Bob’s wife:
1966- Graduated from Annandale High School in Tillsonburg (17)
Ontario Scholar/ Western Scholarship
1972 Graduated from UWO- Medicine (23)
January 1975 Started solo family practice in St. Thomas
Hospital Work
1979-1984 Chief of Emergency,STEGH
1979-1999 on the Medical Advisory Committee
1986 -1990 Board of Governors
1993-1998 Chief of General Practice STEGH
1988-1990 President of Medical Staff
STEGH Foundation Work
1990-2002 Board of Directors
1998-2000 Foundation President
2000-2002 Foundation STEGH Planned Giving Committee
Other Work
1986 Examiner for College of Family Physicians of Canada
1994-1997 Examiner for the Medical Council of Canada
President of the Elgin Medical association and delegate to the Council of Ontario Medical Association.
Palliative Care Work
The first Elgin County family physician to obtain Level 11 certification. Chairman of the Palliative Care Committee for STEGH
Lecturer for C.A.P.C.E. (Multidisciplinary)
Special interest in pain management, home based palliation and home death.
Hospice Work
Over the years Bob has had a special interest in end of life care and especially the care of terminal patients in their own homes. He was on the board of Serenity House - a resource centre for EOL(End of Life) care and bereavement support. This was 20 years ago. It has been his dream to have a Hospice in Elgin County. It would be a home-like care facility to provide compassionate care to patients and families coping with end of life. This has resulted in his retirement job. Recently there have been giant steps toward attaining this dream of his and many others in the community. The current campaign to build a Hospice of Elgin is well underway. Bob is chairman of this campaign and currently they have raised almost 70% of their $11 million goal. When Hospice of Elgin is built and open for the community I know that he will count this as one of the high points of his career.
Now that's the work part of Bob's career. It sounds like all work but it wasn't so. The fun parts of his career have been knowing his patients, delivering their babies, seeing those babies grow into adults. He loves his older patients, especially the ladies. He loved all of his patients and still checks in with them often. He loved his Grandmother very much and this transferred to his grandma-like patients. In the early years the doctors would entertain the nurses every year. Who knew that he could sing! He even did a fashion show to entertain the nurses. There was lots of fun to be had after hours with his peers.
One really funny story was when Bob had a phone call in the middle of the night from emerg that a patient was hit by a train and Bob's half asleep response was "Give him an aspirin and have him call me in the morning!" The nurse wouldn't accept this and suggested he come in to emerg ASAP!
Bob was invited to join Rotary by Dr. Dick Wylie and Bill Horn. (in the late 70's or early 80's). Although he enjoyed Rotary he retired due to his growing family and an 80-100 hour work week. He kept The Four Way Test on his waiting room wall for 40 years.
But most importantly Bob loves his family.
His wife Jill to whom he has been happily married for 51 years.
His children Geoff and his wife Darla, Andrew and Katie and her husband Derek.
His Grandchildren, Calla, Sidney, Oliver, Ozzie and Liv.
(see video)
Using Dr Bob Jone’s wife Jill’s notes, Ron spoke of Dr Bob and his office manager of 40 years, Karen Smith. (see video)
Ron continued with some personal notes about Dr Bob. (See video)
Bill Horn spoke of Paul Harris Fellow award and presented to Dr Jones. His wife pinned it to his jacket. (See video and picture with certificate and Jill pinning Dr Jones.)
Dr Jones then thanked everyone. (see video)
The 50/50 prize was drawn. President Barbara then invited everyone to order a meal from the menu. She closed the meeting by ringing the bell.
Other news:
President Barbara and Past President Gerry presented a donation to the Food Bank along with members from other service clubs in St Thomas (Kinsmen, Golden K, and RCRC). This Joint Service Project has been encouraged by Rotary International.
