The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Tire are pleased to present the 2009

John Marinus was born in Holland in 1937, immigrated to Canada in 1953 and settled in the

Comox Valley. He was so grateful for the life that not only Canada, but the Comox Valley,

provided; he vowed that he would spend his entire life giving back to the community. His

community service includes 37 years as a volunteer fireman with the Comox Fire Department.

During that time he was awarded the BC Fire Service Medal and the Canadian Medal for

exemplary service. Although he retired in 2003, he was still actively volunteering with the

department providing education to children. John is a current member of the Comox Rotary club

and has been for 27 years. In that time he has served as President (1995-1996), director and

served on many committees. Since the inception of the “Ducky 500”, the famous duck race on

Canada day, John has singularly been responsible for a large portion for the sale of the 5000

tickets. He is currently Rotary’s Bingo representative with the Gaming Commission. John is also

a life member of the Comox Legion, the Knights of Columbus the Elks Clubs and a director for

the Comox Senior’s Centre. You will also find him fundraising for the Courtenay Lawnbowling

Club. The Comox Probus club is proud to have John as a charter member and as the first

treasurer. When he isn’t driving the cancer van, picking up food for the Food Bank or collecting

tabs from aluminum beverage cans, he is playing soccer, darts and lawn bowling. In addition to

his position as Councillor for the Town of Comox, he has spent 15 years of his life doing his best

for the Comox Valley.

Story from: 2009 Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Awards, Media release.