Dr. Bob Menzies was awarded and recognized as the Morden Area Foundation's Citizen of Distinction for 2017. Menzies was recognized for his many accomplishments as a doctor, and as an active community member.

"It’s very humbling and somewhat overwhelming,” says Menzies. “There are many, many people who they could have chosen. I'm not convinced I'm the best, but I'm proud to be counted in this number."

During his early years, Menzies was an avid member of Boy Scouts of Canada, and later in life was a Leader in Morden. A born leader, Menzies attributes his desire to be involved in the community to how he was raised.

Following in his family’s footsteps Menzies studied medicine to become a doctor. 

Over his many years of medicine, Menzies was part of the effort to build Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC), and also played an integral role in establishing the Clinical Teaching Unit at BTHC.

During the decades of being a doctor in Morden, Menzies was well known for his bedside manner and commitment to his patients. Menzies says this is a community, and people had been caring for him long before he became a doctor.

Faith has been an important part of Menzies' life as well. He was very committed to his church congregation at St. Paul's United Church, serving on several committees, and chairing the Church board at one point.

As the Foundation's Citizen of Distinction, Menzies was given the opportunity to donate to a charity of his choice. He chose the South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR), which received a $1,000 donation on his behalf.

"There’s not one week where I don't hear how much SCCR has helped people. Supporting them and making their journey through cancer easier."

Saturday also marked the kick off of the Morden Area Foundation's 25th anniversary celebration, with Vice Chair Ken Friesen noting during his remarks to the packed crowd at the Access Event Centre, there would be monthly events and challenges over the next year highlighting the milestone.