The Cordova Bay 55+ Association has become a fixture in the community. And nowhere is that bond with the community more evident than through the efforts of Richard McMorran.
McMorran is one of the five founding members of the association, recruited in 2000 to work on the project that would consume so much of his time and energy.
“I spent all my life devoted to my jobs and spent a lot of time at work,” said McMorran, who retired in 2000 at the age of 70. “I realized I couldn’t just sit at home and read the newspapers. That’s when Gwen MacPherson, one of the founding five, met me on the street and suggested I join. I said I’ll give it a try, and I’ve been there ever since.”
McMorran was named Volunteer of the Year at the Cordova Bay Community Leadership Awards Tuesday night at the Beach House Restaurant.
“It’s recognition I’m not sure I deserve,” said the humble past-president of the association. “I feel that I’ve been awarded that recognition on behalf of all the volunteers at Cordova Bay 55+ Association but especially the five founding members.”
While McMorran may try to downplay his role, those familiar with the association are well aware of the instrumental role he played with the association. Current president David Docherty said McMorran was the driving force behind raising the $160,000 needed to construct an addition on Cordova Bay elementary school to create the 55+ centre.
“Over the years, Rich could be seen doing many things at the centre, from sweeping floors and gardening, to carting tables and chairs back and for for various off-site functions. If anything needed to be done, Rich was always stepping up to help,” said Docherty in his nomination for McMorran.
“He is the consummate member, from taking leadership to doing the most menial of tasks. It it hard to think of CB 55+ without associating it with Rich McMorran. I can think of no one more deserving of the recognition and being the inaugural recipient of the Cordova Bay Community Leadership Award for volunteer.”
McMorran said he gets a lot out of his volunteer efforts, as well as the success enjoyed by the Cordova Bay 55+ Association.
“Anything you work on that turns out well, it makes you feel good,” said McMorran, adding he never dreamed the group would grow as big as it has.
“I think one of the big things that makes it what it is, is that it’s all done by volunteers. That helps to keep it more friendly and approachable.”