Dr. Robert (Bob) Thompson, a family practitioner and a Valley Medical Center executive, is Renton’s 2010 Citizen of the Year.
Also to be honored at the Citizen of the Year banquet on Oct. 28 are the 2010 Outstanding Citizens, Renton’s Community Services administrator Terry Higashiyama and Renton Police Officer Jeff Reynolds.
Annually, three top citizens are recognized for their extensive contributions to the Renton community, including in the areas of health and human services, education, community involvement, public safety, business and arts.
“It is my honor and privilege to recognize Dr. Bob Thompson as the 2010 Citizen of the Year and Terry Higashiyama and Jeff Reynolds as Outstanding Citizens,” said Mayor Denis Law. “I am pleased to recognize their dedication and passion for this city and our community.”
Robert Thompson
Thompson, the hospital’s vice president for physician relations, has provided health care in the Renton community for 25 years. He has worked especially to advocate for patients with no insurance who might not receive the health care they need
“Bob Thompson is more than an integral part of the team at Valley,” says Rich Roodman, Valley Medical CEO. “He really embodies what Valley is all about – providing quality healthcare to the community regardless of their ability to pay. We are so fortunate that he has chosen to hang his shingle at Valley for over 25 years; Dr. Bob is a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.”
Thompson was one of the key players in bringing a Renton Rotary-sponsored free clinic to the Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank and Service Center.
The Renton RotaCare clinic opened in October 2003, with the support of the Rotary Club of Renton and the work of volunteers from Valley Medical Center, Renton Technical College and the Salvation Army.
Thompson also was instrumental in 2009 in opening the Valley Medical Center Acute Specialty Access Clinic for uninsured patients who now receive free orthopedic consultation and surgery at the hospital.
He worked closely with members of King County Project Access, Valley Orthopedic Associates and staff at Valley Medical Center to open the clinic.
“What has become very clear to me over the years is that what we receive in return for our involvement in serving others in need, is always far greater than what any one of us gives individually,” says Thompson. “To witness a patient who has fallen on hard times experience healing and a full return to health is the best feeling ever.”
Terry Higashiyama
Higashiyama is a long-time City of Renton administrator. She was a founding member of Communities In Schools of Renton and served many years on the board. She’s the current president of Renton Rotary and is the president of the Renton Technical College Foundation.
She has also served on the IKEA Renton River Days Board and been involved in the One Night Count for homelessness.
Jeff Reynolds
Reynolds, a Renton Police officer, has provided security services for the Renton Farmers Market for several years. He volunteers his time to work with some of Renton’s most at-risk students, works with current students and former students who seek him out to share stories or receive advice, and is always available to help staff and volunteers at the Farmers Market and to promote safety downtown.
Renton’s Outstanding Citizens program is sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Renton, and the City of Renton. Those groups, plus past winners, select the honorees.
“I wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to these individuals who have set an example for all of us through their devotion and exemplary public service,” said Bill Taylor, president of the Renton Chamber of Commerce.
The banquet to honor the outstanding citizens is Thursday, Oct. 28, at the Renton Senior Activity Center. For more information and banquet reservations, visit www.GoRenton.com or call 425-226-4560.
