If you’ve met Jimmy Logan once, you will likely remember him forever.
The president of the Mission Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society, Logan has spent the past 12 years volunteering his time, not only as president, but as a driver for cancer patients going for treatment and as the organizer of the annual Robbie Burns Night fundraiser.
Logan always has a story to tell and a smile to share. But the man everyone in Mission seems to know, has decided to step down as president.
But that doesn’t mean he’s going anywhere.
The 82-year-old said he plans to still be around, lending a hand where ever needed.
“I’m still going to be connected. But they (volunteers) can do it all without me,” he said.
Like any good Scotsman, Logan said he will still organize the Robbie Burns Night fundraisers, like he has for the past eight years, whether he’s president of not.
Looking back, Logan said he’s enjoyed his time at the society.
“It’s been a wonderful 12 years now. I’ve learned so much about sickness, you know, cancer.”
Logan became involved with the society because of his own battle with the disease.
In 2003 he was diagnosed with prostrate cancer and ended up attending a support group in Mission.
He ended up beating the disease.
“It changes your whole life. You feel so lucky. I had that surgery, nothing else, and touch wood I’ve never had a problem since.”
Shortly after, he was approached to take on the role as president of the society and he accepted.
It was like starting a new career.
Back in Scotland, Logan worked at a weekly newspaper and then at the Scotland Daily Mail as a photographer and a photo engraver.
He left that job in 1957. Shortly after the paper closed down. Logan often jokes that there may be a connection between his leaving and he paper’s demise.
He eventually came to Calgary and started a graphics shop in Edmonton. He began doing all the advertising work for Woodwards. That brought him to Vancouver and eventually Mission.
Now, after 12 years as president, Logan said it’s time to step down.“These volunteers that are here with me have all been here now, five years. Some for 10. These are people filled with empathy and will do anything for you. It’s unbelievable the hours that are put in here,” said Logan.
He said they will get along fine without him adding they have a better grasp of all the latest technology.
“I’m still wondering where the computer is and they’ve already done it.”
On Tuesday, the annual Cops For Cancer Ride came to Mission and during that event, members of the society had a surprise for Logan.
Allan Mugford, regional director of the Canadian Cancer Society, presented Logan with a special award.
“Sometimes people just go beyond what we expect and what we even believe they can do. This is an award of courage. It says recognizing a volunteer who has furthered the mission of the society by demonstrating exceptional courage in his or her own personal battle with cancer. In doing so the individual serves as an inspiration and role model across the community,” said Mugford about Logan.
The outgoing president was shocked and thrilled.
“Honest to God I didn’t expect this at all. I’m proud to get this and I’m proud of the people in this office.”