My Dad always taught me that you could often judge a person’s character on how they reacted during difficult times. It’s no secret that this current economy has been the most challenging for many of us within our lifetime. Most of us who are self-employed find ourselves working twice as hard for a lot less money. Many people have had to let their homes go back to the banks and default on their financial obligations for no other reason than there is no business out there to sustain their households. Unemployment is hovering around 10% and if you factor in part-time jobs and the inability to find new work, the actual number is closer to 16%. Our government did a great job of bailing out banks and corporations at the taxpayer’s expense, but has done little to nothing in helping out the small business owner. With an impotent Congress and incompetent President, the consensus is that we’ll have to live through these times for at least another year to see what happens after the next election. For many, it’s simply a matter of hanging on. And just when you think things are really bad, you realize that despite tough economic times, we still live in Disneyland.
Last month, I was reminded of how fortunate we are when I made my annual trip to the dusty border town of San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico with the Lake Havasu High School’s Interact club and a handful of International Rotarians. The purpose of the trip was to feed and clothe over 800 men, women and children. Like most worthy causes in life, there’s generally one person behind the scenes who leads these efforts. In this case, it’s a man who I have come to admire and respect for his endless deeds of service to help those less fortunate. A man I have come to know as Bob Moreno.
I first met Bob at his annual Rotary Fish-Fry Fundraiser held at Shugrues’ about four years ago to raise money to help those less fortunate. I was amazed to find out how many tickets were sold at this event and the endless lines of people who gathered for a great meal and incredible cause. I also found out that the fish was personally caught by Bob Moreno and his wife Betty, in the northern Pacific, and prepared by Bob and a group of volunteers. In the little time that I observed Bob Moreno at my first fish-fry fundraiser, I knew that our paths had crossed for a reason and that I was going to get to know this man better.
Bob Moreno was born in Long Beach, California 72 years ago. His family moved to San Francisco where Bob began working in his family’s restaurant at the age of 7. Upon graduating high school, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps where he flew Huey helicopters in the Vietnam War. After the war, he became a successful businessman in many different trades.
Bob came from a tight-knit family and had the good fortune of being raised by two loving parents, who taught him their family heritage, culture and respective languages. He became multi-lingual which not only served him well in business, but in his tireless efforts to spread his humanitarianism across international borders.
Bob Moreno has had an amazing life and at the age of 72, you would think he would be slowing down. But with his vigor and zest, you quickly realize that he’s just beginning. Bob’s working life spans over 6 decades as he’s been a restaurateur, a U.S. Marine and combat veteran, Police Officer, International Flight Captain (767), Private Investigator, Outdoorsman, Civil Engineer, Developer, Counselor, Rotarian, Catholic Deacon, Husband and Father. But more importantly than his impressive resume is the love and generosity in which Bob has given back to his fellow human beings.Lake Havasu City is proud to call Bob one of their own and I’m proud to know that it’s people like Bob that make our world a better place.