Published: August 17, 2008 12:46 am            

GENCO: On the passing of a community pillar

North Tonawanda, NY — It struck me the other day in the parking lot at Jay Roth's Funeral Home, as I thought about John Feuz. When did the world change? Has it always been that whoever doesn't say no when asked to help an organization has said yes?

John was the epitome of the community service king, but he didn't really get there from volunteering. At least no more than anyone else.

Chamber of Commerce? John was an invaluable resource. Northtowns Boys and Girls Club? John was a pillar. Riviera Theatre? He had their back. Need a United Way chairman? Who else? Anyplace else he was ever asked? John was ready.

What got me was the realization that it's rare for anyone to volunteer. Usually, most things seem to be a case of not wanting to say no and no one stepping forward to do a given job. John was the same way. So am I. So are great role models in our community, people like Ron Mosher, John Lukasik and Barbara Tucker. I hope to be like them all some day, in a few more decades.

They never seem to make a deal about showing us how to live – after all, pride is a sin and being humble is a virtue, if I'm straight on my Bible study.

My question becomes, when did the world change? In my parents’ generation, or in my grandparents’, did people used to step forward and offer to lead or work? Or was it like we are today? Was there one catalyst who stepped forward and said "I'd like to honor my wife and I'd like to help the Northtowns Boys and Girls Club," as Feuz did when he launched "Bouquets for Barbara" in memory of his loving wife?

I stopped by Niagara Nissan, where John worked, a month ago or so. John was hard at work helping people set up financing for car purchases. He tried to sell me a car (as always). We also brain stormed for a little while, trying to find the phone number for "The Deli" on Oliver Street because he wanted roast beef to be served at his next "Bouquet" meeting and John thought Pete’s roasted beef the best. I don't know if he ever got the beef. I told him to call Division Market.

I also talked to him about donating a life insurance policy to the Northtowns Boys and Girls Club and then paying the premium every year. That way, the premium is a tax deduction but the end result is the charitable organization gets a big chunk of cash when you pass. John never said no, he simply said call back in September and we'll do something, because while things were always changing, he liked the idea. Unfortunately, I'll never get that chance. If you wait for the perfect time, it almost never comes.

We'll all move on from here, a little happier and a little richer for having known John. Some day soon, I may even pour a Coors Lite in a wine glass, as was John's custom.

In every community, there is always a small core upon whom everyone else counts. No matter where, or what the organization, there is a commonality of purpose and a certain chorus separated by nuance but yet undeniable. That chorus in the Tonawandas just lost a baritone and it will be flat for a little while, but it will plug on and eventually find its tune again because that's what we do.

Thanks for reading

LM Boyd of the Week: The Mississippi River gets up to 80 miles wide. In a flood, that is.

Word of the Week: Mensch – A person with an extreme sense of fortitude, purpose and strength of character. (I've always regarded this word, with its Yiddish origins, as exclusive – sort of like "hero" but John fit the description.)

Contact Joe Genco at joegenco@gmail.com.

        

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