In this issue of Mocha News we would like to feature Bob Shier. Bob was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, married Marie in 1960 and spent five and a half years in Winnipeg and two and a half years in Edmonton where he managed a Martin Senour Paint Store. Moved to London in 1969, working with Niagara Chemicals as a Professional Sales Representative selling small package pesticides to dealers in Southwestern Ontario. Retired in 2003 from NuGro Corporation.
His Masonic journey started in 1976 being initiated into King Solomon's Lodge #378 where he progressed through the chairs and became Master in 1984. Before joining the Shrine in 1980, at the spring ceremonial in Goderich and Clinton, he joined all the subsequent bodies in York Rite - St. George's Chapter #5 (treasurer for five years), Enoch Council, York College and Perceptory.
After becoming a Shriner his musical talents directed him to the Mocha Oriental Band in 1981 where he served as Director from 1986 to 1994. President of the Band in 2005 and became a Love Bug Member in 2008 when he bought Don Clark's little orange 1972 hard top bug. His license plate reads "Bobs Bug." He is currently second vice president of the Unit. He enjoys parading both with the Band (walking) and the.Love Bugs (driving) and is a dedicated Shriner helping the kids who need help.
Bob and Marie have been married for fifty plus years and have a daughter Leanne (works at University Campus) and son Darrell (owns his own business - Stadar Wholesale selling trailer hitches and recreational vehicle parts), and have four grandchildren. On a sad note Bob and Marie's daughter (Karen) was killed in 1991 by a drunk driver.
Bob is active in his church, Richards Memorial United Church, where he is currently Chair of Finance, a position he has held for many years, secretary of the Board of Trustees and he chaired the famous "Green Team" spearheading the installation of solar panels on the church roof in 2010. Bob would encourage any Shriner with an interest in the Love Bug Unit to call President: Larry Schmeltz (519- 773-9055), Secretary: Roy Pickard (519-773-5526) or check us out at www.lovebugs.ca.
