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We were sorry to learn of the passing of Robert J. Janes on August 7th
in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Bob served
as a member of HOME’s Board of Directors from 1984-88. He was
instrumental in our early development efforts, chaired the Finance
Committee and eventually served as our senior vice president. Bob
received the very first Director’s Award for Distinguished Service.
According a published account of the 25th Annual Meeting, in
presenting that award we said: “Thanks to Bob Janes, HOME will never be
the same again.” And we haven’t been.
A fair
housing supporter for many years, it was Art Butler and I who recruited
Bob for the Board shortly before his retirement as president and CEO of
Child & Family Services. Famous for a gruff demeanor, Bob dedicated his
professional life to helping those in need. In the years immediately
following his retirement, he did so through his work with HOME.
All who
knew him will agree that Bob Janes was a character of the highest order.
We are richer to have had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Valued staff
Leah R.
Mervine, our coordinator of development and member relations, has been a
highly valued member of the HOME staff for just over a year. In that
time, Leah dramatically improved our membership retention systems, cleaned
up databases, played a critical role in the upgrade of HOME’s computer
network, and was responsible for a dramatically improved web presence.
A young
woman of great potential, Leah has been accepted as a member of UB Law
School’s Class of 2006. We wish her well there, and take heart in her
decision to remain in Buffalo. |
