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Bob Willman honored for tireless volunteer work

Bob Willman of Springfield has been awarded the St. George National Award for outstanding volunteerism by the American Cancer Society. Willman has also received the Capitol Dome Award for Advocacy Efforts from the state of Ohio. Staff photo by Barbara J. Perenic

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By Kelly Mori, Staff Writer 9:37 PM Monday, November 9, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Anyone who has had cancer will testify that it changed the way they feel about life.

For Bob Willman, it also changed how he lives his life.

Since his diagnosis of testicular cancer in 1992, the Springfield man has devoted his pre- and post-retirement years to cancer fundraising and advocacy.

On Oct. 17, Willman received the American Cancer Society’s highest honor — the St. George National Award.

“It was extremely humbling to receive this award,” the retired superintendent for Clark Shawnee Local School District said. “I’d like to think I accepted it for literally tens of thousands of volunteers in Ohio.”

Maybe so, but few volunteer the way Willman does.

“Bob has more job descriptions than I’ve held in a lifetime ... and he’s holding them all at the same time,” said John Hoctor, chief government relations officer for the Ohio Division of the American Cancer Society. “I will tell you that he’s a driving force behind our success at the Statehouse.”

Willman received the cancer society’s highest state honor — the Capital Dome Award — in 2004 and has been the county’s Volunteer of the Year for seven years straight.

Those honors represent hundreds if not thousands of hours of volunteer time and travel to promote and chair local state and national Relay for Life events and advocacy opportunities in both Columbus and Washington, D.C.

In January, he will join the ACS’s grant peer review committee which evaluates research grant applications. He will serve as the nonmedical stakeholder on the committee deciding who receives research dollars and ensuring the research is actually benefiting the cause.

Willman said he thinks the fact that he doesn’t get paid for his time makes him a better advocate for what has become a personal mission.

“The bottom line is I’d like to maybe have a little impact so our next generation won’t have to fool with cancer,” the grandfather of two said.

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thank you for all you have done for other people... your selflessness is recognized through this award, but has always been apparent to us all! we're proud of you!!!

Mr. Obvious
8:53 PM, 11/10/2009

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Bob, you have done amazing things for all of us survivors! Thank you for your time, love and dedication. I feel like all survivors have a bond and a love for one another, and you display that in all the work you do. You are a wonderful man and very deserving of this honor. Congratulations! Much love and thanks, Erin

Erin Perks
12:00 PM, 11/10/2009

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Congratulations, Bob Willman. There is no one that is more deserving than you. I followed you with my kids from Kindergarden thru High School. I remember when you met the buses when they pulled into Reid. When my daughter had the accident, you stayed with her until I got there. I followed you as a Special Clark County Deputy Sheriff. I followed you thru your walk with cancer and all your involvements in your journey with cancer. God Bless you! You are the best!!
Bill Nelson

Bill Nelson
11:48 AM, 11/10/2009

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YOU ARE THE BEST AND WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU! WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

Papaw's Girls
11:03 AM, 11/10/2009

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Congratulations, Bob. You are so deserving of this award. Springfield, Clark County, Ohio and the American Cancer Society are ALL blessed to have you. THANK YOU for all you do!

Tom Pamer
10:36 AM, 11/10/2009

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