Don Veitch, Citizen of the Year

Veitch honored as 2004 Citizen of the Year
Cited for his quiet, unassuming leadership
By Paula Buenger, Publisher

While 2004 Citizen of the Year Don Veitch may argue that what he's done for the community of Spencer and the groups he's been involved with is "Not a big thing" the authors of the many letters of nomination which poured into the offices of the Daily Reporter would argue otherwise.
"Don is a person who works 'behind the scenes' and is very humble about his contributions to Spencer and its various organizations," read the nomination letter from Everett and Verlie Amis.
"Not one to stand in the spotlight, more like the person who installed the spotlight and is now operating it," is how Jay Prather of Spencer described Veitch in his nomination letter.
Veitch was honored for his contributions to the Parker Historical Society, Iowa Great Lakes Antique Car Club, Masonic Lodge, Shriners and his church. Veitch, a lifelong resident of the area, joins the list of distinguished residents who have earned the title "Citizen of the Year" since the program' s inception in 1967. Each year's honoree is selected from nominations sent in by individuals and groups. The past Citizens of the Year select the new member who will join their ranks. Don Veitch was born and raised in Greenville. In April 1941, he left to serve his country in the Army during World War II. During that service, he was captured and was a POW in a German camp for 27 months.
In a story, published in the Feb. 5 edition of The Daily Reporter, Veitch recounted his time in German POW camps as a young soldier.
One of his first calls, upon being released, was to his sweetheart, Dorothy, whom he had met several months before going into the war. She had been staying with relatives in Oregon and working through the war years, but returned after Don was released. The couple married on July 12, 1945, and will celebrate their 60th anniversary this summer.
And, as all those who know the Veitchs can attest, the pair became a very good team, working together on a wide range of activities.
"They have always done everything together," said Pat Anderson, the couple's daughter, who lives in Spirit Lake with her husband Eric. "If there is something going on, they just have to be a part of it. They don't want to just go to events, they want to help put things together."
Luckily, the pair shared an interest in the Masonic Lodge and Shrine organizations. Dorothy was "always involved" in Eastern Star, said her daughter, and the couple acted as Rainbow Parents for many years.
Clay County Fair-goers may not know the Veitch name, but they probably recognize the faces. After all, the couple began the Shrine ATV Funnel Cake stand at the fair, and worked as a team during the entire run of the fair in the stand for many, many years.
"They had gone to Hot Springs, Ark. on a trip and tasted funnel cakes," recounts Anderson. "They decided that was what the Clay County Fair needed."
So, the industrious pair made a second trip to Hot Springs, learned how to make the then-new item, and set up the Shrine stand.
"They just loved it," smiled Pat. "They met so many people at the fair and, I think now that they aren't at the fair every day they really miss it."
Don's membership in the Masonic Lodge and with the Shriners echoes his style in everything, according to those who know him well. He was a dedicated, hard-working, loyal member, who didn't look for the spotlight.
Don and Everett Amis have been acquainted for many, many years, as both Everett and Don grew up in Greenville. Their love of cars, old cars to be specific, has ensured that they have remained close.
"My dad has always been interested in cars," said his daughter. "And, he's always got quite a few of them, in various stages of repair."
Veitch's employment, as a distributor for Wynn's, an automotive additive company, meant that he was immersed in the auto world.
"It just seems like he's always had one taken apart somewhere," Pat laughed. "In fact, for years he had one by the hedge at our house."
Veitch took that interest in cars a step farther, as a charter member of the Iowa Great Lakes Car Club. He served as secretary/treasurer for many years and has assisted with exhibits and displays of cars throughout the area and participated in many parades.
L.R. "Pete" Petersen has worked with Veitch in many groups throughout the years, and in his nomination he pointed to Veitch's quiet leadership and service.
Whatever organization he belongs to he is not only a very active member, but he does, through unselfish acts, those things which many of us think about doing but never quite get done," wrote Petersen. "The only people who know of these deeds are Don, God, and oh yes, probably his wife Dorothy."
Along with sharing interests in Masonic Orders and antique cars, Petersen has served with Veitch on the board of the Parker Historical Society.
Daughter Pat said that interest most likely grew out of her father's love of going to auctions and sales.
"He's always been a great antiquer," she said. "And, when Dad was interested in something, it just seemed like he had to be a part of it."
According to Cindy McGranahan, Parker Museum Director, Veitch has been involved with the Parker Historical Society since he joined in 1973. Never one to be content simply with belonging to an organization, Veitch soon found himself deeply involved, joining the board of directors of the society in 1975. He became president of the society in 1977.
"Not only has Don been present and willing to help with many events since 1973, but he has also been a terrific cheerleader and supporter of the Parker Historical Society," said McGranahan. "His 'can-do' and 'let's move ahead' attitude has been extremely valuable, as the Society has transitioned from an all-volunteer group to a business."
While Veitch officially "retired" as a distributor for Wynn's at the age of 80, Pat said he remains involved, albeit to a lesser extent than in previous years. The job, which involved travel throughout the region, meant the Veitch family was welcome just about everywhere.
"He knows people everywhere," she said. "And even now, he'll get in the car and head to Des Moines for the day for meetings."
He also put his travel expertise to good use assisting families in taking children to the Shriners Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. "That's always been a big interest of his."
He and Dorothy have also traveled farther afield. As recently as two years ago, the couple joined an all-Veitch tour through Scotland. The Veitch's second child, son George, lives on the big island of Hawaii with his wife, area native Leann McGranahan, so the family has had another exotic locale to visit.
Pat agrees with many of those who nominated her father in saying that he will be surprised to find himself honored as Citizen of the Year.
"I think he's going to be totally shocked, totally dumbfounded," she laughed. "He sure won't think he deserves it at all." McGranahan agrees.
"Don won't believe it," she said. "He will feel that there is someone else but there more deserving. But, isn't that really what makes him a perfect Citizen of the Year? He deserves this so much."
© Copyright 2009, Spencer Daily Reporter
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