Board Of Directors
Married to Melodie since 1990, Steve is a proud father to four daughters and a son and loving “Papa” to eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Steve created a legacy, the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, to honor his daughter Kelly, who died of a brain tumor in 1982. As co-founder and lifetime member, he has been instrumental in developing this successful international organization to raise money for research, education, and support of those facing the diagnosis of a brain tumor.
Steve also co-founded Bereaved Families of Ontario, London Chapter. Over the years, he has held Board and Committee positions for St. Justin’s Catholic Church Advisory and the creation of the F.W. Merrill Church Hall, St. Peter’s Catholic School, LAVA, London Fundraisers, and Ad & Sales Club, all of London as well as the Huron United Way, Council of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph, Ontario, Huron Shores United Church in Grand Bend, and since 2005 with Community Living South Huron.
Golf being one of his passions, Steve is quick to organize and participate in many golf tournaments including the ‘Bob Williams Memorial Golf Tournament’ for CLSH.
Steve continues to enjoy his association with Community Living South Huron’s staff, volunteers, and the people supported by this organization.
Jake‘s 26 years in the Greater Toronto area was spent in various senior management functions primarily in finance and operations. Prior to moving to the GTA Jake was Administration Director/Controller of Schaefer Pens Canada, Inc. in Goderich.
Jake has been involved in a number of boards and advisory committees at St Peter’s in Goderich, Precious Blood in Exeter, London Ovarian Cancer Run and the Direct Sellers Association of Canada.
Jake is semi-retired working Part-time from home in a consulting role. He is excited about joining the CLSH board as a way of giving back to his local community.
This led me to nearly two decades working in management positions with MTO. Then a family opportunity to venture into raising ostriches brought me back to Strathroy. Longing to get back working directly with people, I began two jobs. One as a PSW for Strathroy Community Living and one as an Educational Assistant in Special Education. This latter position led me to attending Teachers College at D’Youville College in Buffalo with a History/Geography and French teachable.
Throughout my working career I was always volunteering. At MTO it was annually with the United Way of GTA and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In Strathroy, I served my church, Strathroy United Church on Property Committee and its Council. I was also recruited as a Board Member for the local mental health organization called Search Mental Health Services which I served for nearly 12 years. During which, we initiated a triple voluntary merger with Canadian Mental Health in London and WOTCH Community Mental Health Services. In both these non-profit organizations I initiated and oversaw the installation of a 10-kilo watt Roof Mounted Solar Project providing them with tax free additional future funding for 25 years.
Now residing in Grand Bend, Diane and I welcome our family and friends to the Lake House.
Most recently, I just finished volunteering on the Alzheimer Board of Directors for two consecutive terms. As an Alzheimer Board member, I sat on various committees including fund development, finance, nominating and executive.
We have lived in Huron County for 23 years along the lakeshore. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, travel, cooking, pets and spending time with grand children.
Doug has volunteered on many industry boards, the United Way, Kiwanis, and was Easter Seal Chairman while living in eastern Ontario. He also was involved with the board for Credit Counseling. He is honored to be on the Board of Community Living recognizing the value it adds to our community and the individuals it assists.
Dana worked in the Kitchener area for over 40 years in various financial and operational management positions which were mainly in industrial type organizations. While in Kitchener, Dana & Lee did some volunteering at the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels and Christmas Hamper delivery.
In addition to volunteering with CLSH, Dana can be found either playing golf, organizing golf or just enjoying walks in the neighborhood. Dana also keeps busy doing his own building and renovating or helping friends with their projects.
He is very happy to be getting involved in the community by joining the CLSH board of directors.
Melanie has returned to CLSH after serving as a Director on the Board from 2015-2017. She is currently a Director on the St Marys Healthcare Foundation and has served in that capacity since 2017.
As part of her dedication to community development, Melanie has also been involved with the Brain Tumour Foundation, Jessica’s House Musical Event (2018/2019), the local Women’s Shelter & Second Stage Housing, Heart & Stroke and various community fundraising events.
Melanie has been married to Gord Hardie for 30 years and has raised three children in cities all over Canada. She and her family have been in Exeter since 2006. She grew up in London, Ontario and attended the University of Western Ontario.
