McClure Retires as Chairman From Board of Commissioners of Hospital District #3

September 18, 2006

After nearly 20 years of service to Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics (CVHC), Ray McClure signed his resignation notice at the Board of Commissioners meeting on August 16.

In 1988, Snohomish County Hospital District #3 decided to increase the number of Commissioners from three to five. Bill Roal was a member of the Board at that time. McClure had served on an advisory committee to the hospital for several years, and Roal felt McClure’s background as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Twin City Foods would be a great benefit.

"I have been a member of this community since 1929," said McClure. "I was just about ready to retire and decided it was time to give back to this community where I raised my three sons.

"I have enjoyed the years working for CVHC (Hospital District #3 became known as CVHC in 2002.) I am proud to have survived the tough times and that there is still a Cascade Valley Hospital. I also feel very good we have been able to invest in the future of CVH with the purchase of the property at Smokey Point and the addition of the new MRI, CT, Sleep Disorders Center, and more.

"I have also enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow commissioners. I have liked working with all of them and admire all they do as volunteers.

"The times that were the most stressful for me were the times our decisions affected the lives of the employees. These were times of transition and low profits. We had to choose to make cuts and that was tough."

At the August 16 Board meeting each of the commissioners commented on their association with McClure. They each noted how he welcomed them when they joined the Board and helped them become comfortable in their new role.

"Even during my days on the advisory committee, before joining the Board, I was always impressed with Ray's ability to remain calm and spread that calmness, even when others were getting rattled," noted Tina Davis, Commissioner.

"Ray has devoted a tremendous amount of time to the organization. No matter the need, I could always call him and he would make himself available," praised Clark Jones, CVHC Administrator. "He was very even-tempered during times of crisis. A great leader, he was able to guide the Board to strong business decisions."

As a parting comment, McClure said, "I want to encourage Cascade Valley, employees and medical staff, to continue the good work. You are tremendous!"

McClure will still be seen around CVHC. He plans to be active in helping when CVH decides to expand the hospital.