Remembering Bob Macleod

Bob Macleod is no longer a public figure.  As of the first of this month, he has left the playing field and is now, just one of the spectators.

But, Bob had a good, long run, and with it, the knowledge that he helped make this a better community.

Born in Vancouver B.C., he knew from an early age what he wanted to do.  He started a newspaper when he was five years old.   After serving a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Korea, Bob went to school at Washington State University working towards a degree in business.

He didn’t finish college, but started a 13 year career in advertising.  He realized he  wasn’t finished with his life’s goals and re-entered college at the University of Washington, where he completed a double major in political science and communications.

In 1968, he moved to Olympia and took a job as a newscaster with KGY Radio, a job he held for nearly 27 years.  He did radio commentaries on various issues facing the community and developed a reputation as someone who did his homework, knew the issues and always presented all sides.

Bob was well-liked and respected by all he came in contact with.   He was so even-handed that he was often asked to moderate debates between candidates and around community issues. 

His radio commentaries often focused on a major community problem, presented all sides of the issue and often ended with Bob calling for community cooperation to solve the problem.

When he retired from KGY radio in 1994, he continued working in volunteer positions which took him to State Senator Karen Fraser, where Bob began working as an aide to the senator.

In 2002, he ran for Thurston County Commissioner for an open seat, and never drew a single opponent.   In 2006 he was re-elected.   He announced late last year that he was resigning for health reasons and would not be able to finish out his term.

Bob Macleod has received dozens of community recognition certificates, won numerous broadcasting awards and received the accolades of community organizations.

And every single one of them was well-deserved.