Clermont Senior Services was saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, George Rooks. For over 25 years, Mr. Rooks served in many capacities at Clermont Senior Services and he devoted his life to serving others. George truly embodied our Service with Heart culture. He told us often, “You cannot do enough for people in need, this is what the Lord intended us to do and this is what life is all about.”
Rooks was known for his story-telling abilities; visiting the Adult Day Care center on a monthly basis to tell stories and visit and reminisce with those whose unfortunate decline in health had limited their memory. In addition to his monthly visits with our customers, he served on the Board of Directors for the agency, offering insights and valuable wisdom. George had his finger of the pulse of the older generation and their needs. Other volunteer roles have included, volunteer shopping, Meals on Wheels delivery, and participation in the Annual gift-giving program, Adopt-a-Senior.
As if his contributions to Clermont Senior Services weren’t enough, several other community organizations benefit from his seemingly, unending supply of compassion, including:
The Grange Bethel Lions Club CASA for Clermont Kids Old Bethel M.E. Historical Society Clermont County Sportsmen’s Club Monthly meal volunteer at Lower Price Hill Food Kitchen Kitchen of Hope at Bethel UM Church Catholic Mobile Food Pantry
Perhaps one of his most well-known monthly contributions, is the article he writes for the Community Journal in Clermont County, The Ole Fisherman. Rooks was a retired Park Ranger, who served for 28 years, with the last five as manager of East Fork State Park. In his articles, he usually gave updates on fishing conditions and tips for a successful day on the lake. In addition to his trusteed fishing advice, he always updated the public on various charity events being held throughout the county. The article typically shed light on the happenings at his home, where he offered advice for the home gardener and cat lover alike. The community also grieved with Rooks in 2015, as he chronicled his wife’s health decline, and ultimately, her passing. They spent 56 years of marriage serving others together, and he is carrying on in her memory. Rooks was very vocal about his faith and recently wrote in an article, that he was looking forward to being reunited with his wife and daughter in Heaven.
Rooks has been the recipient of numerous awards. Most recently, he received an award for Excellence in Volunteer Service, from Leading Age Ohio. Other notable awards include:
2010 District Governor of Lion’s Club Award for “Appreciation to the Zone Chairman” 2013 Salute to Leaders “Rural Interest Award” 2014 Clermont Senior Services “20 Years of Volunteering” Plaque and Certificate 2014 Brad Wenstrup “Special Congressional Recognition” for Volunteer Service 2014 Clermont County Commissioners “20 Years of Volunteer Service to the seniors of Clermont County” Certificate. 2014 Doug Green Speaker of the House “Certificate of Volunteer Recognition” 2014 Joe Uecker State of Ohio Senate “Exemplary Achievement” Award 2014 Jenco Award from the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio 2019 Leading Age Ohio Volunteer Excellence Award
George Rooks left our world a better place. He set an example of service above self and left a lasting legacy that we won’t soon forget. We can think of no better way to honor George, than to follow in his footsteps by serving others. Our deepest condolences to his family and those who loved him.
This is the video from his 2019 Leading Age Ohio Volunteer Excellence Award:
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