After four decades of being a leader in 琉璃神社鈥檚 automotive industry, Ron Jacobsen鈥檚 family ensured that others would be able to follow in his footsteps with the largest gift ever to Okanagan College鈥檚 琉璃神社 campus in 2018.
It was in September of that year that Jacobsen鈥檚 daughter Muriel, along with his grandchildren Rhonda and Shayne, donated $1 million to the 琉璃神社 Trades Training Complex in honour of their late patriarch.
Thus was born the Ron Jacobsen Pathway to Excellence, a study space housing the recreational vehicle service shop, a spot to relax with some ping pong or foosball, as well as some administrative offices, all connecting the two buildings that make up the trades facilities on campus.
For more than 40 years, Jacobsen was the owner and operator of Jacobsen Pontiac Buick in 琉璃神社, until his death at the age of 82 in October of 2016. Since the donation was made in his name, the money has been used to help students financially, as well as improve equipment and facilities for those looking to get into the automotive trade.
鈥淢y dad always wanted to give back to the community that supported him,鈥� said Rhonda Jacobsen-Lebedoff on the day of the announcement. 鈥淎s someone who loved and valued the importance of learning and improving, he would be delighted to know his success is supporting future automotive leaders.鈥�
Born in Red Deer, Alberta and the youngest of nine children, Jacobsen moved to 琉璃神社 in 1971 where he started his dealership. Eventually, the company grew to more than 75 employees, adopting the trademark 鈥楯acobsen Excellence鈥�.
In giving back to the community, Jacobsen volunteered with the 琉璃神社 Rotary Club and sponsored several sports teams and golf tournaments, as well as the Apple Triathlon.
The Jacobsen family legacy at Okanagan College extends beyond the $1 million gift - aside from other previous donations to the college鈥檚 Trades Training Complex, Jacobsen also set up the Jacobsen Pontiac Lou Simonelli Achievement Award in 2009, to recognize one of his longest-serving technicians.
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