Lions Club Members

Lion Ray Thornton

Quote: That short stay was the most moving experience that I have ever participated in.


I was born at home, (a common practice in those days), in a small mill town a few miles southwest of Pittsburgh, PA. After high school I continued my education in business administration at Duquesne University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Nebraska and a few business schools and community colleges.
My wisest decision was to marry Suzanne 49 years ago and together raise 4 delightful children who have provided us pleasure, joy and 6 rambunctious but lovable grandchildren.
My business career was primarily in marketing with a major industrial corporation, which included assignments in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Lincoln, Chicago again, and Lenexa, KS.
We've very much enjoyed traveling through much of America and about a dozen European countries, as well as an outstanding visit to Honduras with a great group of caring folks.
A recent bout with heart surgery, ( a new valve and 3 bypasses), has temporarily placed some mild restrictions on activities and exertion.
I've been involved in several community, charitable and service sponsored activities throughout the years, so when I was invited to be part of a S.M.A.R.T. team effort in Central America, with a fellow Lions Club member, I looked upon it as another opportunity to do some good and also as a project that was more adventuresome than previous efforts. How naive I was. That short stay was the most moving experience, outside of my family, that I have ever participated in.
Where do I begin:
The indomitable patience of our patients!
The abject levels of poverty and need!
The sincere, honest expressions of appreciation for our efforts at all levels of
the citizenry!
The vast scope of death, injury, and destruction inflicted by Hurricane Mitch
that left so many homeless and in dire need of everything!
The fantastic camaraderie of the S.M.A.R.T. team that brought not only
medical miracles, but also humorous incidents bringing smiles when we
needed a lift.

Obviously I could go on ad infinitum with specifics, but needless to say I sincerely hope that anyone getting the chance to participate in one of these marvelous ventures, jumps at the opportunity.