Tree Planting remembers Willis, Moudry for service as RHSHC Board of Trustee members

CRESCO - When it comes to two individuals who played important roles on the Regional Health Services of Howard County Board of Trustees, you may not have had two better individuals than George Willis and Allen Moudry.

Unfortunately, both passed away this past year, shocking the Cresco and surrounding Howard County communities. 

RHSHC may have held a Ground Breaking ceremony for the $7.7 million-plus expansion/remodel of the Clinic facilities, but another event was held that day honoring George Willis and Allen Moudry, who had a combined 30 years-plus serving on the hospital board. 

Board of Trustee member John Wacha III and friend of the duo, showed his respect by presenting the two Flowering Crab Apple trees planted in memory of the two.

“In addition to this ground breaking, we also planted some new roots in dedication of two late Board of Trustee members who both had important roles in getting us to the position we are in today––starting our multi-million dollar clinic,” opened  Wacha III, who was pleased with the nice turnout and getting the time to recognize these worthy individuals. “Both George and Allen’s dedication of over 30 combined years of service have made a positive impact on this organization and community.”

Wacha III emphasized the “30 combined years of service,” stating that the current seven member board of trustees has just a little over 30 years of combined service.

“But we were left in good hands,” continued Wacha III. “I remember being at one of the several planning workshops we had before the hospital remodel project. We were discussing the size of the project and I made the statement to George, ‘If we build it they will come.’ Well, we built it and they came . . . and they continue to come!”

The speaker went on to tell a little history about Dr. Kessel and the first hospital in Cresco and had asked Bootie Kapler if she had known or had worked with Dr. Kessel in the past.  “I’m not that dang old!” belted out Bootie, while laughing and getting plently of chuckles from the crowd. 

“If only all the doctors and nurses of our past could see what we have accomplished today, they would all be proud,” added Wacha III.  “I just want to thank both George and Allen’s families for being here with us today to dedicate two trees in their honor."