Bob Hays shines as 2008 'Community Star'

CLARK FORK - It would take a lot less time to list the people, businesses and organizations in Clark Fork that Bob Hays hasn't helped over the course of the last four decades than the ones he has.

So it came as a surprise to no one when Hays promptly donated the $1,000 cash prize - which he received Friday night as Panhandle State Bank's "2008 Community Star" award winner - to the Clark Fork High School Booster Club.

Hays, 68, has been a fixture in the small, tight-knit town of Clark Fork for more than 40 years as the owner of Hays Chevron Station. His generosity over those years has had a big impact on the quality of life for area residents, many of whom were on hand to show their appreciation.

"What hasn't he done?" responded long-time Clark Fork resident Melvin Speelmon, when asked about Hays. "What a great guy; all community. You ask him for a donation and he'll give it to you."

Mike Martin, who graduated last year, was asked what he thought Hays had done to earn the Community Star award.

"That would take quite a while," Martin answered.

Panhandle State Bank's Travis Kaul, on hand to present the plaque and $1,000 check, said every time you look around Hays is helping someone out. He read an excerpt from a nomination letter sent to the bank by Evergreen Supply in Clark Fork: "Our town would not be the wonderful place it is without people like him," read the letter.

Evergreen employee B.J. Solomon said it was all too easy to nominate Hays for the award.

"I don't know a single person that Bob Hays hasn't touched in a positive way," she said, calling him a living history of the area as well as its best social conscience. "He's the epitome of what you would want for a next door neighbor."

Hays graduated from Clark Fork High School more than 40 years ago, and still holds many of the school's basketball records. He went on to coach the Wampus Cats basketball team for years, and at a very young-looking 68, still runs hoop on occasion at the high school open gym.

"He was hitting some hook shots the other night," said local Corey Vogel, noting Hays still has game. "He was on fire."

While Hays admitted he was happy and honored to receive the award, all he could seem to talk about was how great a place Clark Fork is and how everybody just helps everybody. That humble perspective, coupled with a big heart, are the very reasons he won the award.

"The people here have been real good to me. I appreciate the town very much," explained Hays. "It's a small community and you pitch in and do the best you can, I guess."