News : Ketchen recognized at Legacy Honor event held by Virginia Gay Hospital

VGH has a rich history of people that have given various donations of time, talents and expertise.

One of these citizens is John Ketchen

I think John was destined to become part of VGH since his birth, which occurred many years ago at the original hospital site, the former Tilford academy on the corner of 13th street and 1st Ave., (where VanSteenhyse/Teahen funeral home is currently located)

John is a Vinton native, leaving his hometown to attend the U of I, and after graduation moved to Florida to start his first job as VP of Fidelity Federal Savings & Loan in West Palm Beach.

I discovered that after John moved back to Vinton in the mid 1970's, he actually stepped away from the world of high finance - took up cattle farming and established an art gallery called The Tack Room Gallery. It was back to business as John continued his career as part owner of Century 21 Real Estate with Kyle Hummel, VP of Hawkeye Bank (now US Bank) and finally owner as of John's Qwik Stop.

John has a sincere desire to be an active part of the community, serving not only the hospital but many other organizations and service clubs such as the Palace Theater, Kiwanis Club, Vinton County Club, and Vinton Chamber of Commerce (Vinton Unlimited) to name a few.

John cares not only for the citizens of Vinton but he had a vision for the preservation of historic buildings in our community.

We have John to thank for the reconstruction at the former Legion Hall after the fire in 2012, restoration of the old Brenton bank as the Ketchen building and most recently - an addition of a heated car wash last year to the expanded location of John's Quick Stop in Vinton.

Thank you, John, for 29 years of service on the hospital board.

I have been honored work with you and am grateful you will continue to serve on the Trustee board