John Deshaw is the newest volunteer to join the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) as a result of the Board approving the recommendation to add John to the FAC at its Board meeting on September 25.
John and his wife, Janet, purchased their retirement home in Sun City Shadow Hills in June 2015. Janet has been living in the community for more than two years after the purchase of their home was finalized. After John retired in February 2017, he joined Janet in our beautiful community. Prior to living in Indio, John and Janet lived in Brampton, Ontario Canada, then Anaheim, CA and Princeton, NJ.
John’s business experience included working for Canada Packers – the largest food processer in Canada, and Firmenich, the number one producer in the world of Flavors and Fragrances. John held numerous positions in these two companies prior to retiring. Working for both employers and other community service and volunteer work (described below) provided him the opportunity to learn about contracts, negotiating contracts (maintenance, landscaping, customs and freight), risk assessment, dealing with governmental departments (town, Regional, State and federal), and dealing with others including his direct reports, peers and senior staff.
John’s community service and volunteer experience included: a member of Board of Directors for a housing co-operative in Mississauga, Ontario; member of the Landscape, Social and Membership Committees for the housing co-operative; a member of the Board of Directors for a housing co-operative in Milton, Ontario; and, Treasurer of the Milton Minor Hockey Association for many years including after his son left the town league and moved to a regional AAA team.
The FAC asked John why he wanted to get involved and volunteer for the FAC. That answer was easy for John. He responded that he is curious and wanted to know what is going on in the community. He also knew that if he was not willing to get involved, he could not really voice well-informed suggestions. John told us ”this is now our home, our last home, God willing, and I want to contribute wherever I can”. John is detail oriented and is not afraid to ask questions. If he does not understand something, he asks about it, and continues asking until he has an understanding, and it makes sense. He is a firm believer that the only stupid question is the one that is not asked.
Please join us in welcoming John to the FAC!
By Bill Wethe
Chair, Finance Advisory Committee