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Leader of year award<br>goes to Dan Tobin

It’s been more than 26 years since Dan Tobin arrived at the Grand Canyon. In those first few years, he worked down at Phantom Ranch, where he met his future wife.

Grand Canyon Rotary Club Community Leader of the Year Award recipient Dan Tobin, center, poses with his plaque with Rotary president Mallory Smith and past president David Beckerleg.

Over the years, Tobin has held a variety of jobs in the area. He once ran the Moqui gas station and later worked for many years in trash collection. Then with two other people, Tobin helped start the Tusayan shuttle, a business that has evolved into Grand Canyon Coaches.

Other jobs have been with the National Park Service’s maintenance and trail crews, Scenic Airlines and Grand Canyon National Park Airport’s fire and emergency services crew. Today, Tobin works out of his home for Dante Professional Services doing electronic medical billing.

Although his vocation has taken Tobin down more than a few roads, there has been one constant concerning his residency at Grand Canyon. Tobin has opened up his heart to the community through various volunteer efforts.

The Grand Canyon Rotary Club recognized Tobin’s contributions to the community by making him this year’s choice for the Community Leader of the Year Award.

"This year’s recipient has lived in this community for many years and is always ready to lend a hand to help make good things happen," Rotary president Mallory Smith said while making the announcement Saturday at the club’s holiday dinner dance.

Tobin appeared to be very surprised when his name was called. Wife Terry Tobin said at first, he thought the award was going to another person sitting at their table, based on some of the accomplishments being cited.

Tobin was the 13th recipient of the Community Leader of the Year Award, known in its early years as the Businessperson of the Year Award. Fred Diumenti won the honor in the first year. The last three recipients have been Ann Wren, Brenda Halvorson and last year’s honoree, Pete Shearer.

"The Community Leader of the Year Award is given to a member of this community who has demonstrated commitment to the local community, local commerce and, or the visitor experience, and the quality of life at Grand Canyon as a whole," Smith said.

An impressive list of Tobin’s accomplishments over the years followed. Tobin has served as treasurer of the Grand Canyon Lions Club, president of the Grand Canyon Parent-Teacher Association, board member of the local ballet organization, coordinator for youth soccer concessions and has been active in both the Boy Scouts and with the Salvation Army.

Last month, Tobin won an at-large seat on the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology Board.


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