Leader worked behind scenes
Jack Regnier is gone, the victim of a sudden stroke last week. To say he'll be missed is a gross understatement.
Jack was a community leader who accomplished things. He adhered to the policy espoused by the late Pat Westerhaus, John Crofoot, and others.
Like all true community leaders they did what had to be done. And they agreed that you can accomplish anything "if you don't care who gets the credit."
When Jack Regnier and Donn Scott came to Marion, bringing Bill Wray with them, they opened a first class auto parts store. It was successful from the start, due to diligence and service.
Donn moved on to Newton but Jack remained in Marion where he became a devoted community leader. He did what had to be done, not always being popular but always doing what he felt was right for the community.
When Jack Regnier came downtown the night of the fire at Hett's Repair next door to his store, he said "I thought our place was a goner." Asked by another, "What would you have done?" Jack replied, "I'd have started building a new store the next day."
That sums up the man we knew as mayor, commissioner, church worker, and community supporter.
He is gone and his absence will leave a void.
Rather than wring our hands over the loss, we can rejoice that he was here. And we should do what Jack would have done — work toward a better future.
