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People You Can Count On: The Man Behind Many Community Donations

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Sep 12, 2012 at 1:40 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 12, 2012 at 1:40 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Phones ringing, cars doors opening and shutting, vibrant foot traffic.

Just another busy day at Grand Junction Subaru, under the leadership of owner Ron Bubar.

"One of the things that I've learned here with Ron is to never worry about doing the right thing, because its the right thing to do," said Shawn Harrison, an employee with Grand Junction Subaru.

Around the shop, shy guy Bubar is considered their coach. In the community, he's the very definition of philanthropy.

"He came to us five years ago and said, 'How can I help support education?'" explained Bill Larsen, the chief academic officer for School District 51.

Now because of Bubar, high school seniors around the valley set their sights on excelling for the chance of winning a car at the end of the year.

"He has been extremely generous to the Land Trust and helping the Three Sisters Project," added Rob Bleiberg, the executive director of Mesa Land Trust.

Bubar believes in their mantra to conserve agricultural heritage, wildlife habitat and natural lands on the Western Slope.

"He understands that that's going to be in the long-term interest of our community for our quality of life and our economy," said Bleiberg.

But Bubar's idea of quality of life stretches far beyond that.

"I came down with cancer in May and he came into the hospital and said, 'Don't worry about pay,'" explained Arbrey Chivers, another Grand Junction Subaru employee.

Bubar put Chivers on salary pay with full benefits.

"I've been in the business many years and I can't think of another employer that would do that personally," added Chivers.

"Ron is just one of those men that you just run into and you just know he's here on earth because he's here to give to others," said Larsen.

And that's why many people came together to honor Bubar as NewsChannel 5's People You Can Count On.

"It's our organization that does this effort in the community and we've just got a wonderful community in Grand Junction. We'll continue to do it," said Bubar.

As he humbly accepted the award, others came forward to humbly thank Bubar.

"He's just been a great member to the community and extraordinarily generous to the citizens here," said Bleiberg.

"He exemplifies what this award is all about," added Larsen.

"He's got my loyalty until the end. And I'm cancer free, so it's really cool," said Chivers.

People You Can Count On is brought to you by Sky Ute Casino and Resort in Ignacio, near Durango. Recipients receive a weekend's stay at Sky Ute Casino and Resort.

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Tom K said on Monday, Sep 17 at 1:07 PM

I think he gives Subaru a bad name. Crook, crook, crook, crook!!!!!

Anonymous said on Thursday, Sep 13 at 8:02 PM

Oh wow was I ever shocked! My experience with this guy leaves me a feeling of to never trust him as far as I can throw him. I know others that have a low opinion of him too. I don't feel he is honest at all! I don't think he ever should have been honored for it.

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