PDG John Bustad
District Governor (504) 1977-1978
"Serve to Unite Mankind"
PERSONAL
John was born in Stanwood, Washington, the eldest of three children of Norwegian immigrants. He received his education in the schools of Stan¬wood and Mount Vernon, and had started Community College before spending two years in the United States Navy during World War II.
From the time he was nine years old, when he helped his father remodel a barn, he knew he wanted to be in the construction business. So with the war over, and two years with the Austin Company, he started his own building construction firm, Bustad, Inc., in 1948; and he has successfully operated it since, though not as aggressively now as previously. In 1964 he started the Riverside Millwork and Building Supply, Inc. of Mount Vernon, of which he was Chairman of the Board until he sold the company in 1980. John and Luella have a son, a daughter and three grandchildren. John enjoys gardening, hunting, fishing, boating and traveling. COMMUNITY SERVICES His services to his community and profession have been numerous, including Mount Vernon City Councilman, President of the Mount Vernon Y.M.C.A., member of the Board of the Salem Lutheran Church, member of the Board of Regents of Pacific Lutheran University, and President of the Seattle Chapter of the Associated General Contractors. His administration of the Contractors Association, its bulletins and public relations, were patterned after Rotary's pamphlet on Trade and Professional Associations and drew wide and favorable comment.
LIFE WITH ROTARY John joined the Rotary Club of Mount Vernon in 1952, President in 1972-73. Typical of John was his announcement on assuming office that he had set his goal for the year to have that club become the friendliest club in the District.
Both before and after his year as governor, he has been active in the affairs of District 504, and keeps himself current in Rotary matters by attending District Conferences, International Conventions, and Zone Institutes. His club made him a Paul Harris Fellow in 1978. His wife, Luella, adds much to his and others enjoyment of Rotary with her pictures of so many who are at the meetings he attends. His son, John, is principal of the Puyallup High School, and the 1981-82 Treasurer of the Rotary Club there. IN HIS GOVERNOR YEAR In his year as governor the Vancouver Lions Gate Club was chartered. He feels that the highlight of that year was his visit in England with John Vanderzicht, and the men of the Group Study Exchange, when they attended the District Conference there.