St. Joseph’s Hospital is hosting a ceremony on May 28, starting at 1 p.m., to pay tribute to a long-time member of the community.
There will be a brief ceremony to pay tribute to Doug Third. He was the principal of the former Hillside School for the first 31 years of its history, from 1949-1980, and had a stint as an assistant superintendent.
“One of the things that he became best-known for in our community, that is so much appreciated, is he presided over more than 1,000 vigil, graveside and funeral services,” said hospital executive director Greg Hoffort.
Last year St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church approached the hospital and said they wanted to take up a collection to recognize Third for his years of service, and they wanted the hospital to be home to the tribute. The hospital said they would be happy to do so.
“We certainly recognize and have felt the contribution of Doug Third to his community and to our community, and we were happy to work with the church to recognize this great guy, this great man,” said Hoffort.
Cake and refreshments will be served.
Hoffort said the event is open to the public, and he hopes to see a large crowd show up to pay tribute to Third.
