Update: United Way of Snohomish County provided video of the award winners.

Today, George Janecke received United Way of Snohomish County’s prestigious Spirit Award. The awards are given each year to local volunteers who are heroes in their community.

While George is proud of his 30-plus years of service with The Boeing Company, it’s volunteering that he calls his “life-fulfilling vocation”.

“I get my recognition from the people I work with,” George says. “Volunteering is such a beautiful two-way street.”

When George started volunteering 25 years ago with cancer patients, he quickly realized how grateful he was for the blessings in his own life. In addition to the hospice program, George gives time to the Lynnwood Food Bank, the Lynnwood Library, VFW post 1040 and at a rehabilitative center where he sings and reports the news—but only the good news!

George says volunteer work has kept him young—perhaps that’s why, at 84, he’s still running marathons.

He was also recently recognized by President Obama with a national award for volunteering.

George is a longtime Lynnwood resident and has served on the City Council and Library Board.

Photo and information courtesy of United Way of Snohomish County.