In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Bill Justus.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Rockglen SK, but I moved here after many years traveling with the military. I've been in Kelowna 18 years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Carmen my wife, we laugh, work and giggle together.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Fiji, where it's warm and there's sun.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Fresh Air, the gear, the bikes and the employees.
What is your favourite activity?
Running and hiking.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza from Wing N It Pizza in Rutland.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Probably when I was in the military and reset the pressure on a herc landing gear in the wrong order and there was enough fuel in the auxiliary tanks to shift and stand the herc up on its tail. In the middle of the #1 parking spot for reserved special aircraft.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Running with and against Frank Shorter, he was past his prime and I was in mine. it was an honour to race him, talk with him and enjoy his talent, even if only for a few short hours.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Boy, that's a long time ago.... It would have to be getting a brand new pair of Adidas runners from my parents at 12. That was huge since money was tight and I knew it. My dad thought that 'running was an absurd pastime to which to exhaust ones self on', yet my parents got me a pair I'll never forget.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I spend most of my days/nights getting ready for my Saturday 9am 'parkrun'. If your not aware, 'parkrun' is a phenomenal global movement that started 14-years-ago in the UK with 13 runners and four volunteers. It is a timed 5K run which is free, every Saturday at the same time in the same location. You are not required to run you may walk/push a stroller, bring your kids and even dogs are welcome. This event has grown from 13 to 3,000,000 registered runners in 14 countries and 1,080 parks globally. I spent 18 plus months getting it to Canada in conjunction with a buddy from Vancouver. All you have to do to participate is register for free at parkrun.ca, print the barcode and bring that with you to Parkinson Rec Centre and find me. I have not missed a Saturday in over 37 weeks and it has been a joy to be apart of and watch people transform as humans, families and couples. It is about 20 hrs a week but I would never consider giving it up. Parkrun is free to all participants, always spelled lower case and fully supported by volunteers and the city for use of the parks and funds raised privately through BC grants and donations from our wonderful business community to pay the yearly licensing fee.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Borders, they separate more than countries.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
This should go with out saying, but I would have to say the use of our trail system to walk or run.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Myra Canyon or Paul's Tomb.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Complete the trails, with overpasses, at Dilworth and Spall, making commuting safer for both pedestrians and cyclists.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our waterfront and sunshine, this place is about as close as you can get to heaven.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) To qualify and afford go to the Canadian Seniors games in NB 2018 and then go to the world's 2018.
2) To go over to The UK and do Busy Park parkrun where it all began
3) Comrades Marathon in South Africa
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a dad to three, a grandfather to five and a retired military Aircraft Electronics Tech.
What is the name of your business/organization?
EKS Grill
Why did you get into/start this business?
We as a family have been in the pub/restaurant business for 30 plus years. If you have been a long time resident here in Kelowna, Ernie Thatcher owned and built Erinies Place by the mall, so we felt there was a need for a family version in Glenmore.
What is the goal of your business?
To feed people real, fresh, homemade food and not break the bank.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Finding talented and caring staff.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would change two things, first would be how my first marriage started and the second being how soon my military career ended.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Holy cow'.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Any of my buddies from my early military days, Glen, Sheldon, Paul, Therese, Olivera, Roger, Tony, Jim, Gina, Norman, Jeff you were my friends of my youth. You helped shape and define me, for that I am grateful! To again be able to sit with any of you to talk and thank-you would be a joy that I cannot describe.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
If you shop local you support Kelowna business and that keeps our little economy growing.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Getting parkrun Okanagan up and running, without a doubt, has been a great journey that I'm grateful for.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Courtney Friesen! A focussed young lady that goes about nursing and caring for people without fan fare.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Trevor Haaheim, head coach of the Big White ski racers.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
If your looking for good, homemade food locally sourced and with flavour and no fillers, come try us out. You won't be disappointed.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.
