District Governor Lion John R Dobbs. Lion John was born and grew up in Iowa. He moved to Minneapolis where he attended high school and the University of Minnesota. He moved to Fargo, North Dakota in 1969, a community that he and his wife Anita now call home.
John was introduced to the Fargo Lions and Lionism by Lion Bruce Furness in 1984. He served as Tailtwister in 1985, moving on to the Board and then into the chairs, serving as President in 1989-90. He served as Zone Chair in 1994-95, as well as chair of a variety of committees over the years. Rejoining the 5NE Cabinet in July, 2004, he served as Retention Chair and then Leadership Chair. He was elected Vice District Governor Elect in October, 2005 and currently serves as Dist 5NE District Governor. He cites PDG Lyle Swor as his Lions role model. "Lyle is ever involved and is the embodiment of our motto, "We Serve"!
John's goals as District Governor are to add three new clubs and to promote club renewal throughout the District. He hopes to limit distractions so as to be able to help clubs focus on the major charitable works of community, sight, and youth.
John entered the insurance and investment business in 1960. He attained his CLU and Chfc designations throught the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. As a salesman, he earched Million Dollar Roundtable Life Membership status. He spent the last 16 years of his career as Agency Head for Northwestern Mutal, retiring in 1996, capping off his final year by earning the General Agency Achievement Award.
John is an active member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church where he sings tenor in two choirs. He served as head of the religious training program for public school students as well as a member of his parish council. He is an active member of his Masonic Lodge and is in line to be Master in 2009. He enjoys musical activities in the Shrine, as well, where he sings tenor in the Chanters, a men’s chorus.
John and Anita enjoy their family, music, theatre and travel. They’ve visited nearly all of the Presidential Homes and Libraries and have enjoyed foreign travel as well. When time allows, they enjoy time at their seasonal home in Arizona.
John and Anita have four children. Joe (Past President of the Fargo Lions), Jim, Barbara and Dennis. They have four grandchildren, ages 20, 14, 10 and 3 with another on the way!
