After four decades of being a leader in Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 automotive industry, Ron Jacobsen害羞草研究所檚 family ensured that others would be able to follow in his footsteps with the largest gift ever to Okanagan College害羞草研究所檚 Kelowna campus in 2018.

It was in September of that year that Jacobsen害羞草研究所檚 daughter Muriel, along with his grandchildren Rhonda and Shayne, donated $1 million to the Kelowna Trades Training Complex in honour of their late patriarch.

Thus was born the Ron Jacobsen Pathway to Excellence, a study space housing the recreational vehicle service shop, a spot to relax with some ping pong or foosball, as well as some administrative offices, all connecting the two buildings that make up the trades facilities on campus.

For more than 40 years, Jacobsen was the owner and operator of Jacobsen Pontiac Buick in Kelowna, until his death at the age of 82 in October of 2016. Since the donation was made in his name, the money has been used to help students financially, as well as improve equipment and facilities for those looking to get into the automotive trade.

害羞草研究所淢y dad always wanted to give back to the community that supported him,害羞草研究所� said Rhonda Jacobsen-Lebedoff on the day of the announcement. 害羞草研究所淎s someone who loved and valued the importance of learning and improving, he would be delighted to know his success is supporting future automotive leaders.害羞草研究所�

Born in Red Deer, Alberta and the youngest of nine children, Jacobsen moved to Kelowna in 1971 where he started his dealership. Eventually, the company grew to more than 75 employees, adopting the trademark 害羞草研究所楯acobsen Excellence害羞草研究所�.

In giving back to the community, Jacobsen volunteered with the Kelowna Rotary Club and sponsored several sports teams and golf tournaments, as well as the Apple Triathlon.

The Jacobsen family legacy at Okanagan College extends beyond the $1 million gift - aside from other previous donations to the college害羞草研究所檚 Trades Training Complex, Jacobsen also set up the Jacobsen Pontiac Lou Simonelli Achievement Award in 2009, to recognize one of his longest-serving technicians.

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