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his 2 i s 26 years in Scouting to the museum. "By donating what I have to the muse- um, it has encouraged others to donate their special items to the museum so that they can be seen by many more people." The Belleville native was only three years old when his father died and Scouting provided a male role model for him. He joined the 3rd Belleville Cub pack led by Gord Power in 1959. "He (Power) was one of the most pro- found influences in my early years and that started me on my love of Scouting, which has never died," he said. He remained in Scouting until the age of 16. Deryaw returned to Scouting -- as a vol- unteer leader -- when his son, Bob, started with 5th Belleville Beavers in 1977. His son was in Scouting for 10 years and earned his Chief Scout's Award. "I'm very proud of him for that," said Deryaw. Deryaw began by helping the 5th Belleville Cub pack and has remained with Scouting ever since. One of his Scouting highlights was the seven years he led the llth Belleville Scout troop at Bridge Street United Church. "We had special needs children' from Sir James Whitney and also kids from the sur- rounding neighbourhood of the church...these were very rewarding years which my wife, Judy, and I and several leaders taught the Scouting program. We all learned together how to communicate with the special needs children." Deryaw learned to help others at a very young age. "My mom always taught me that I should be kind to others and help where I could," he said. Growing up, he helped older residents of his East Moira neighbourhood. He cut their grass, shovelled their driveways and ran errands. "It wasn't for the money. It was just the right thing to do," he said with a smile. That caring attitude has carried over into his working career. The Nicholson Catholic College graduate is celebrating his 34th year at the Belleville hospital. He was an orderly for 10 years and has spent the last 21 years as a regis- tered practical nurse on the rehabilitation ward, helping patients recover from strokes, head injuries and some orthopedic cases. "I feel being an RPN is more like a call- ing than a job because you have an oppor- tunity of giving them comfort and peace of mind during their illness and stay in the rehab ward. When they get better, that's all the thanks I want." He has a simple philosophy. "I always treat them like they are the most important patient on the floor...because I could be in the bed instead of them and I would hope that someone would treat me like I'm treating them," said Deryaw. And there's one more thing. He likes to make his patients laugh. "Laughter is the best medicine. I'm the joker on the floor." Contact Henry Bury at newsroom@intelligencer.ca