In Memoriam

The Lee County, Florida community is mourning the loss, but celebrating the life and accomplishments of Lee County Commissioner, former Sanibel Mayor and former National Association of Counties and Florida Association of Counties board member Robert P. (Bob) Janes, who died in his home March 10. Janes was a lifelong public servant and champion for the local community.

Last June, the 5,620 acres of the Babcock Ranch that lie in north Lee County was renamed the Bob Janes Preserve in honor of the active and dedicated role Janes played in negotiating the public purchase and subsequent preservation of this important piece of the local environment.

A memorial fund to collect donations for the Bob Janes Preserve has been established through the Conservation 20/20 Program. Donations may be sent in care of Cathy Olson, Conservation 20/20 Program, 3410 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers FL 33916 . Checks should be made out to “Lee County Board of Commissioners ,” and “Bob Janes Memorial Fund” should be written in the memo.

The REIS Scholarship Foundation has also designated a 2010 scholarship in honor of Commissioner Janes.  Donations to the Commissioner Janes Scholarship may be sent to REIS Scholarship Chairman Shelton Weeks, PhD, Real Estate Investment Society, P.O. Box 9247, Fort Myers, FL 33902-9247.