Even as a young child, Cameron Park resident Gary Washburn knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a pastor. Growing up in a small Indiana town, he admired the way his dad held a place of respect in the community. “He was a leader, somebody people looked up to and admired,” Washburn reminisces. After attending Bible college, Washburn began his pastorship; however, not everything went according to plan. In 1994, he lost his ministry due to a change in leadership and found himself with little life direction. Despite the challenge, Washburn went on to a successful career in the financial services industry as a married father of three.

Currently, he’s the local distributor of SendOutCards, a card-mailing service, and an active member of the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce—where he was named “Volunteer of the Year” for 2015. In his spare time, he sings acapella with the Barbershop Harmony Society and speaks to the community about successful life habits for local business and networking groups. In addition, he’s back at the pulpit part-time with Placerville First Christian Church. And although his father passed away last year at the age of 90, Washburn will never forget the influence he had on his life. “He was my mentor and coach from as early as I can remember,” he shares. “I think it’s safe to say we were equally proud of each other.”

 By Amber Foster 

Q&A

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?

A: Ask more questions; listen more; talk less.

Q: What comes to you naturally?

A: Public speaking and teaching.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: Slow drivers in the fast lane.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: The beautiful, productive and loving people my children have become.

Q: Favorite humanitarian cause?

A: International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES), which serves displaced people in natural disaster areas (floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc.).

Q: Best words of wisdom you’ve received?

A: “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Favorites

Author/writer: Kody Bateman (Promptings)

Escape: The beach

Guilty pleasure: Ice cream

Meal in town: Fish and chips at Placerville Brewing Co.

Local landmark: Placerville Bell Tower

Movie: Hoosiers

Local nonprofit: Placerville First Christian Church

Saying: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”—Maya Angelou