A retiree whose community service includes work with the Community Food Bank and Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club has been honored for his efforts.

Biff Messenger received the 2021 Rotarian of the Grand Valley award.

Whittney Smythe-Smith, the assistant governor of Rotary District 5470, and Sam Kevan, district governor-elect, presented the award to Messenger. District 5470 covers the lower two-thirds of Colorado and encompasses 61 clubs with a total of nearly 2,000 members.

Messenger and his wife, Kathleen, moved to Grand Junction to live near their children, John Messenger and Robin Brown, as well as their grandchildren.

Biff Messenger was nominated for the award in part for his efforts to promote Rotary in the Grand Valley and the way he exemplifies the Rotary motto of service above self.

Messenger served as an officer in the Army, living in 10 states and six foreign countries during his career. He later held leadership positions with the Fork Union Military Academy, USAA and TriWest Healthcare Alliance.