ST. GEORGE – Ski Ingram was honored and recognized for his service to the community by the St. George City Council last week. Ingram, who is moving to Arizona, has resided in St. George for over a decade. During this time, he has been heavily involved in veteran-centric groups and events. At last week’s ceremony, he said it felt funny being recognized for what he loved to do.
Before the official business of the City Council began last Thursday, Mayor Jon Pike asked Ingram to stand in front of the council while he read a proclamation citing aspects of Ingram’s life and service.
“I, Jonathan T. Pike, Mayor of the City of St. George, Utah, do hereby proclaim our appreciation to Ski Ingram for all he has done for the veterans and citizens of the City of St. George,” Pike said as he read the proclamation.
“We all appreciate what you’ve done,” Pike said.
Ingram and his wife, Diane, moved to St. George 12 years ago. He has served the Army and the National Guard and received various commendations and medals for his service. He has also served as a law enforcement officer.
A lifetime member of the American Legion, Ingram is known by many in the community as the adjutant of American Legion Post 90. A Vietnam War veteran, he has also been heavily involved in many veteran-centric events and had a hand in helping to create the St. George Veterans Advisory Council.
Recently, Ingram and the local American Legion organized an event in which the actions of veteran Joe Hamblin and others were recognized. Hamblin received the Legion’s Medal of Valor for risking his own safety to prevent a potentially devastating car accident in March.
“It’s strange getting recognized for doing something I like to do,” Ingram said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of what I’ve done.”
Ingram said he nonetheless appreciated the council’s recognition, as well as those who attended the council to pay their respects. Members of the American Legion were present, along with others from the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce and other groups Ingram has been a part of and worked with.
“It’s bittersweet,” Ingram said. “We want to be close to our children and grandchildren, but it’s amazing how many people I’ve gotten to know and love in this community. It’s a tight knit community.”
Of his service to the community, Ingram said it’s a hobby he loves. While others may have a hobby of golfing, he gets involved..
Mark Heiner, a funeral director with Spilsbury Mortuary and a friend of Ingram’s, said the recognition is well-deserved.
Ski said that he was receiving an award for doing something he loves. It’s very true. He loves the service work that he does, and I’m glad the City of St George acknowledged his efforts tonight. It’s been my privilege to work with him in honoring and recognizing our veterans. His dedication and commitment to his fellow Legionnaires is inspiring. I’ve shared many of his articles regarding patriotism with my family and children. His efforts in St George will be missed. I’m grateful to call him my friend.
Ingram and his wife are moving to Gilbert, Arizona, later this month, he said, yet doesn’t feel his new home will be quite the same.
“Most communities aren’t like this,” Ingram said. “I was a police officer in Long Beach, California, for 26 years. I didn’t know the people in that community as well as I do the people in this community. So it’s hard to leave.”
As for being involved in the community, he encourages others to do the same.
“I try encourage everybody to get involved in the community,” he said. “If you do things in the community, not only does it make the community better, it makes you better. The community can’t survive if people don’t get involved.”
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