Boone Memorial Hospital
Would like to congratulate
Mike Fankhauser as the BMH Employee of the Year and
Recipient of the  James F. Trusley Sr. Award of Excellence

Boone Memorial Hospital 2009 Employee of the Year,
Mike Fankhauser
Written by: Karlie Belle Price
 
This year’s recipient of the James F. Trusley Award of Excellence is known for his great knowledge and insight in his area of expertise, extreme dedication to his job and hard work ethic. Mike Fankhauser has spent nearly 20 years as a member of the Maintenance Department at Boone Memorial Hospital and for the past ten years has served as Director.
 
“Mike has been one of the most loyal, dedicated and talented employees in his field that BMH has ever had. His talent has saved BMH hundreds of thousands of dollars in construction and remodeling,” said Tommy Mullins, BMH Administrator.
 
Mike and his crew handles everything dealing with the building and grounds.
“We repair it, replace it, and re-do it,” said Mike. “Basically anything that needs fixed we do it. Very little is farmed out,” Mike added.
 
A typical day for Mike may consist of computer wiring, remodeling a room, cutting grass or repairing the telephone system. Mike and his crew replaced the entire roof in about 2 years. They maintain the Physical Therapy building, the laundry area, and Sleep Clinic to name a few. They also recently remodeled the Emergency Room waiting area and hall-way, and re-did the Nurse’s Lounge and BMH Chapel.
 
The Maintenance Crew also remodeled the entire BMH Medical Clinic. “They did such a great job making and installing the counter tops. They look great,” said Cindy Jeffrey.
 
Mike is one of a kind. He works extremely hard and strives for perfection in his work.
 
"Mike is one of those guys that you will never ever be able to replace". He is someone you wish you had about dozen of; he's just that good of an employee". Boone Memorial would not be what it is today without Mike Fankhauser,” said Mark Linville, Executive Director of General Services.
 
Mike is extremely humble and praises his crew. “We really have a good group of guys. One has a Master’s Electrician’s License and a Master’s Plumbing License. They all do really good work,” he said.
 
Mike also has a Master’s Electrician’s License and Master’s Plumbing License and a wealth of knowledge.
 
“We know Mike is always there when he is needed and this hospital would never be the same without him. He is probably the most indispensible employee BMH has. I don’t think Mike could ever be replaced because no one could come into his job and have the knowledge to keep the building in operation and in compliance,” said Lois Holliday, Human Resources Department.

Mike graduated from Scott High School in 1961. Shortly after high school he worked at Cohen Drug Store for about 6 months. He then moved to Arlington, Virginia where he worked for a couple of plumbing contractors for about 6 years.
 
“I was in Virginia about 6 months before I got married. We were married in Boone County at the Madison Methodist Church by Reverend Byrd. My wife Pearl is originally from Lenore, WV. We wanted to come back home to West Virginia and eventually moved back to Madison,” explained Mike.
 
When Mike and Pearl moved back to WV he went to work for WV Heating and Plumbing in Charleston for about 6 years. He then went into business with Tom Dolin in Madison for several years before coming to BMH.
 
Mike and Pearl have one son, Michael Allen. He works for an Environmental Company in Greensboro, NC. Michael has one son, Seth Allen, 17 who is graduating from high School this year. Seth will attend NC State University (Wolf Pack) this summer to study Agriculture.
 
Mike’s hard work ethic continues when he leaves BMH. “It seems like most of the time when I leave work I go home to work more,” Mike laughed. “I have about 5 acres of yard to mow. But when I do have free time I enjoy going four-wheeling and being outside. I love going into the woods. I also love to fish at my camp at Cranberry River in Nicholas County. We also have a camp in Canada,” added Mike.
 
Mike and Pearl have three dogs; a Yorkie, Howdy, a Schnauzer, Lucky Moon and an Australian Sheppard mix, Bobbie who he got from the Putnam County Animal Rescue.
 
When Mike was asked what was going through his mind when his name was announced at the BMH Award’s Banquet, he laughed and said, “Honestly, I thought they had made a mistake. Seriously, I was so surprised but really proud and happy. I also really appreciate all the comments I’ve gotten from the people I work with. There really are some good people at BMH. That’s my favorite thing about working here…it’s truthfully the people."
 
Below is the nomination letter submitted and read aloud at the BMH Award’s Banquet held on April 27th 2009.
 
When we see this year’s James F. Trusley Award winner, we usually see them in their everyday routine which is usually anything but routine. Others see a person that has great knowledge and insight in the area of their expertise, yet others may see a lighter side of somewhat a prankster.  But regardless of what you see, the one thing you can always see is someone who is dedicated to their job and to Boone Memorial Hospital.
 
This year’s recipient never draws attention to themselves or wants to be in the lime light, but yet the truth of the matter is Boone Memorial would not be what it is today without this individual.  Were talking about someone who probably single handedly has saved tens of thousands of dollars if not hundreds of thousands of dollars for the hospital over the expansion of their career, but thinks it’s all in a days work. And a day’s work is exactly what you get out this person. Their day doesn’t always stop when the time clock does. It only stops when the problems or issues are resolved, and only then until the next one arises.
 
Many words could describe what a unique person this is:  Talented, gifted, dedicated, hard working and yes even a little cantankerous at times, but no one could ever fill their shoes. This person is a Friend to all who work with them each and everyday, and to those who need him in their time of crisis.  This years James F. Trusley Award recipient and Boone Memorial Hospital’s employee of the year is none other than…Mike Fankhauser.
 
Congratulations Mike! You are very deserving of this award and we are so proud of you! 

BMH Board of Trustees, Administration and Staff.