The Mirror has named Bob Darrigan as February’s Citizen of the Month, an honor that he feels someone else could have earned.

“I’m delighted and surprised,” Darrigan said. “There’s so many people in this community that deserve that honor. I feel like I’ve been honored so many times by The Mirror and by other people, let’s spread it around.”

The previous honor Darrigan referenced include a 2013 column in The Mirror by Nandell Palmer, in which Darrigan was the subject of one of Palmer’s “I Celebrate You” recognitions. Palmer wrote that Darrigan “exudes service to others without ever thinking twice about his mission.”

During that 2013 celebration of Darrigan, Palmer reported that “people paid heartfelt tributes to Darrigan,” including one recovering substance addict that said Darrigan was instrumental in helping on the road to recovery.

“He has a way of looking you straight in your eyes, and that says a lot to me,” Palmer reported the woman as saying. “What that meant is that he saw me as a human being, not as a subhuman. He cares about people a great deal, which sets him apart in my book.”

Palmer also noted Darrigan’s modesty, reporting that Darrigan, in his acceptance speech at that event, shared that he “(has) great gifts, but all the gifts are to be given away.”

Darrigan has been involved with local service organizations for years, including the Lion’s Club since 1990. He is also a published poet, his words having been shared throughout Western Washington and beyond.

Currently, his days are mostly focused on taking care of his wife, Sharon, who has been in the hospital recovering from a number of maladies related to a stroke.

“Bob just has a heart for helping individuals and his community,” said Nancy Rathe, a fellow Lion’s Club member who nominated Darrigan. “He always puts a positive spin on what’s going on and works tirelessly … I am a better person for having known Bob and I know he has touched the hearts of many others.”