MARSHALL — Pat Redding is always willing to take time to help neighbors and his Boulder Estates community.

His dedication earned him the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award, which is given to one person in Minnesota each year by the state’s activity professionals association. He was nominated by Boulder Estates staff and residents.

“I was very surprised, ” Redding said. “I didn’t know they nominated me. It’s an honor that they thought of me and that I was chosen from all the dedicated volunteers in the state.”

Redding serves communion every Sunday morning during the video mass. He sings in the Boulder Estates choir, tends the garden area, volunteers for bingo and poker, and often helps neighbors with tasks.

He and his wife, Sandy, moved to Boulder Estates in 2022. She started the Sunday worship service, something Pat decided to continue after she died.

“I promised her that I’d keep it going,” he said. “I’ve found many ways to be involved. I’m not someone who can just sit in my apartment. I want to be out among people and I enjoy making people happy.”

He said part of what inspires him to volunteer is the community oriented atmosphere at Boulder Estates, something that makes everyone almost like family.

“It’s a great place, exactly the kind of place I want to be at my age,” Redding said. “I value the people, the activities and the security.”

He said he benefits in many ways from his work as a volunteer, which makes it well worth the time he invests on a daily basis.

“People appreciate it,” he said. “It makes me feel good. It makes me want to do more of it. I’d encourage everyone to spend at least an hour or two each week serving as a volunteer.”

Boulder Estates Tenant Services Manager Monica Amaya said Redding’s dedication to serving others makes him very worthy of statewide recognition.

“Pat is always thinking of others and showing up for the community,” Amaya said. “We are so proud of this well deserved recognition and grateful for all the ways Pat serves and uplifts Boulder Estates every day.”