Laurie Grubb brings a deep, lifelong commitment to supporting veterans—a dedication shaped heavily by her family history. Coming from a proud military family, service is in her blood: her father was a World War II veteran, her husband is a retired US Army serviceman, her oldest brother served in the Army, her youngest brother is retired Navy, and her sister is married to an Air Force member.

Before finding her second home at Legion Branch 256, Laurie balanced careers as an RCMP cell block Matron for seven years and a Royal Bank employee for 17 years. As retirement approached, she knew she wanted to channel her energy into volunteering for a cause close to her heart. Stepping into Branch 256 to inquire about about opportunities, she immediately connected with the Legion’s core mission: serving veterans and their families.

Though her extensive banking knowledge meant she was initially asked to assist in finance and the branch office, Laurie wanted a fresh challenge. She found her true start in the heart of the branch: the kitchen. While she already knew how to cook for her family, adjusting to a commercial environment came through trial, error, and the invaluable mentorship of Wendy Forth, the branch’s current Catering/Kitchen Chair. By her second year, Laurie’s rapid engagement caught the attention of branch leadership. She quickly joined the executive-at-large, becoming Assistant Secretary-Treasurer alongside Wendy.

As her hands-on experience grew and her dedication was recognized by the membership, Laurie was elected Second Vice-President. Within just one year, a whirlwind of sudden executive resignations thrust her unexpectedly into the First Vice-President position and, ultimately, the Presidency. She stepped up without hesitation but credits Lew Forth, current 2nd Vice-President, for his support. “I don’t know if I could have completed tasks successfully without his guidance; he is very knowledgeable about our veterans. He was the best mentor.”

In September 2024, Laurie’s relentless hard work across all her roles was officially recognized on a grander scale. Nominated by MLA Sheila Malcolmson, Laurie was honoured to receive the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Even with this honour, Laurie considers her greatest ccomplishment to be her advocacy and fundraising with Wounded Warriors. With a close family member who suffers greatly from PTSD, Laurie takes fundraising for mental health resources very seriously. Her efforts have achieved outstanding financial results, with the Branch raising over $25,000 for Wounded Warriors two years in a row.

Today, as Volunteer Chair, she continues to support the leadership team and guide the branch’s ongoing success as Past President. Looking ahead, Laurie’s greatest hope is that Branch 256 can retain and engage the new faces who signed up during the Legion’s National Centenary free membership year. She points out that the branch still relies on a core group of only about 40 dedicated people who routinely manage multiple volunteer tasks and pull shifts up to five days a week.

Laurie’s goal is to inspire this new generation of members to step forward, share the workload, and keep the vibrant spirit of Branch 256 thriving for years to come.

Story by Kim Rogers PR & Media Chair 256