Image: Screenshot, www.voteprocee.ca / Richard Procee, who operates Hofstede's Country Barn with his wife Tara Hofstede, will run for a second time in this fall's Chilliwack school board race.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Fall election

Longtime Chilliwack resident, business operator and community philanthropist to run for Chilliwack school board

Sep 15, 2022 | 6:30 AM

CHILLIWACK — He’s a McMaster University graduate with a degree in English, and a minor in history and philosophy, who took an unconventional path to becoming the operator, with his wife, of a Chilliwack business that gives back to the community in countless ways.

For the past 25 years, Richard Procee and his wife, Tera Hofstede, have been operating their family market, Hofstede’s Country Barn, employing many students and local residents.

Along the way, Procee and the family business have answered the call to help by funding and supporting everything from the Chilliwack Chiefs to the Society for Community Living, Rotary to Lions Club, Bowls of Hope to Ruth and Naomi’s Mission, and beyond. Chilliwack Community Services, Kiwanis Club, the Salvation Army, Ann Davis Transition House, Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association, and many others have benefited from their magnanimity.

This recurring pattern of generosity in his life helped pave the way for his pursuit of a seat on the Chilliwack school board in this fall’s municipal election, as he works to promote a local education that informs, motivates and inspires.

“[Our] children have experienced first-hand the quality resources of our education system, giving them the courage to and strength to flourish,” Procee said in a press release.

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Recognizing that the existing Chilliwack school board embodies dysfunction at ground-breaking ceremonies and regular meetings, Procee believes he can help usher in a better sense of decorum.

“My desire is to see our school board unified in purpose, building strong relationships while serving the mandate of public education,” Procee said. “My strength is bringing balance and boldness to organizations. My intention is to help build a positive, successful and productive school board. Parents must feel confident that the Chilliwack School District is providing an excellent education tailored to their children’s character.”

Procee approaches this second run for school board bolstered by extensive work experience in construction, contracting and management, equipping him with what he says is a unique understanding of developing early and employable skills. He’s passionate about encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit with a vision for business opportunities. In that context, he wants to see students succeed, aided by encouraging and supportive teachers, so they are empowered to achieve their very best.

“Teachers need the resources to provide students with critical thinking while preparing them with necessary and relevant skills,” Procee remarked. “Our education system equipped with a wealth of resources will enable students to acquire the needed disciplines to succeed in our competitive world. Parents must feel confident that their children are pushed to their potential. Students will learn life skills navigating them into opportunities that will enhance their future and the community they live in. I’m looking forward to serving our students, staff and the people of Chilliwack by bringing my skills and community commitment to the Board of Education.”