Introducing our 2026 Honorees
This year at Western Days, we will honor three founding families: Ellen and Don Atkins; Patricia and Malcolm Deisenroth; and Phyllis and George Dotson. Their leadership and generosity helped shape Saint Simeon’s into what it is today. In their honor, our 2026 theme is “Stars and Stories – Remembering Our Legends,” celebrating visionary leadership and the lasting impact of those who step forward when it matters most.
Every community is shaped by individuals who quietly step forward to lead, serve, and build something that will last for generations. The legends we celebrate at Western Days 2026 are a few of those individuals. Through leadership in their families, professions, and community, they have helped shape the story of Saint Simeon’s and ensure that this remarkable community continues to flourish.
Western Days is our opportunity to honor these leaders — the people whose vision, generosity of spirit, and commitment to others have helped create a community where older adults can live with dignity, connection, and purpose.
Ellen and Don Atkins
Ellen and Don Atkins began their five decades of service to Saint Simeon’s starting in the 1970’s. They participated in and supported every major capital expansion at Saint Simeon’s and always made a leadership gift to support the Employee Christmas Appreciation Fund.
As Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Saint Simeon’s, Don provided invaluable counsel and unparalleled leadership during periods of extraordinary growth. For Don and Ellen, service to Saint Simeon’s is a family tradition that they have passed onto their son and grandson. Their son Blake Atkins served as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for many years and now their grandson Price Atkins serves as Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. Don and Ellen have made a generational impact on Saint Simeon’s.
Patricia and Malcolm Deisenroth
For over 40 years, Malcolm and Pat Deisenroth devoted time, expertise and leadership to Saint Simeon’s. As champions of dementia care, they co-chaired the campaign to build the Memory Center at Saint Simeon’s which Malcolm helped plan, design, and build. The Memory Care Center opened in 1994 and has been home to thousands of residents.
Their legacy at Saint Simeon’s lives on as our Memory Care Center continues to provide top notch care to residents and families living with dementia and Alzheimer’s and through their son, Craig Deisenroth, who continues their legacy of service by serving on the Saint Simeon’s Foundation board.
Phyllis and George Dotson
For more than four decades, Phyllis and George Dotson have exemplified philanthropic leadership of the highest order, guided by deep passion and unwavering commitment. Their generosity has touched countless priorities at Saint Simeon’s, strengthening its mission and expanding its reach.
Beyond their giving, they have inspired others—recruiting neighbors, friends, and colleagues to serve on both the Foundation and Home Boards—thereby cultivating a lasting culture of engagement and support. Their leadership was instrumental in chairing a successful campaign that raised more than $30 million to expand the Assisted Living facilities, ensuring enhanced care for generations to come.
In recognition of their extraordinary dedication, the Dotson Family Assisted Living Center proudly bears their name. The Saint Simeon’s Foundation will forever be grateful to Phyllis and George for their abundant gifts of time, talent, and treasure.
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