It’s never too late to become a Peace Activist.  As you listen to Bob McKechnie,  who grew up as an obvious gay in a small California town in the 1950’s, you’ll hear his journey to live an authentic life. Because gays were not accepted at the time, Bob suffered a deep fear of violence even though he was never a victim. This fear was the emotional basis for his peace activism.

Bob married at age 26, became the father of a son, launched a career as an English teacher and school counselor, and made feeble attempts to live an acceptable life. It didn’t work.  Quickly Bob realized that his inauthentic life hurt others. Something had to change.  Bob divorced but remained a dedicated father and helpful ex-husband. 

After retirement Bob started to assist several non-profits in his home, the Coachella Valley.  He ended up as Executive Director for the Cathedral City Senior Center.  In 2020 Bob attended the Rotary E-Club of World Peace conference. That was his turning point. Bob became a dedicated peace activist at the age of 80.

Bob became the co-founder and co-coordinator of California for a World BEYOND War that opposes war between and within nations.  With that experience under his belt, he founded the Cathedral City Peace Initiative and got Cathedral City designated as an International City of Peace.  Bob leads weekly peace meditations, demonstrates weekly on one of the busiest streets in the city, advocates for peace with civic groups, and serves as the administrative and spiritual leader for the group. Bob is one very active Peace Maker that keeps making peace wherever he may be.

See the Cathedral City Peace Initiative on Facebook.