Integrity, tirelessness and dedication were words used Thursday to describe Pipestem State Park Superintendent Steve Bolar, the recipient of the 2009 Distinguished West Virginian award.

Chief of State Parks Ken Caplinger nominated Bolar for the award and presented it to him Thursday at Bolar’s Summers County home.

The Distinguished West Virginian award was created to honor West Virginians who have contributed significantly to the state or state residents who have brought positive attention to West Virginia.

“Over his 32-year career, Steve Bolar has demonstrated the highest standard of resource and facility management, public service, dedication, self-sacrifice and hard work for the betterment of our state and its citizens, as well as his co-workers and the West Virginia state parks system,” Caplinger said.

Bolar began his career as a young assistant superintendent at Holly River State Park, located south of Buckhannon.

“Steve was the kind of guy who could’ve done anything in the world he wanted to do,” Caplinger said. “We’re just so honored he chose to spend his career in West Virginia state parks and probably sacrificed money and riches and broader fame outside our parks system for the betterment of state parks.”

Throughout his career, Bolar also held superintendent posts at Beech Fork and Caanan Valley.

In his nomination to Gov. Joe Manchin, Caplinger wrote, “(Bolar) is universally respected for his tireless labor, professionalism and personal integrity.

“His career has helped assure that the legacy which is West Virginia state parks will be available for the enjoyment of generations to come.”

Concord University President Emeritus Jerry Beasley said Thursday that Bolar enjoys his work with the state parks.

“I’ve known Steve since he was the assistant superintendent of Holly River,” Beasley said. “When our girls were very young, we used to go up there.

“I never knew anyone who enjoyed what he was doing as much as Steve did.”

Beasley recalled that while he was Concord president the college community was welcomed to Pipestem with open arms under Bolar, whose sons attended Concord.

“They say the proof of the pudding is in the tasting, and Pipestem under his leadership was just such a welcoming and well run place,” Beasley said. “We at Concord always looked at Pipestem as just an extension of our campus, and Steve made the entire Concord community — our golf team, our students who were looking for an outing, trying to clear their heads and reconnect with what matters most in life — we all felt so welcome out there.”

He added Bolar has also made many improvements to Pipestem convention facilities, boosting the region’s economy.

Caplinger said Bolar strongly values the beauty and resources of the parks in West Virginia and that he enjoys sharing them with others.

“He really has spent his career in this parks system trying to ensure these things he values are available for generations to come,” Caplinger said. “It’s been a great run, and we really appreciate Gov. Manchin recognizing his efforts.”

— E-mail: jfarrish@register-herald.com