Bobby Page: Stockton Barber Honoring Veterans for 34 Years
Stockton barber Bobby Page grew up with dreams of joining the U.S. Air Force and spent his Stagg High School years with the NJROTC preparing to join the ranks. But those dreams were dashed when hearing problems disqualified him from enlisting. It was a blow at the time, but it hasn’t kept him from honoring those who served by holding special events and posting veterans’ photos prominently on the walls of his Village Barbershop in Lincoln Center. People often thank him for his devotion to recognizing our veterans, but Bobby says he is the one who is honored when someone shares a photo with him to add to the collection.
The 71-year-old barbershop now showcases over 300 photos, some dating back to World War II. Whether by appointment or walk-in, customers come for a great haircut or a clean shave but they also find a warm welcome and a place to exchange stories, form friendships and share camaraderie often sparked by the conversation-starting photos. A big part of that welcome is Bobby’s crew, Tam Ho, Loi Hoang and Gina McKenna. Each is gifted in the art of barbering and shares his passion for excellence and service.
Finding His Passion
While Bobby has always been a people person, he wasn’t always a barber. He began his career with the department of corrections but in 1990 he made the switch, attended barber college, and never looked back. In 2005 he bought the Village Barbershop and still marvels at how good it feels to be in a career that is such an ideal fit. “November 3 will mark 34 years that I’ve been doing this, and I sometimes still can’t believe how nice and gratifying the job is, meeting people and getting to know them,” he affirmed. Bobby’s appreciation extends to his wife of 43 years, Nadine, their kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren. “They help me sell raffle tickets every year and give me so much support in every way.”
In 2007 Bobby heard about Becky Mizener’s Packed with Pride event, which sends care packages to troops overseas. He immediately took steps to get involved and watched in awe as, year after year, more businesses and people gave their support. Under the guidance of his dear friend Marine veteran Tino Adame Jr. and with the help of many others, including the Karl Ross Post #16 and the Stockton Marine Corps Club, the annual Lincoln Center event has grown and expanded its positive impact to include first responders as well as veterans on the first Saturday of every November. Professional music, catered food, official ceremonies and even flyovers are now part of the special day. “It’s all to honor and show appreciation for those who have sacrificed,” Bobby said. “I just want to show our veterans how much we truly love and appreciate them by paying tribute.”
In Memoriam
Bobby’s lifelong passion for honoring those who serve and keeping their memories alive has a poignant origin. During the Vietnam war, while all the young men they knew were getting deferments to attend college, one of his brother’s friends, Ray Turner, volunteered for the Army Infantry in Vietnam. “When my brother and friends asked him why, when he could go to college, his answer was, ‘So one of you won’t have to go.’ Sadly, on his first day in a hot landing zone under heavy fire, Ray was shot by a sniper. I have quietly dedicated all that I do in his memory as well as to the rest who paid the ultimate price serving our great country and community,” Bobby shared.
“I always wanted to be in the military,” he explained. “When I bought the barber shop it was filled with sports pictures but I saw an opportunity to honor our veterans by putting their photos up there instead.” When it comes to those walls now covered in veterans’ photos, there is one thing Bobby would like to clear up, however. “Sixteen years ago, I was misquoted and somehow it’s been picked up by other publications ever since,” he said with a laugh. “What I really said, and what I still want people to know, is this: Each face represents a blade of grass in a field of freedom for the United States,” he explained in a poetic analogy of what these individuals and their sacrifices mean to him.
To learn more about Village Barber Shop Stockton, Lincoln Shopping Center, 409 Lincoln Center, Stockton, California, call 209-477-1431 or visit villagebarbershopstockton.com.
