Reuben Pyette has two full-time jobs, and both of them involve helping others.

“I’m just an individual in the community trying to make a difference,” says the Emsdale man.

Pyette was born and raised in Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island and moved to the area seven years ago to take a position with Community Living Huntsville.

He began working with the Ministry of Community and Social Services 25 years ago at age 16.

“I saw a lot of abuse of authority, and I wanted to bring some humanity into the field,” he says of his decision to enter a Developmental Services Worker college program after high school. “Everybody has the right to exist.”

The clients he has spent time with have taught him a lot, he says, adding, “You feel a family closeness to those you dedicate yourself to.”

In February, 2006, Pyette also became the owner of Independent Taxi. He had been working part-time for previous owners John and Anne Haughton, and when they decided to retire, Pyette was concerned that people would lose their jobs if someone didn’t step forward and take over the business.

“You have a service that’s growing and a need in the community, and you step up to the plate,” he says. “I certainly didn’t do it for the money.”

Salaries and upkeep on the taxis, which are all owned by Pyette, are expensive, he says. No wonder: they covered about a million miles last year.

Vandalism presents another challenge. Because of sand in gas tanks and screws in tires, Pyette has had to get the parking lot monitored, as well as taking other precautions.  

“That’s all right,” he says. “As long as it pays the bills, I’m happy.”

A self-described workaholic, Pyette doesn’t get a lot of sleep. “I start in the morning around 7:00,” he says. “My feet hit the floor and don’t stop until midnight, sometimes 2 or 3.”

Pyette is proud of the service and support his business provides to all kinds of people, such as seniors, community living clients, and people who receive workmen’s compensation.

Independent Taxi doesn’t yet have a wheelchair-accessible van, but Pyette says that should be coming within a year.  “Right now we’ll send two drivers to lift people into the car if necessary,” he says.

Pyette encourages his staff to get to know their passengers. “People appreciate being talked to,” he says. “The drivers take real responsibility for customers and keep an eye out for them.”

He can’t say enough about his staff, who number 20 at the moment. “They treat me like family,” he says.

He looks fondly at the dispatcher and driver seated nearby and says, “When I’m gone these guys really look after the place. I rely on them a good deal.”

Pyette feels equally positive about his adopted hometown. “I like that Huntsville is a small town that’s keeping its small-town attitude while growing,” he says. “People are concerned about growth, but it has to do with the attitude of people who move here.”

He does have some concerns, however, such as the lack of well-paying jobs in the area. “We need more industry in Huntsville,” he says. “The cost of living up here is outrageous but we have minimum-wage jobs with city prices. It’s scandalous.”

Pyette also thinks some people are afraid to stick their necks out and help others. He argues, “You have to get involved and be a part of the community you’re in because that translates to everyone you meet.”

He adds, “You can say a lot (about being concerned for others), but your actions speak louder than words. You have to be proactive and do the best you can.”

 What kind of community  commitments would he like to add to his plate in the future? “Nobody’s approached me to support a ball team or lacrosse team,” he says. “I wish they would.”