GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- Today it's time to give back to a man who has spent his life giving to others, a Grand Valley businessman and philanthropist who has impacted many lives along the way.

Gene Taylor means something different to all the people he's been able to affect throughout his life, from a little league baseball coach, to his work with a local service club.

Community Hospital is recognizing Gene for his service, not only to the hospital, but the city where he's spent his life.

When Grand Junction hears Gene Taylor's name, one word seems to come to everybody's mind.

"They've all said his baseball," his son Tony Taylor said.

"It's youth baseball," Community Hospital president and CEO Chris Thomas said.

But to the community where he's spent his life, Gene means much more than that.

So Friday, friends, family and admirers joined Gene at Hospice at Community Hospital.

"(We are) making sure we recognize Gene for everything he's done for Community Hospital, the foundation, the board of directors," Thomas said as he presented Gene with a lifetime achievement award.

"He's just done so much for Community Hospital and the whole Grand Junction area, we wanted to take this time to recognize him and say thank you," Thomas said.

Gene's son Tony says watching his father's reaction after receiving the award made his day.

"Just watching him talk and respond to it was great," he said.

As a member of the Rotary Club, philanthropist and youth baseball coach, the family says it's Gene's dedication to Grand Junction's kids that people will remember most.

"What people talk to me about, they always say hey, your dad has given so much to the kids in this community,” Tony said. “There's Gene Taylors everywhere, there's numerous Gene Taylors in Grand Junction, and I'm just thankful I got to be his son."

This actually isn't Gene's first lifetime achievement award. Two years ago, the Grand Junction area Chamber of Commerce also recognized him.

Gene's family says he's had some health issues during the last year, so it meant a lot that he was able to come down and accept the award in person.