Dr. Daryn McClure knows about hard work and commitment to community.

He currently serves as lead physician for the Banner Health Center on Ellsworth Loop Road. He’s also a third generation Queen Creek resident whose grandparents worked the land before there even was a town called Queen Creek. 

Like many who come from Queen Creek, McClure recognizes the town’s explosive growth but still marvels at how it can keep its small-town appeal.

McClure believes that in these times of divisiveness it is more important than ever to serve one’s community.

Here’s more on this month’s Hometown Hero.

Name: Daryn McClure

Age: 50

Business Name: Banner Health Center

Town/neighborhood: Queen Creek

When and why I moved here: I am the third generation that has lived in Queen Creek. My grandparents, Newell and Katherine Barney, came to Queen Creek after Newell returned from his service in the Army during WWII. They worked hard clearing the desert and establishing a cotton and potato farm. I grew up here in Queen Creek and was in the second graduating class of 40 students from Queen Creek High School.

What I like most about living here: Although there has been tremendous growth in Queen Creek, I feel that there is still a sense of community. I enjoy my neighbors and friends. It has been a great place to raise my children.

What I do: I am the site lead physician at the Banner Health Center on Ellsworth Loop Road. I am a family physician who cares for patients of all ages.

Personal background highlights: My personal highlights are centered around my family. I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. I enjoy attending their swim meets, tennis matches, volleyball games, choir concerts and theatrical performances.

Professional background highlights: I have been in medical practice in Queen Creek since 2003. Recently, I completed an MBA degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Since the pandemic, in addition to my normal medical practice, I have had the opportunity to work in the hospital caring for COVID patients.

What I like most about what I do: As a physician I enjoy my relationships with my patients. I find it rewarding to not only treat illness and relieve suffering, but also to help my patients make important lifestyle choices to avoid illness and lead healthier lives.

What does being nominated for this category mean to you? I am humbled to be nominated.

What does it mean to be a Queen Creek resident? As a resident of Queen Creek, I think it is important to contribute to the community. Especially with all the turmoil in our society, I believe it is vital that we look for opportunities to be kind. We must look outside ourselves to help, support and lift those around us.

What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better? I feel my work as a physician is meaningful and provides a service to the community. But more than that, I hope that my community is a better place because of the way I treat others with respect and kindness.

What would you tell people about why it's important to make a difference in Queen Creek? As we see conflict and strife on a global or national level, we may feel powerless to effectuate change or make things better. But we each have the power to make a difference in our community. Through small and simple acts of kindness and service we can brighten someone’s day, ease a neighbor’s burden, or lend a listening, empathetic ear to show that we care.

Changes I'd like to see in this area: I think it is important to have smart, forward-looking plans to ensure that our community has the infrastructure to support the growing population. We also need to ensure high-quality schools and educational opportunities for our children

Favorite community cause & why: I am active in my church and find satisfaction as I am able to serve with the other members of my congregation.

My family: I’m married and have six children. Four of my children are grown, my two oldest are married and we welcomed our first granddaughter just before Christmas.

My interests and hobbies: I enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures. I enjoy trying new foods.

The trait(s) I admire in others: Kindness, hard work, intelligence

People who inspired me (and how): When I was just a young boy, I worked with my grandfather in the cotton fields chopping weeds. He would pick me up before dawn every day of the summer except Sunday. It was hot, tiring work but I learned important lessons in the cotton fields. I learned the importance of hard work and doing my best. I learned the value of a dollar and saving for the future. I learned the importance of an education, so I didn’t have to chop weeds my whole life. Looking back, my grandfather was not as concerned about removing the weeds from the cotton fields as he was about teaching me important life lessons.

My guiding philosophy: My faith in God and my desire to allow Him to be the author of my story guides my choices. I try to follow the golden rule and treat others as I would like to be treated.

My advice to today’s youth: My advice to today’s youth is to prepare themselves for the future by working hard and developing life skills to be successful adults. Set goals to be the best version of themselves. Do not compare themselves to others but make sure they are on a path of continuous improvement being just a little better each day.