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RI Theme "Review and Renew"

PERSONAL

Harold Stafford was born in 1904 in Phoenix, a small mining town in the Kootenays of British Columbia. There he received his elementary education. His high schools were in Ladysmith and Nanaimo; his normal school in Victoria, and his B.A. and Masters in Educational Administration from University of Alberta.

His teaching career was in Hutton, Peachland, Edmonton and Kimberly; and his Inspectorships and Superintendencys included Prince George, Courtney, New Westminster, Squamish and the Langley District. He was a member of, and was honored by, the several B.C. and Canadian Educational Associations for his contributions and guidance.

In 1929 he married Dorothea Smith, also a teacher, who aided him throughout his career. They have two sons, David and Donald.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

In addition to his contributions to many hundreds of young British Columbians, he was active in other community affairs including Chambers of Commerce, his Masonic Lodge and both the United and Anglican Churches. He and Dorothea organized a new and extensive program, supported by the B.C. government, for young students to visit different communities in the province. He has been a member of three Centennial Committees.

ROTARY

Harold joined the Rotary Club of Courtney in 1948, but because of the traveling required by his work, he was unable to continue his membership there. He joined the Langley Club in January, 1963, and was that club's President in 1966-67. He approached Rotary with the same dedicated commitment that he showed for anything that he firmly believed in. He was always impressed with the international scope of Rotary.

IN HIS GOVERNOR YEAR

As Governor he endeavored to establish the Interact Program in District 504, but found that our young people had so many things to do already. During that year the North Snohomish Club was formed. Harold was an eloquent speaker, a warm friend whose opinion and advice were often sought. He was always cordially welcomed in clubs when he made a return visit.

The Langley Club honored him with a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1976.