I plan on giving away a “Rotarian of the Month” pin each month to one Rotarian in the district.  I am asking each of you to send me the name of a Rotarian in your club who has done something that exemplifies to you what being a Rotarian is about

 Although it certainly can be, remember it is not always the person who has done the most work for Rotary that deserves recognition.  One special act of kindness is worth recognition as well.  Make your story short but let me know why you think this person deserves to be Rotarian of the month.  They will receive a special pin as well as having their story written up in our monthly newsletter.   

We will be listing all the names submitted and their story as well.  I am hoping that we have at least one name from every club each month as I am sure that every one of you knows someone who should be recognized.  The deadline for submission (to me directly) is the 20th of each month. 

When I asked for nominations for Rotarian of the Month I knew that it would be a hard decision to make, but I did not realize how hard.  All the Rotarians described below are excellent examples of what being a Rotarian is all about.  Dedication to helping others, giving of their time and friendship and putting Service Above Self.

 

Rotarian of the Month - Don Patrick – Rotary Club of Squamish

Nominated by President Denise Imbeau Rotary Club of Squamish…

Congratulations Don Patrick on 40 Years with the Rotary Club of Squamish!

 

In the beginning: Donald Patrick became a Squamish Rotarian in 1972. His father-in-law, Jim Elliot was a Charter Member Club co-founding the Rotary Club of Squamish in 1966 as business service club.

Getting his feet wet: As soon as Don joined Rotary, he became the Club’s Treasurer, then Secretary, then Vice-President and finally, President during the 1975-76 Club year.  Don has chaired almost all if not every committee including work at the District level.

Highlights over 40 years: Don credits his 5 years as chairman and co-chair of the Sportsman’s Dinner, his 15 years as chairman of the 200 Club and his 20 years chairing Bicycle Safety as his most memorable experiences with Squamish Rotary. In 1980, he received a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Club for service above self.

What has Rotary given back to you?  Don Patrick in his own words: “You only get out of any organization what you put in... no more and expect no more. My expectations have been far exceeded.  Besides, it has made me a mouthy critic of almost anything that exists.... and that takes a lot of confidence, which I do not believe was possessed prior to being a ROTARIAN” 

Other notable things about Don:  He has perfect attendance; hosts executive meetings at his home; unofficial Club historian;  has been known to fix the washing machine while doing breakfast club; super supportive in private messages to all Rotarians;  attended District Conference where he volunteered to be a Sergeant at Arms; willing to take on any task in addition to his official list of items to complete; In addition to Rotary, he volunteers  for the Squamish Flying Club and the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.   

In addition to Don I also received the following nominations.  After you read about them you will realize why it was such a hard choice to make.

Rotarian Darrel Hill – Rotary Club of Burns Lake

Nominated by President Angelika Posselt Rotary Club of Burns Lake – she writes

“I would like to nominate Darrell Hill. He is our second newest club member and has put in quite a few volunteer hours already. Darrell is our club secretary, taking minutes etc... 

Darrell came and helped weed and plant flowers at the Rotary Park in front of the Community College. On another day he and a couple of other Rotarians spent most of a day preparing the tables and benches in the Rotary park, sanding the wood, taking off the boards which needed replacing, cutting the new ones and staining them. As well as sealing the rock pedestals underneath. There is one more work bee scheduled to finish the job.

He also gave a "classification talk" already, which quite a few of our 'older' members have not done yet. He participates at the meetings, which is nice and also attended the Installation BBQ.

 Rotarian Bala Neldoo, Darlene Broadhead and Antonia Beck – Rotary Club Burnaby Metrotown

Nominated by President Anne Baker Rotary Club of Powell River – she writes

My vote for RotarianS of the month is Bala Naidoo, Darlene Broadhead, & Antonia Beck from Metrotown Rotary as they just flew up to Powell River yesterday to be here for my Installation as President!!! They then stayed overnight and flew back the next morning.

They took time out of their very busy middle of the week schedule to miss work and be here for me.  Bala was the President of Metrotown when I joined 6 years ago, Antonia was my sponsor and Darlene is the President at the moment.  They also missed their weekly meeting to be here.  

NOW THAT IS ROTARY SPIRIT!  And friendship at its most amazing!  And support - I just can't believe it and am still 'drunk' on the high!  (I know it is supposed to be one person but this is an unusual story I think).