Oldies but Goldies

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: DAN GALLANT An interview by Terry Peachey If you're looking for a good bowl of homemade soup and a pleasant hour of chatting with an amazing Rotarian, head over to visit Dan. He knows just about everything there is to know about Rotary, having been a member of 5 clubs since 1980. As well, he was president of the Saskatoon Club in 1985. Dan has done memorable projects with Rotary, including his major work with the Rotary World Help Network. Over 230 containers, with a value over $100 million have been shipped to needy areas of the world. Dan is often the guy behind the wheel of the big truck heading out to hospitals and businesses to collect used equipment and then load it into the containers. While a member of a Vancouver Rotary Club, Dan was instrumental is establishing a program called 'Adventures in Technology', which provided opportunities for grade 10 and 11 students to get a look at the growing technology industry in Vancouver. Two days of workshops by business leaders and visits to hi-tech sites gave many kids the inspiration for a promising career. A sense accomplishment exudes from Dan when he describes how he has helped raise $32 million for the University of Victoria and sit on the co-op advisory board there. He has been honored by the opportunity to speak to students both at UVic and the University of Saskatchewan. Dan has interesting stories to tell of his younger days living on Prince Edward Island, where he was the oldest of 6 kids. He worked on the farms and in construction before taking his first trip off the island on Boxing Day in 1963. He headed to the big city of Toronto, much to his mother's concern, where he began his long and successful career as a banker. Heading 'home' to the island in the summer is now a family ritual. Dan and his wife, Marion, have a beautiful cottage there and strong ties to the community. Dan describes himself as focused and driven, although he feels he has mellowed now that he is retired. Marion was worried about how he would handle retirement, but life looks good right now. Dan considers himself fortunate to be able to give back to the community and we consider ourselves fortunate to have him in our club!