Time to remember 50 years in Rotary

 

To mark his 50 years in Rotary, he was invited to be the speaker at the club’s meeting on Nov. 17.

 

Don was introduced by his friend of more than 50 years, Rotarian Courtney Rousseau.

 

“He’s a man of integrity,” said Courtney.

Long-time High River Rotarians Courtney Rousseau, Don Tannas and Tony Marshall enjoyed fellowship before Don talked about his 50 years in Rotary at their club's meeting on Nov. 17.

 

Noting Don was a fellow school principal and teacher, Courtney said Don has a continual quest for knowledge.

 

“He’s a great promoter for High River and Rotary,” Courtney said.

 

To begin his talk, Don quoted an Ian Tyson song: “The time has passed so quick. The years all run together now. Was it 50 years ago?”

 

Don said when he joined the Rotary Club of High River in 1966, for some time he was the youngest member.

 

He talked about the club’s various milestones over the past 50 years.

 

“Best of all, ladies in Rotary,” Don said. “Ladies play an important part in our club.”

 

When talking about the club’s programs, Don included support of Rotary’s international Polio Plus fundraising. As well, he mentioned youth programs, including Adventure in Citizenship. Don noted one of the local students chosen to go to Ottawa for this program was former Prime Minister Joe Clark, whose father and grandfather were in Rotary.

 

Don looked back fondly on the club’s outdoor “steak fry” meetings in summertime and its family Christmas parties. He said his father was in Rotary and took him to the Christmas parties as a child. In fact, four generations of the Tannas family have attended. Don added a fifth-generation child will likely follow in their footsteps.

 

“I am proud to be a member of this club,” Don said.

 

Rotarian Mike Evans thanked Don, saying he made us all proud to be Rotarians.