It was with great sadness that we learned of the sudden death on 19 July of Rotary International President Elect Sam Owori. Sam was from Kampala in Uganda, and played a huge role in the growth of Rotary in that country.
Rotary International President Ian Riseley wrote “Sam was a special person in so many ways, and his unexpected death is a huge loss to Rotary, his community, and the world.”
Link to the RI story about Sam
District 9910 Governor Elect Jerry Norman wrote the following tribute which was forwarded to Ian on behalf of all Rotarians in New Zealand:
Ae, very very sad news. Was so much looking forward to being part of his global Rotary team I felt compelled to contribute something in Maori.
Kua hinga atu te Kauri o te wao nui o Tane. (The great majestic Kauri tree of Tane has fallen). Kua hinga te Pou o to whānau. (Te pillar of the family has fallen). Kua hinga te Pou o Rotary. (The pillar of our Rotary family has fallen). Haere atu ra e Sam ki tua o te Arai ki te Ao rangimarie, ki te Ao mamae kore. (Farewell Sam to beyond the horizon of the living, rest in peace in that pain-free world). Haere ki te Ao wairua, ki te wahi I whakairohia mo te tangata. (Farewell to the spiritual realm that has been sculpted for all). Kua wahangu to reo ki te Aoturoa nei. (Your voice has been silenced in our living world). He pou herenga tangata koe ki raro i te korowai o te aroha. (You united people under the cloak of compassion for all). Rangatira o mahi mo Rotary e kore e warewaretia. (Your commitment to the ideals and values of Rotary was chiefly and immeasurable and will never be forgotten). Rite tonu ki te kotukuu rerenga tahi, kei roto koe I te Ao o maumahara. (Likewise, like the final flight of the heron, you will remain forever in the world of memory. Haere, haere, haere atu ra. (Farewell. farewell, farewell)
Ki te whānau pani. (To the bereaved family). Ta matou arohanui rawa ki a koutou. (Our sincere condolences). Mai i o roimata pouri, roimata aroha, whakanui i nga mahara mo tenei rangatira. (From your tears of sorrow and love, celebrate the life of this great chief). Ko tera te whakaaro o Rotary whanui hoki. (Rotarians from around the world will certainly celebrate Sam's contribution to humanity).
Ki mai ki ahau. (If you ask me). He aha te mea nui o te Ao. (What is the greatest gift in this world). Maku e ki atu. (I will reply). He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. (It is people, it is people, it is people).”
Nga mihi (Greetings)
Jerry