Shine On-Dave Blackburn Memorial Car Rally & Show

“Intense, sincere, concerned and very funny – all at the same time,” is how one friend describes the late Dave Blackburn. A long-serving Rotarian, banker, devoted family man and quintessential ambassador for the community. That is how Dave is remembered. 
It was during a trip to Portugal in 2013 with his wife Katherine Hahn that Dave was first inspired by the possibility of an antique car rally as a potential new fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Stratford.

Dave was always coming up with new ideas to improve his club and his community. He was the driving force behind the creation and implementation of all sorts of local projects, including Junior Achievement, the revitalization of the Block Parent program, the Gift of Life program in El Salvador and the introduction of the Rotaract Club. He was also passionate about bringing new members to the club and one year received the award for having the highest membership increase in the district.

Dave was a leader and he led by example. He believed if you worked hard, were moral, ethical and considerate, good things would happen.

It is in his memory that the Rotary Club of Stratford, in partnership with the Stratford-Perth Museum, has launched SHINE ON, The Dave Blackburn Memorial Car Rally & Show. With Dave in mind, we are moving forward with commitment, optimism and a sense of fun.

A fellow Rotarian speaks for us all. “He is gone from our midst but not from our hearts”.