Chuck Lee passed away Sunday
Posted by Stephen Rhodes
Rotarian Chuck Lee passed away peacefully at his home early Easter Sunday with his wife and family at his side.
A memorial service was held Wednesday at St. Paul's United Church and more than 25 Rotarians were in attendance. A reception followed at Rotary Glen.
A memorial service was held Wednesday at St. Paul's United Church and more than 25 Rotarians were in attendance. A reception followed at Rotary Glen.
Recently, this story appeared both on our web site and in The Brampton Guardian. It's a tribute to Chuck and his excellent work with Rotary.
Brampton Rotary presented its first ever long service award of excellence to Chuck Lee, a 22-year veteran of the club, at a special dinner and presentation Monday night.
"One of the warmest hands and one of the warmest handshakes in Rotary," club member Brad Goodison said of Lee.
More than 200 people gathered to pay tribute to Chuck, a man described as "a friendly giant." His contribution to the club and in particular the Easter Seals program "set a new standard for volunteerism."
Chuck was instrumental in building the club's involvement with Easter Seals. Eventually, he became a member of the board of directors of Ontario Easter Seals.
A dozen people praised Chuck's leadership and passion and "overwhelming" commitment to children with physical disabilities. He "is an anchor; from chaos comes success and it's all attributable to his leadership," Rotarian Lois Parker told the crowd.
Yvonne Collinson, a retired director of nursing for Easter Seals, said "he has tremendous respect for people, he sees their potential and he has this resolve to help kids."
The Brampton program was the envy of them all, said Collinson. "We had families actually considering moving here to avail themselves of the services we offered, and that's Chuck's doing."
There was some light hearted roasting as well. Rotarian Gene McNamara said Chuck was always getting his face in front of the camera. Others poked fun at his height and passion for golf.
His brother Mike Lee said "my brother was a mentor to me. He taught me many things. When we were kids, he taught me how to keep my head up in hockey, after he whacked me in the eye with his stick."
"I am overwhelmed," said Chuck. "I find it difficult to accept that I deserve this attention. So many people have given to Rotary and Easter Seals - it's always been about teamwork. The real heroes are the young boys and girls who face these obstacles head on. They don't know the word 'can't'and they are an inspiration to all of us."
Chuck was supported by his wife Carol; his son Charles Jr, with his wife Barbara and children Sabrina and Charlotte and his daughter Christine with husband Brent and son Zachary as well as many family and friends.
Chuck moved in Brampton in 1978, where he worked as a senior engineer with Brampton Hydro. He retired as manager of line construction in 1994. He joined Rotary in 1981 at the urging of Hydro Manager Vern Breen. He has served as a director of the club and chair of the Easter Seals campaign.
Club President Jerome Dawson called him a "great Rotarian, an inspiration to us all."
Rotary's board of directors established the long service award of excellence to recognize an outstanding commitment to service over a long period of time. It also established a $10,000 permanent fund in the name of the award.
"The fund was established to assist physically challenged youth with their education costs. We will be contributing a further $1,500 in the name of the recipient each year," says Past president Norm Bindon.
The award is designed to recognize club members who just keep contributing long after you might expect.
"Typically, in Rotary, exceptional service is rewarded with a Paul Harris award. At that point, no one would be faulted for relaxing and just enjoying the fellowship of Rotary. In our club there are many members who keep on working, putting service above self," he said. "This award is designed to recognize that special contribution."
Recipients also receive a second Paul Harris medallion, a certificate and a donation of $1,000 US is made in their name to The Rotary Foundation.
Brampton Rotary presented its first ever long service award of excellence to Chuck Lee, a 22-year veteran of the club, at a special dinner and presentation Monday night.
"One of the warmest hands and one of the warmest handshakes in Rotary," club member Brad Goodison said of Lee.
More than 200 people gathered to pay tribute to Chuck, a man described as "a friendly giant." His contribution to the club and in particular the Easter Seals program "set a new standard for volunteerism."
Chuck was instrumental in building the club's involvement with Easter Seals. Eventually, he became a member of the board of directors of Ontario Easter Seals.
A dozen people praised Chuck's leadership and passion and "overwhelming" commitment to children with physical disabilities. He "is an anchor; from chaos comes success and it's all attributable to his leadership," Rotarian Lois Parker told the crowd.
Yvonne Collinson, a retired director of nursing for Easter Seals, said "he has tremendous respect for people, he sees their potential and he has this resolve to help kids."
The Brampton program was the envy of them all, said Collinson. "We had families actually considering moving here to avail themselves of the services we offered, and that's Chuck's doing."
There was some light hearted roasting as well. Rotarian Gene McNamara said Chuck was always getting his face in front of the camera. Others poked fun at his height and passion for golf.
His brother Mike Lee said "my brother was a mentor to me. He taught me many things. When we were kids, he taught me how to keep my head up in hockey, after he whacked me in the eye with his stick."
"I am overwhelmed," said Chuck. "I find it difficult to accept that I deserve this attention. So many people have given to Rotary and Easter Seals - it's always been about teamwork. The real heroes are the young boys and girls who face these obstacles head on. They don't know the word 'can't'and they are an inspiration to all of us."
Chuck was supported by his wife Carol; his son Charles Jr, with his wife Barbara and children Sabrina and Charlotte and his daughter Christine with husband Brent and son Zachary as well as many family and friends.
Chuck moved in Brampton in 1978, where he worked as a senior engineer with Brampton Hydro. He retired as manager of line construction in 1994. He joined Rotary in 1981 at the urging of Hydro Manager Vern Breen. He has served as a director of the club and chair of the Easter Seals campaign.
Club President Jerome Dawson called him a "great Rotarian, an inspiration to us all."
Rotary's board of directors established the long service award of excellence to recognize an outstanding commitment to service over a long period of time. It also established a $10,000 permanent fund in the name of the award.
"The fund was established to assist physically challenged youth with their education costs. We will be contributing a further $1,500 in the name of the recipient each year," says Past president Norm Bindon.
The award is designed to recognize club members who just keep contributing long after you might expect.
"Typically, in Rotary, exceptional service is rewarded with a Paul Harris award. At that point, no one would be faulted for relaxing and just enjoying the fellowship of Rotary. In our club there are many members who keep on working, putting service above self," he said. "This award is designed to recognize that special contribution."
Recipients also receive a second Paul Harris medallion, a certificate and a donation of $1,000 US is made in their name to The Rotary Foundation.