Honourary Mini Classifications
Posted by Bill Molesworth
Fred Hacker said that the Club has 16 Honourary Members, some of whom some of the new members may not even recognize and this series of talks is aimed at re introducing them.
Dunc McLaren joined the Midland Club in 1982, served as President in 92-93 and has been a driving force throughout.
Dunc said he'd joined the Town Staff in the 60's and that he enjoyed the hands on projects that Rotary was involved in, especially Rosewood. He worked on all aspects of that, from cutting the fuel tank in the basement up to painting. He was Treasurer for the cottage draw, the largest fund raiser the Club has been involved in. Going to District Conferences shows how Rotary does outside Midland. Rotary for Dunc has been an avenue for getting involved, for making lifelong friends and for building self confidence and satisfaction in the Club's accomplishments. He is now enjoying travelling and his three grandchildren.
Fred said Joe Faraghier was named an honourary member and pretty much stopped coming. He joined in 1958 and was President twice, in 62-63 and in 66-67. Joe said when he joined there were 15 members who met for beer, supper and poker but in the mid-sixties Clare Armstrong moved the meetings to lunch time and attendance and accomplishments improved. Rotary is an avenue to lasting friendships, community involvment and respect. He is proudest of his Paul Harris, awarede in 1995 and the fact he was made and Honourary member after 44 years. He and his wife have joined Probus, he volunteers at the Hospital, is on the Board at St. Paul's, enjoys his 7 grandchildren and added that his son is grateful for the Club's donation to the Remembrance Tour.
Fred suggested that the Roland has been the core of the Club's international efforts. He established the 25% expenditure rule and broadened the profile of this avenue of service in the Midland Club. Roland said he's travelled to Europe several times and has been to Georgia twice to visit the orphanage there. He was in Germany during the war which began, for him, as an exciting experience but which became frightening. In 1958 he moved to Canada, in 1972 he came to Midland and in 1973 he joined Rotary. His first contribution was as a Swabian Cowboy organizing an Oktoberfest. He was Secretary and then took on International and oversaw 15 different projects all over the world. One project had him collecting medical and school supplies which were flown to Brazil by the Canadian Forces. Then they needed a vehicle and the Club refitted a Land Cruiser, attached a trailer full of supplies and sent that. He's made many friends in the Club, the District and overseas and has been honoured to meet many who have dedicated their lives to those less fortunate.
Clint has the longest perfect attendance record in Club history - 50 years. He joined in 1957 and was President in 63-64. Clint remembered his first fundraising project was selling lightbulbs door to door, then tickets on a motorboat. There was a fire at the old legion, where they used to meet, though the banner survived, and they went to the Oddfellows Hall. IN 1968 he started the Bar-B-Q at his store - they stored the onions in his stock of new fridges, which he wasn't that happy about - and after a couple of years they moved it to the dock. He feels honoured to have been a member and to be able to help on the many projects and gratified at being made and honourary member.
Ralph thanked all the speakers, saying they were the foundation of the Club and their years of experience was a valuable resource.