We just received the following letter from a former Rotary Scholar.  Jean-Noel is now the Chief Financial Officer for Aqua-Lung International Inc.  Clearly, Rotary and the kindness of our departed friend Jim Runnfeldt made a difference in his life.  We've passed this on to Jim's children, Kelly and Jay.  
 
My mail will probably surprise you, but I felt you and the Rotary club you are managing deserves it and probably for a long time …
 
I have been honored to be a Rotary Scholar in 1988-89, when I finished my studies at Northwestern doing a Master of science in Geotechnics. I was appointed Jim R. as a main contact for the year I spent in Evanston. Even probably your club or the district sponsored me, I do not remember precisely how it worked at that time.
 
In this context I had the extreme pleasure to meet Jim and his family, enjoyed visiting Rotary clubs around together with Jim. We travelled together north of Chicago in his family home in the lovely countryside, I met his family many times, his mother and enjoyed meeting with all when I visited Jim a few years after I graduated.
 
A quarter of a century later I have been offered a position to work in San Diego. When I came back on US territory I tried in March 2016 to establish contact with Jim. I left messages on his phone which by chance did not change for years … But no response until I looked deeper on internet and found that he passed away the same month! I felt a little bit orphan that day! Jim has been such of a great support, always enthusiastic about helping the others and establishing new contacts.
 
I just wanted to share this thoughts with you. I would also be very happy if you could help me to get in contact with his son or daughter. If I have the chance to go back in northern Illinois I will let know and if possible be happy you to join one of your weekly meeting.
 
I wish you, all Rotary members and the Jim’s Family and excellent 2017 year.
 
Jean-Noel Picard