Rotary Friends
by Wayne Wilcox
Many of our Rotary friends grow more precious to us because they have weathered the test of time. Look around you Tuesday; there are some patriarchs and matriarchs we shake and hug as we mumble the first 10 or 16 words to the Welcome Song. Hooray for the sturdy ones.
However, there is one whom we have smiled upon for about 28 or 29 years and he’s only barely into his tri-genarian phase of life. Who is this 8th wonder of the world?!! Hint, hint – He won’t be finable come last of June. Yes, he’s the young lion, Alex Lopez.
He stood on chairs to shake our hands when his Papa, Raul, El Cubano, started bringing him to our meetings. He remembers eating green ice cream and he was cute and bright and we all loved him. However, we didn’t know that this was a set-up for a dynasty-move. I personally couldn’t be more pleased.
Alex was born in Downey Community Hospital 32 years ago and wisely enrolled in Bill Kirkwood’s Grade School, assuring future recognition. Then to East (Doty), and Downey High and Cerritos (Univ. of Cerritos, Left at Alondra), then UCLA. (wait, that’s redundant!).
This Once and Future King worked for Dad at SafeCo, Sold Cars (met wife, Jenette, a customer), back with Dad again, and now the worldwide Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. His hardest job, though, was managing through wife’s pregnancy with twins.
Alex has served many years on the Club Board. He thinks he has done most of the assignments and has loved it. His favorite job was Club Duties Chair; it gave exposure to most every activity. He also serves at District level; he is the District 5280 Insurance Advisor.
Though Alex is of Latin blood, he married Jenette who is only ¼ Italian and now the twins are of a unique mix, Biblical I think, Benjamin and Nathaniel.
What makes Alex laugh? Games, electronic and non-, and children’s movies (his kids are his life now). Hates bugs and used to hate dogs. Has a Doberman now and is a converted mutt-lover.
Alex has no bucket list for now; says he’s good. That means he can still do everything well. Lists sometimes grow as we can no longer do much.
What would he do differently? Save more $ before marriage and possibly study engineering. Told him my grandpa was an engineer for Union Pacific and loved it. Hope he waits till after his presidency to switch.