Past District Governor Michael J. Fish

Posted by Rich Randolph

on Mar 08, 2015

Rotary Changes Lives !

Rotary changes lives, but how?

Past District 5150 (1999-2000) Governor Michael J. Fish left no doubts in member’s and guest’s minds how his life was changed, and been enlivened in a multitude of ways through his experiences at home and abroad, with Rotarians and those served by Rotoplast, The Rotary Foundation, and feisty little boys.

The power of invitation runs strongly in Rotary: When asked to help, Michael says, “do”. He was asked by another District Governor Peter Lugarius to assist on a Rotoplast, Cleft Palette surgical team. ”I don’t have a medical background” Michael replied, to which Peter calmly advised neither did he, but he was trainable. After carrying an infant to recovery following oral surgery, and seeing the magic of the surgical team’s skill, Michael was impressed enough. When the child awoke, and saw his father hear the child clearly call him “Papa” for the first time, Michael found himself with tears flowing down his face, celebrating with the grateful parent.

Then there is the tall Texan Rotarian, “Ol Joe”, a 25-year “knife and fork” style member, attending lunch meetings, but never participating on projects or committees. Ol’ Joe was indignant when the new upstart President overlooked Joe for a committee leadership role, and called him on it. Well, the President informed Joe, in your 25 years as a member, you haven’t done anything, but alright, I will give you a special assignment. Take it or leave the club.” Joe found himself soon after transporting an ill boy from a very unfamiliar part of Houston to the hospital. When the lad asked Joe if he was God, Joe was puzzled. The weakend boy told Joe that his mother was praying for a miracle just prior to his arrival. You can connect the dots: In the days and months that followed, Joe became an active Rotarian, and brought resources never imagined to that area of town. Joe’s previous attitude was that his time was too important for trivial tasks. When God called Ol’ Joe home, his memorial service was recorded as the largest in the city’s history. Rotary changed his life.

Michael strongly suggests visits to the House of Fellowship at International Conventions. Learn from other’s successful ventures: Be heartened by what Rotary does. Participate in the changing of people’s lives, including your own!