Paterson AM Club

The International theme for this year could not have more fitting for Governor Bill Gates. The theme by Rotary International President Cliff Dochterman was "Real Happiness is Helping Others. ". It was the year that the selected jacket color for Rotary International was bright red. No one in Rotary exemplified the quest to make Rotary a fun experience and a source of happiness more than Governor Bill Gates. Governor Bill, with his overflowing good humor and his good will feeling towards his fellow man, was a beacon for anyone needing an up lift. The bright red jacket that Bill wore during the year for his visits added to the aura of happiness.

It was a year also of considerable actIvIty with the annual New Jersey Vocational Assembly at Atlantic City, a Gift of Life Celebration at the Brownstone House in Paterson, the President's Ball at the Aspen in Parsippany, the annual Walter Head Golf Outing, and the District Conference held at Cape Cod. The International Convention was held at Melbourne, Australia that year.

One of the unanticipated events of Governor Bill's year, which ended up as a higWight of the year, was Governor Bill's request that the District participate in a disaster relief effort for the victims of the hurricane "Andrew" at Homestead, Florida. The District clubs and members responded by collecting over fifty thousand dollars and presenting it to DG Bob Menconi of the Florida District where the hurricane occurred. DG Menconi was elected at a later date to serve as a Rotary International Director, and he cited in a number of his talks the "Service Above Self' effort that was extended at the time of the hurricane by our Districts and others.

Governor Bill added his own District theme for the year, which was "Open the Gates to Rotary" This theme supported his goal to increase membership in the District. Continued emphasis was also placed on supporting the Rotary Foundation, the Walter Head Foundation, the youth activity projects of the District, and the Gift of Life program. Governor Bill's major staff members were his Secretary Dr. Pierre Guibor, his Chief Rep Steve Dalzell and his Treasurer Dave Seeley.

Recently, we lost Governor Bill who left a legacy of good, which will be long remembered by members of our District, especially as they pass and observe one of the many flags manufactured and distributed by Governor Bill's Gates Flag Company over the years. The business is still being carried on by Governor Bill's devoted wife to Rotary, Joyce, and his daughter Lisa.

Many Rotarians will also remember Governor Bill's response when people would make note of his namesake the Bill Gates of Microsoft, and that was that he was the better looking "Bill Gates". Governor Bill left us smiling at the end of his year and at all times.

Questions or looking for more information please contact district7490rotary@gmail.com

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