Tonight, we come together to celebrate the 90^th Birthday of Robert (otherwise known as Bob) Parsons and we are delighted to share this wonderful occasion of a fellow Rotarian, with Bob’s wife Ruth, his brothers Barry and Kevin, their wives Pam and Pam, and Family members Megan, David, Tash, and Gary.

 

Bob has already received a Paul Harris Fellow and a Sapphire Pin, however, tonight we have the honour and pleasure of recognizing Rotarian Bob Parsons PHF as he receives a second Sapphire Pin.

 

  

 

Rotarians often designate a Paul Harris Fellow as a tribute to a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives of the Rotary Foundation. This award is truly a next level of recognition of service to our community.

 

Bob was born in Sydney in 1933 and began working as an Accountant in 1952. He came to Leeton in 1958 with his wife Di.

 

Bob joined Rotary in 1969 and was made a PHF in 2004. During his 54 years in Rotary, he has been President on two occasions (a rare event). Bob has had many Board roles in his time including Treasurer for 6 years.

 

 

 

Notable achievement in the last few years have been as organiser of Rotary Youth driver Awareness (RYDA) and his support with all other Rotary projects.

 

Bob now vies with the revered Brian Maguire as the longest serving member of the Rotary Club of Leeton. His 54 years and almost 4 months supersedes Brian’s 52 years 7 months and 9 days and Past PHF David Morriss who was a member for 41 plus years. and Joe Scorer, who was a member in Leeton for 37 years plus continued membership of Rotary International on the South Coast.

 

All Bob’s Rotary activities are no mean feat as he also had many activities outside of his service with Rotary. The Presbyterian Church has benefited by many hours of continuous faith, service, and leadership.

 

Bob has audited the books of many Committees (including Rotary) for No Charge to enable those Community Committees to channel the savings into helping the Leeton Community to contribute so much more. You could say his only earnings were the odd bottle of a nice South Australian red.

 

In 2021 he was recognised by Leeton Shire Council at the Australia Day Awards and was awarded Lifetime Citizen of the Shire. The prerequisite was a consistent effort of service to the community over a longstanding period.

 

It is with great pleasure that I present him tonight with the emblem of appreciation given to a Paul Harris Fellow – a second Sapphire pin. Please accept our congratulations, our best wishes for a Happy 90^th Birthday and sincere thanks for your commitment to your family, our Club, and the community.

 

  

 

A totally surprised and clearly overwhelmed Bob thanked the club for the honour, stating it was unexpected and he felt embarrassed that such a fuss was being made for him.  He thanked his family for attending the evening as well as fellow Rotarians and invited guests.