My history with Rotary actually goes back to the early 70’s. My father was an active Rotarian during my adolescence and although at the time my knowledge of what Rotary was all about was rather limited, I do remember being impressed by how deeply Rotary was connected to the community. I knew it was a group intent on making a difference.

 

In 1983, I moved with my new wife, to the small community of Kemptville, Ontario and at the age of 23 became a Rotarian myself. In the years leading up to my father’s retirement and death we were able to create a number of significant Rotary memories together including doing make ups in Amman Jordan, and at the King David hotel in Jerusalem. We didn’t understand a word spoken in those meetings, but we still felt the welcome and warmth of fellow Rotarians. That is part of the joy of being involved in an international organization.

 

Some significant changes took place in Rotary during my first years as a member. First, the club which up until that time had reserved its membership to men only, opened membership up to include women, and secondly, Rotary announced a global initiative to eliminate Polio from the world. These positive initiatives would come to change Rotary forever and it is exciting to have been a Rotarian during those exciting days.

 

My career required me to move fairly frequently, but wherever I went, one of my first contacts in any new community was to connect with the local Rotary Club. So, over the years, I have been privileged to be a member of The South Shore Rotary club in Montreal, a member of the club in Sherbrooke Québec, a member if the Rotary club in Sudbury Ontario, where I served two years as vice president and one as president, and a member of the Rotary Club of Québec for 4 years. (I even attended Rotary meetings in Brussels Belgium during the three years I lived and worked in that country, even though I never officially became a member)

 

I am a Paul Harris Fellow +3, but though I truly appreciate this recognition of my service, I have always counted it my great privilege to be a part of this organization. With programs like youth exchange, professional exchange, PolioPlus, and the work we do in the developing world through the Rotary Foundation, I truly feel like I am a participant in changing the world. This is my deepest sense of satisfaction.

 

Through Rotary I have made deep and lasting relationships in so many communities and met and worked some of the most talented and dedicated men and women in Canada and around the world. I feel honoured that the Passport club has welcomed me, and I look forward to working with you all for the good of Rotary, our communities, and the world at large.