Wow, what a very special evening it was. Close to 100 people attended the “Evening of Appreciation” hosted by the Rotary Club of Bracebridge – Muskoka Lakes in my honour. It’s very humbling to be on the receiving end of such an event.
A significant number of the guests were Rotarians, or former Rotarians and their partners from the Bracebridge - Muskoka Lakes club. Also attending were Rotarians and partners from Bracebridge, Parry Sound, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Washago, Orillia, Barrie and Oakville. DGE Brian Menton and Dorothy from Haliburton and DG Dawn Straka and George from Peterborough were also in attendance.
The Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrisers was also represented. Our older son Bob, his wife Sharon, their sons Michael and Christopher and Rotary Exchange Student Nico made the trip from Dundas. Younger son Blake and his wife Liisa joined us from Elora. It truly was a family affair. During the presentation part of the evening I had the great pleasure of recognizing Bob, Blake, Michael and Christopher with Paul Harris Fellowships. Their lifestyles, even the grandkids, so very much exemplify the ideals of Rotary.
Two very special guests arrived shortly before dinner. Our dear friends Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul had journeyed from Toronto for the evening. What a special surprise. Both John and Adrienne spoke, in a very flattering way, during the presentation part of the evening.
Other special guests for the evening were Diane McKee and Pam and John Newton.
After dinner, MC Gary Lachance started the formal part of the evening reading letters of regret from a number of people who could not be in attendance. He then read a letter from His Honour David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario thanking me, on behalf of the people of Ontario, for what I have done through Rotary; rather heady stuff.
President Sandra Morandin then made a presentation of the Avenues of Service Citation from Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith. Past President Don MacKay made a presentation of a Service Above Self Award on behalf of the club. President – elect Bruce Kruger, who had started the evening with a cry in his roll as town crier, presented a Paul Harris +8 recognition, also on behalf of the club.
District Governor Dawn Straka came to the podium, and on behalf of Rotary District 7010, presented me with the Rotary Foundation District Service Award.
I spoke briefly, thanking everyone for attending and for having made it such a fabulous and memorable evening.
The final portion of the formal proceedings was a speech by son Bob. He very eloquently thanked the group for honouring both Barb and myself. He then talked about the importance of family and how all of the lives of our family members have been so closely entwined.
See you tomorrow
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