Roots by Cholly Capps

A Little History of YOUR Rotary Club

Rotary Commemoration Week, January 25-31, is a ROOTS week. This week is observed all over the world to remember our founder’s death and as a time to honor club members who have died.

I remember especially those who had a positive influence on my life or on my Rotary “adventure”. These include Andy Agarwal, who died at age 35 when he was President-elect. I inducted him as President-for-a-day in December, 1983, at his home, while the club members listened by Southern Bell remote hook-up. Bill Chapman, who ran his re-election campaign for Mayor from my office; Sir Etienne DuPuy, an Honorary member whose matching gift enabled me to become a Paul Harris Fellow; Roger Eikenberry, Club President in ’74-’75 and subsequently a great Club Secretary, and also Rob Hatfield’s father-in-law; Howard Hoeflich, Club Secretary for many years, who lived to be 102 and attended the biggest celebration the club has ever seen on his 100^th birthday. Ken Kamberg who was president in ’69-’70; Frank Kerdyk, president in ’61-’62; Bill Lewis, president in ’70-’71; and one of the best District Governors ever; Frank Norman, president in ’79-’80 and the most inspirational Vocational Service Director ever! Bill Pasawicz, whose death was so recent; Dr. Nels Walter, a transplanted Past District Governor from Pennsylvania, who became a very special friend of mine, and Dale Biloughby, another recent death and along with everyone else on this list, a very special man.

There are others that we could recall and that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do this week. These folks are our roots.