In Memory Of

As you may recall from past Celebration of Life ceremonies at our District Conferences, the inspirational poem "The Dash" can be viewed at the following link:

http://www.thedashpoemmovie.com/

Please send any information or pictures on Rotarians who have passed on to BubbaG@SilverblattLaw.com.

P.R.I.V.P. Dave Smith and his wife Judy

A long time friend and leader in District 5870 and Rotary International passed away on 29 September 2008. Dave was 84 years young. He joined the Rotary Club of Austin in 1961 and served as District Governor in 1969 - 1970, then R.I. director for 1975 - 1976 and as vice president of Rotary International for 1976 - 1977. During his 60 years in Austin, Dave was active in civic and political life. He was a member and vice president of the Austin School Board in 1964 - 1970 and was appointed by two Texas governors as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

I am sure we all have many personal memories of this larger then life person. Recently I needed help with a Rotary Foundation issue and e-mailed Dave in his position as personal aide to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Rotary Foundation. I wasn't at all sure he even knew who I was, let alone would take the time to respond to me by email. Not 5 minutes after I sent it he had looked up my telephone number and was on the phone offering his assistance.

Most telling to me was his love for his wife Judy. He could not be away from her for long, and when she passed away less than 1 week earlier, he was quick to join her! God's blessings are surely on  both of them.

Lee Blocker - Rotary Club of Austin

Lee passed away on August 14, 2008 at his home in Lakeway. He served as President of the Downtown Austin Club and had 50 years of perfect attendance! He also was a founding member of the Austin Rotary Club Foundation and in 1993 was inducted into the District 5870 Roll of Fame.

Rotarians who have passed on since the 2007 District Convention:

Please notify Bubba Gene Silverblatt for any additions or corrections: BubbaG@SilverblattLaw.com

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Bastrop County                         Al Mouton                                                 4/22/2008

Austin                                      Dave and Judy Smith                                  9/29 & 9/23/2008

Austin                                      Lee Blocker                                               8/14/2008

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