In Memoriam: Thomas Foster Isherwood

President Joan Peggs called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM. Following the National Anthem and Grace, President Joan invited Heather Aked to share the sad news with all of the members and guests in attendance, that our long-time member, Foster, had passed away.

 Thomas Foster Isherwood was born on May 17, 1922 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and died peacefully in his sleep on November 13, 2011 in Victoria, BC. He is survived by his wife, Constance and sons, Charles and George. Foster obtained a BA degree at UBC and an MA (Fine Arts) at Case Western, in Cleveland Ohio, before serving in WWII with the RCAF. He graduated from UBC Law School in 1951 and opened a law practice in Hope BC. He moved to Victoria in 1961 and practised law in partnership with his wife, Constance Holmes, until his retirement in 2006. A Past President of the Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Foster often spoke about the satisfaction that he had enjoyed from his membership in Rotary. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria on November 26 at 2:00 pm followed by a reception at the Union Club. The Rotary Club of Oak Bay extends the sincere sympathy of the many club members who knew and admired Foster.

Following a moment to reflect on the loss of our good friend, the Club members welcomed visitors to the front of the buffet line.

November is “Foundation Month” - a time to reflect on Rotary’s history and Rotary’s continuing contribution to a more compassionate and generous world. The Rotary Foundation, proposed by Arch Klumph in 1917, grew to the princely sum of $5,000 by 1928. Donations swelled in 1947 following the death of Paul Harris. The Rotary Foundation has raised and spent hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars in it’s quest for Service Above Self.

Visitors:  Bob Schelle, guest of Don O’Coffey and Peter Lawrie; Joanne Van Der Veen, guest of Jessica Van Der Veen; Tom Croft, guest of the Club; Jimmy Hu, Liam McDonough, and Olga Mosca, guests of the Club; Ray Herman (new Director of Parks & Recreation), guest of Lorna Curtis.

Oak Bay High Hero Program Presentation: Olga, Jimmy and Liam (left) shared the presentation duties and personal experiences about an annual program that sees young people travel to foreign places at their own expense to build housing for needy families. These Oak Bay High School students did a super job of representing this charitable project and their school. Congratulations and thanks to them. A fundraising Gala Dinner and Auction will be held on Thursday November 24^th at the Victoria Golf Club.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Poinsettia orders should be in to Joan Peggs by November 30^th. 

Any members wishing to arrange for special menu choices at our meetings may choose from veggie burgers, or a piece of salmon or chicken. 

Merrython volunteers are needed for December 4^th. Please contact Heather Aked. 

The last meeting of November will be held at Spinnaker’s Pub.

Dallas Chapple did a great job as the Fines Master. Tom Croft was the successful bidder on 4 bottles of ‘imported’ beer at a cost of $35. Neil Madsen remembered his periodic table ... but did he recall that “fluoride is a chemical ion of the element fluorine (from the Latin fluo meaning "to flow"), in that fluoride has one extra electron that gives it a negative charge” ? Hmmm, I wonder? What was the question about “The Pas” (sounds like paw; not like pass) Manitoba? Was it Heather Aked again who knew the answer? Was it Dallas Chapple celebrating a Birthday? Did she use the power of her lofty office to enforce a lively and melodious rendition of “Hippo Birdie Two Yewes”! And yes we finally got to “The Draw” and the consolation (not full) winner was Don O’Coffey.

Peter eagerly writes a cheque

Finally it was time for the big event. Many thanks to our own Neil Madsen for preparing tax auction record sheets for everyone in attendance, Many thanks to the capable Brain Lame (sic; he’s getting older) for a wonderful performance as auctioneer (sorry there were no openings for auditor). Drum roll please. And the result was another significant record of generosity (we’re getting’ back to the theme now) by the members and guests of the Rotary Club of Oak Bay. The club members, through their collective generosity, provided 25 lots to donate to The Rotary Foundation ranging from $50 to $300 for a total of $4,000 to bid on. Those in attendance, with the capable assistance of Auctioneer Brian and his spotters, bid and paid a total of $9,825 for the privilege of making these donations for a total fundraising achievement of $13,825. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL.

Another successful meeting (measured in both finances and fellowship) of the Rotary Club of Oak Bay ended with God Save the Queen.

Reported by Rod Sim. Photos by Tom Croft and Tricia Timmermans. Blogger: Tricia