Brian Johnson with Janet
President 2007-8
Rotary Club of Strathfield
President's Blueprint
Wednesday 1 August 2007
It was with heart-felt sadness that I informed our Club members of the passing of Dr. Euan Watson; Rotarian, Past President (1994-95) and Paul Harris Fellow. Just a couple of memories about Euan I would like to share with fellow Rotarians: To my family he was a very caring person, first evident when our son Alexander fell from a tree at a Rotary Grove planting ceremony. Alex was 10 years old at the time (now 23), falling awkwardly on his elbow. Immediately Euan took Alex to his rooms at Bankstown where he X-rayed for fractures (fortunately there were none). Alex and I enjoyed working on the alterations to Euan and Leedy’s weekender at Patonga a couple of years ago. Euan seemed to think that we should take a few short cuts on the job so as to minimise costs. I constantly reminded him of the “horses for courses” principle; in this case “I build and you doctor”. We worked together harmoniously once Euan followed the principle. We will miss his smiling face, something he managed to produce everytime we met. So long friend.
Thank you PP Raymond for organising Sister Veronica, who gave an informative and interesting presentation on the work the nuns do, both in our communities and overseas. Sister Veronicas’ talk reminded me of my primary school education (at St. Michaels, Meadowbank run by the nuns). I had a job at recess each Friday. I was paid one shilling to clean out the school toilets (which often required clearing blockages in the drains) .At that early age I decided I did not wish to pursue a career in plumbing. Sorry Niall and Les.
Last week I failed to inform the club of the success of the afternoon tea to welcome our exchange student Laura Fleurquin. Thanks to those who attended: Raymond and Ann McCluskie, Grahame and Penny True, Rod and Maree McDougall, Kevin and Susanne Freund and Patricia and Catherine Giammarco. Laura very much enjoyed the interaction with the Rotarians and their partners. Don’t forget if you wish to include Laura in any of your family functions or outings, I am sure she would appreciate your hospitality.
I look forward to District Governor Jennifer’s visit to the Club this week.
Remember “Service Above Self”.
President Brian