(Abbotsford, BC) The Rotary Clubs of Abbotsford, Abbotsford-Sumas and Abbotsford-Matsqui were pleased to present the annual Don Funk Memorial Award joined by Assistant Governor Brad Whittaker of Chilliwack Rotary Club and fellow Abbotsford Rotarian Ken Funk, brother of the late Don Funk. This award is given to an outstanding Rotarian in each of the three clubs who have demonstrated exceptional “Service Above Self” in their actions, both within and outside the Rotary community.
 
Don Funk was a member of the Rotary Club of Abbotsford for many years.  His dedication to our community and to overseas projects, particularly by securing and shipping hospital equipment to countries in need, was recognized by Rotary International with the Service Above Self Award, the highest honor given to a Rotarian. Don was instrumental in chartering both the Sumas and the Matsqui Rotary Clubs and unbelievably, maintained a perfect attendance at all three. The Rotary Clubs of Abbotsford have continued the tradition of honouring a “Rotarian of the Year” with a Paul Harris Fellowship. This year’s recipients are Ron Kelly (Abbotsford), Ralph Payne (Abbotsford-Sumas), and Raj Patara (Abbotsford-Matsqui).
 
“Ron Kelly is one of the steadiest, quietest and most conscientious leaders of the Rotary Club of Abbotsford. A member since 1992,  Ron has been President, consistently supports club activities and programs, is a Paul Harris Fellow plus 8, and most-notably, serves as our long-standing Rotary Foundation Chair, each year inspiring our club members to give generously to Rotary projects.” said President Sara Lawson. She went on to say, “Ron you are a stellar Rotarian, and we recognize your commitment to the Rotary Foundation as your legacy.  Well deserved, and well done!”
 
Abbotsford-Sumas is awarding Ralph Payne with the Rotarian of the Year award.  President Thomas McMillan stated that “Ralph was always the go to person when our club had a difficult decision to make, either financially or projects based and is definitely a committed Rotarian. Whenever asked, he supports any club project with enthusiasm and humour. He is a totally committed Rotarian, a Past President charter member of our club, multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient, and under his guidance has challenged our club to be a top achiever within our Rotary District in donating to the Rotary Foundation!” 
 
President Mike Welte (Abbotsford-Matsqui) was pleased to announce that “Raj Patara - Director of Guest Speakers and Field Trip Planning is receiving the award this year. Raj continues to show a contagious enthusiasm for Rotary and goes out of her way to continually share the spirit of Rotary with the next generation of leaders. In her short time with our club she has helped organize many club projects and is always willing to roll up her sleeves to help get the job done!"  
Congratulations to each of our 2016 award recipients!  Through their individual efforts and commitment, combined with the collective efforts of Abbotsford Rotarians across our community we are make Abbotsford a better place to live, learn, and grow!
 
 
Rotary President Abbotsford-Sumas, Thomas McMillan; Ralph Payne; Raj Patara;
Rotary President Abbotsford Matsqui, Mike Welte; Ron Kelly; Rotary Club of Abbotsford, Sara Lawson