Speaker
Chris P.’s Introduction
At this week’s meeting, Chris P. introduced longtime member and Past President Bill, reminding us of the depth of experience he brings to our club. With more than 33 years of Rotary service, Bill is also a former Chair of the Richmond Hospital Foundation—an enormous role in an organization well known for its extensive community impact.
Chris highlighted Bill’s ongoing dedication to both local and international service, noting that he approaches every project with a blend of expertise, heart, and good humour. She invited him forward to share his annual presentation on the Dean Crain Award.
Bill’s Presentation: The Dean Crain Award
Bill began by revisiting the story behind the award, ensuring that both longtime members and newer Rotarians understand the significance of the honour. Nomination forms were provided at each table for members to complete.
He described Dean Crain as a remarkable and inspiring individual—someone he and Chris came to know well. Dean began his career as a shoe salesman and eventually became a portfolio manager, an unconventional and impressive trajectory. Bill compared Dean’s determination and spirit to well-known figures such as Rick Hansen, Terry Fox, and Michael J. Fox, noting that, like them, Dean raised funds and awareness for a cause he knew he might never personally benefit from.
Dean lived with Huntington’s disease, a hereditary and progressively debilitating condition. Aware of the challenges his family might face, he meticulously planned for their future, securing insurance and putting safeguards in place while he was still able. Despite worsening symptoms and significant loss of physical control, Dean continued to run marathons and half-marathons, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance. Bill and Chris were both privileged to complete a half-marathon with him in 2004 as part of Over 100 for Huntington. Dean passed away the following year.
To honour Dean’s legacy, our club created the Dean Crain Award, presented annually to a member who exemplifies the qualities Dean embodied:
Determination
Integrity
Honesty
Service above self
Bill invited all members to review the nomination form and circle one or more names they feel reflect these attributes. Nominations are due by the second Thursday in January, when the newest recipient will be recognized and added to the club’s permanent trophy.
SERGEANT At Arms Tidbits
Joyce
Kicked things off with a Peter Drucker quote but blamed her “three-second memory” for stumbling over it. Shared the powerful impact of last year’s shoebox project for women at Hartwood — many were moved to tears receiving their first Christmas gift in years. She’s rallying the club again: fill a shoebox or donate $50 and her “posse” will assemble it. Huge thanks to Blair for trying to secure 30 dressers for the center’s crumbling furniture. On December 10, she and Elena will tour the newly renovated Rotary-funded comfort room. She’ll be circulating the signup sheet — and hunting people down.
Amanda
Deep in study mode with exams looming. Finally booked Christmas flights to Saskatchewan — which, shockingly, cost more than a trip to Spain. But family wins.
Sandra
Gave Debbie S. the floor, who insisted she had “nothing,” so Sandra told her she looked fabulous anyway.
Debbie S.
Nothing to report — but she did look fabulous.
Bobby
Had a great few days — until discovering he’s been bumped from the family’s four FIFA tickets. Since the games are in Toronto and the family of five only has four seats now… he’s the odd man out. Brutal.
Susan
Taking a family day to accompany her mom for tests — all looks good so far. The big news: her son Brian received a conditional co-op offer from BC Hydro pending a background check. She’s thrilled.
John
Renovations continue their eternal march. Hopes the final bathroom will be done before 2027.
Joyce (again)
Returned to say she had a wonderful California trip with her grandkids — and brought home their parting gift: a nasty cold. Still happy to be back.
Blair
Skipped last week, and now the Dallas Stars are in town — but he had to leave the Canuck jersey at home. Busy week ahead, including the CFUW luncheon. (?)
Gord
Recovering from a couple weeks of rest. Shared updates on long-term prostate cancer monitoring: he’s now undergoing genetic sequencing to determine any hereditary risks. Encouraged all men to get PSA tests — free, painless, and early detection saves lives.
Sean
Spent the entire weekend installing Christmas lights under energetic “direction” from home. His philosophy: happy wife, happy life.
Chris P.
Diving deep into understanding Indigenous land title vs. fee simple — specifically the Cowichan and Band lands near her area. She wants facts, not Twitter fearmongering, and is tapping legal and lending experts. Invites anyone with connections, questions, or insight to reach out as she builds community understanding.
Jeanette
Shared health updates: Peachy was rushed to emergency with abdominal pain and is staying a few days for scans. Elena is also a bit under the weather after a fall injured her shoulder. Both are recovering.
Maryam
Survived the baby-shower balloon arch from hell. The group decided to DIY it the morning of the party — Ubering balloons, pumps, stands — while watching YouTube tutorials. The arch popped repeatedly, made no sense, and absolutely should’ve been hired out. But she did it because she’s a good friend.
Michael (birthday boy)
Had a huge 300-person birthday bash — double what he expected — followed by a relaxing Whistler getaway with family and friends in six suites. This Sunday is another celebration: a formal meet-and-greet between his family and his son Arman’s future in-laws. No more trips until January (allegedly).
Sam
Shared insights from graduate school about Huntington’s disease testing — and the ambiguity in borderline results. Then jumped to a lively story: his mother-in-law’s 65th birthday, which unexpectedly swelled to 205 guests. He hid behind the bar all night and was rewarded with Taco Bell.
Lawrence
Helped produce a retirement video for a friend/CEO — a parody of The Office. Since he understood the script best, he got to be the Jim Halpert character giving deadpan looks to the camera. He wants the club to see it. So does the club - bring the USB next week.
Bill
Reported from Florida, where open-carry is now legal and bullets can be bought anywhere — which he finds mildly terrifying. Attended a hockey game where drunken fans lamented losing to “maple syrup,” leading to possibly the most Canadian chirp ever.
Kal
Congratulated Amanda and teased that if he becomes a member, the club “will never be the same.” ChatGPT sadly, he already is a member. 😭
Judy
Enjoyed a dinner out at Reilly’s by Canada Place, celebrated granddaughter’s 12th birthday, and combined it with Lindsay’s birthday. Retrieved all her Christmas decorations and has her place fully decorated. Debbie sends greetings from her trip to London and Spain. Big news: Judy finally picked a floor! Installation will wait until after Christmas.
Marg
Loved last week’s party — despite the blinds mishap. Attended Frozen at the Stanley; the audience was one-third little Elsas, which was adorable. Has a baby shower this weekend (bringing pickles, naturally). Underwent genetic testing due to family history; got a report predicting risks across 78 cancers.
Brian
Had a fantastic Saturday: coached 20 ten-year-olds at a curling birthday party, then zipped to Michael’s 50th — loved the fireworks and celebration. On a serious note, his dad faces a biopsy today after a previous prostate removal. The family is bracing for tough news.
Chris M.
Last week was all about caring for a sniffly toddler; next week she jumps to “old-people issues” with her first cataract surgery (right eye, then left a month later). Hopes it’s the “walk in the park” everyone promises. And she bought Rod’s Christmas present early: a giant 8×6 metal shed for his workshop overflow.
Melinda
Also attended Michael’s birthday extravaganza and loved it — thought his son did a terrific job. Not much else to report.
Debbie T.
Saw “The Christmas Tea,” which started off oddly but turned out surprisingly hilarious and fun.
