This week’s Rotary story is about a Rotarian who has been married for 51 years, has 4 adult children, 5 grandchildren with the most recent being a beautiful baby girl born in December.
He worked in retail businesses for 39 years. He began his career at Payless Drug and met his wife there. They worked there together until their dating was found out and they were asked to leave. The bulk of his retail career was spent at Burgan’s furniture. He shared that his Grandfather started at Burgan’s in 1918 and gradually bought out the other owner over the years. This is a source of pride for our Rotarians. Burgan’s was voted Retailer of the Year in 2000 for the entire furniture industry (which includes all western states west of the Mississippi)!
He is a WSU graduate and is still an active member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. He loves sports-including golf and says he does occasionally bowl and is on the “Rotary Wheels” bowling team! They have 100 years of bowling tradition and are always looking for bowlers!
He enjoys reading fiction or mystery novels. Favorite authors are John Grisham and James Patterson. When asked about his favorite music, he said he loves the Beatles and The Turtles but Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is his favorite album. Favorite movies include The Art of Racing in the Rain and The Longest Ride.
His most worthwhile investment has been time with his family. Raising his children and instilling good values in them, a sense of giving and love.
He is a 3rd generation Rotarian. He joined Club 21 in 1983. His Grandfather and Uncle were also members and believed in giving back to the community that supported them. He was our Club Vice-President in 1989-1990 and has served on many committees over the years. Here are a few:
- Vaccinations
- Food Distribution (Stevens Elementary & Ferris High School)
- Greeters
- Classification
- Foster Kidfest
- Support our Veterans
He says his time in Rotary has helped him keep focused on what is important in life!
