When it became known that our much-loved and respected member of 55 years, Austin Harris, was in declining health, our Board very thoughtfully voted to award him with a Paul Harris Fellowship, his sixth. Since he was unable to attend a Rotary meeting and was even without the strength to meet with many people, it was decided that, with the agreement of Austin’s son, Scott and daughter, Jane, Jim Willey and I would present Austin with pin and declaration in his home on Thursday, October 5, 2017. We were both saddened to see that Austin was not well. Nevertheless, he was clearly overwhelmed and happy to receive the honor. He then began to reminisce and recount a variety of stories with wit and lucidity.
After over two hours Jim and I took our leave, pleased to know that it was the right action to take, but saddened to see that Austin was not well. We receive a note from Jane with the enclosed picture and the message that Austin was quite exhausted in the afternoon but extremely pleased with his sixth Paul Harris Fellowship.
(Photo L-R: Past President Jim Willey, Austin Harris (seated), and Past President Bob Traill.)