The Rotary Family

Rotary is a family commitment


A number of North Bay families have a long tradition as members of Rotary.


Col Bill Milne was a founding member.Family Rotarians: Don Milne, Wes McNutt, Fred McNutt and Lori-Burns McNutt. Many will recall Wes McNutt, a well-known lumberman, popular after-dinner speaker and active community supporter.


WKP Kennedy joined about 1928, was president in 1937 and succeeded by son Peter.


The largest contingent may come from the Elliott family.We remember Johnston (1954), a tall, distinguished gent from a well-established North Bay family.His nephew Tom (1955) was an outstanding member, district governor and strong supporter of Polio Plus.  A gregarious, cheerful Rotarian who carried out his health department duties in the same friendly and helpful manner.  A true Rotarian.That same style is displayed by his brothers Wib and Dinty both strong, long-time supporters of Rotary.Nora Elliott-Coutts and her partner Don (Mr Bingo) are active in club work and again valuable and staunch Rotarians.   Don's father, Elgin Coutts was President of the Toronto Downtown Club in 1974/1975 while mother, Helen Coutts, was quite involved with "Inner Wheel". Wib's son Bob is a past president of Wawa Rotaryand his grandson was an exchange student in Finland.  All the Elliotts and their Rotary partners are highly visible in Rotary work.WKP Kennedy married an Elliott.


J W Richardson arrived in the village in 1885 from Winnipeg when our population was no more than 1000.His first store was a small frame structure on the site of where the dominion government constructed the original post office building corner Main and Fraser. He served as mayor in 1902 and 1932.In between, he invested his time and energy to help in the community.  He joined Rotary before 1935.  His son Willard (Bill) served city council and continued to have a large interest in North Bay.We recall his involvement in Rotary which he joined in 1953.Today, David Richardson, grandson of Bill, takes a leading part in our projects and is among the valued contingent of committed members who work so hard to help us get over the top. 


The Caranci family began when Angelo Sr joined in 1932.  Angelo was a skilled craftsman shoemaker with a store situated in the landscaped triangle at Main and Algonquin that was later Garnet King's service station.  He energetically took part in all Rotary work.  On his death, he was succeeded by son Albert.In 1962,brother Val joined the club and remained a member until his death in the late 1990s.


Some notable father son Rotarians in more recent years are continuing the tradition.  Frank Tipler, Harris Drug pharmacist, was president in 1973.  Son Rolph is a present member.  Reg Harris, partner in drug store, joined in 1933 and was president in 1938. Reg Minogue, diamond drill bit manufacturer, joined in 1954, served as president in 1965.  Well-know son and real estate developer Peter has been a member since 1983.  His generous consideration for Rotary was exemplified when he directed thousand of dollars from his golf tournaments towards our hospital campaign.  His athletic father George, a popular member of our club, preceded current member Ian Martyn.  Don Euler, a senior Rotarian, joined in 1957 and David joined in 1996.  Don Haws has served in many capacities since 1974.Camp Tillicum has been an especial favourite in his Rotary dossier.Son Steve is a quiet unassuming member (1996) who has been at the forefront of our recent fund-raising projects.  Current past president Herb Brown, Nipissing University booster, shares Rotary with his daughter-in-law Helena. Son Marty is past president of Nipissing Rotary.


Norm McCubbin joined Rotary soon after it was formed.  Norm operated McCubbin's Men's Wear on Main Street and was a neighbour of several close Rotarian friends who all lived in the 700 block Main St West.  Bruce McCubbin (1954) was president (1975) and served the board for a long term.  A talented musician, Bruce periodically substituted for Ann in her absence.

 

There are many other Rotary family connections.  For example, Alvin Moyer's uncle H H Thompson was a founding member of our club.  Alvin's son is a past Rotarian.  Alvin's father Ray was a member in the 30s.  Another family connection includes two past presidents. Don Paine and son-in-law Ray Mantha. Same goes for John Marshall and father-in-law Hartley Trussler.  A few others could be mentioned. 

 

In the line of long service, there are several names that deserve recognition.Sol Waiser joined 1929 and remained a member over 50 years.  Charlie Brown, our forever secretary, was a founding member who continued for 50 years.  When Charlie joined in 1923, he was assistant traffic manager for Abitibi Power and Paper Co.  By 1935, Charlie became a customs broker and started a long career as secretary treasurer of the North Bay Public School Board.


EJ Pifher was the first new member added to the founding 25.  He became president in 1936 and is in the 50-year club.  EJ Roche (1938) lived to age 99 and continued to share Rotary.  Both were active in community life.

 

Jack Broad was a Rotarian prior to North Bay and joined in 1957 serving as president in 1963.  Larry Boland is one of the longest serving members after introduction by Dr Nott in 1952.  Doug McDonald joined in 1954 and participated in the Skatethon until recently.  Not bad for a 93 year old.  Howard Smith (1956) is an honorary member residing at Casselholme.Ralph Diegel (1957), song leader and Salvation Army supporter, served a term as president in 1967. Don Euler(1957) joins this group.