Local Rotarians pay tribute to late member

By Ron Giofu

The Rotary Club of Amherstburg paid tribute to one of its long-time members who passed away a few years ago.

A memorial stone for Dan Hunt was dedicated in the King’s Navy Yard Park parkette Sunday afternoon. The dedication preceded a celebration the Rotary Club initiated where free treats were distributed to the public in recognition of the local service organization’s 90th birthday.

Hunt passed away April 23, 2021 and spent over 23 years as a member of the Rotary Club. Members of his family, members of council and local Rotarians helped pay tribute to Hunt, who was praised for his kindness, compassion and leadership.

“We’re grateful for the recognition of my dad for his contributions to the town and Rotary over the years,” said Hunt’s son Thom, who spoke on behalf of the family, including his mother Jean, who was also in attendance. “He would have been very appreciative of the recognition if he were here.”

Thom stated his father enjoyed giving back to the community, pointing out he joined the Rotary Club immediately after he retired.

The Rotary Club of Amherstburg paid tribute to long-time Rotarian Dan Hunt, who passed away in April 2021. A memorial stone dedication was held Sunday afternoon in King’s Navy Yard Park prior to a meet-and-greet with local Rotarians as part of the service club’s 90th anniversary.

(Above photo) Members of the Hunt family gather around the memorial stone in the parkette. The stone contains a saying from former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, whom Hunt was a fan of.

(Right photo) Members of the Rotary Club take their turn for a group photo at the memorial stone. Front row: “Captain Rotary” (former District 6400 Governor Noel Jackson), club president Joan Donaldson, Wanda Lawhead. Back row: past president Susanne Rainhard, Corey Rainhard, Karen Davidson, president-elect Jeremy Warnock, Sandra Paisley and Don Mackay.

“One of the ways he liked to live his life was to give back to the community,” said Thom. “He found his natural spot in Rotary.”

The memorial stone contains the saying “Find the time to stop and thank the people that make a difference in your life,” with Thom pointing out it is actually a quote from former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Thom explained that his father was a fan of Kennedy, believing in the idealism of the Kennedy administration in doing more for others than yourself.

Hunt was such fan of Kennedy that he had the license plate “Camelot,” symbolic of the 1961-63 presidential period.

Hunt was “a very selfless person,” Thom stated, and was a “very gentle man” who provided thoughtful and mindful leadership. He thanked his father, as well as the Rotary Club, noting the Rotary clock project was overseen by his father.

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