Farewell to Wyn McAra

Remember Wyn McAra

Fellow Optimists,

It is with a lot of sadness that I must advise you that Wyn McAra passed away on March 27th at the age of 94.

Wyn has served as guiding light in Optimists International for decades, giving of her time and talent to many projects including helping with blind and hard of sight members in the Brailtone Club, and spearheading many public speaking competitions including serving several years as the District Chair for the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH).  Just think of how many kids have been helped by her efforts over the years.

Wyn always had a smile and a kind word for her friends, always generous with her time and her talent.  She will be remembered as a lady of warmth and grace and a sense of purpose to help make the world a better place for youth.

I have been advised by Wyn's family that the funeral services will take place at 11AM, on Saturday Morning April 4th/15 in Highlands United Church 11305 - 64 Street, there will be a light lunch and refreshments downstairs following the service.

Please forward this to all who might have known Wyn.

Sincerely,

Keivin Wallace

Past Governor

Loss of an Optimist

Fellow Optimists,

 

It is with great sadness that I pass along the obituary of Keith Preddy.  Keith has served as President of the Optimist Club of Lethbridge for many years.  Just think of how many kids have been helped by his efforts over the years.

 

I knew Keith from Optimists and also from his Big Kahuna Karaoke business here in Great Falls.  Our city will have less music as a result of his passing.

 

Please forward this to all who might have known Keith.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dan Petersen

Governor

AMS&NW District 13

Remembering Bill Cummer

It is with a great deal of sadness that we announce the passing of Optimist Bill Cummer on Tuesday, May 7, 2013.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Denise Dolph and her family at this time.  Denise provided us with these words:

You may have heard already that my Dad, Bill Cummer, passed away peacefully at home on May 7 after a brief illness. The funeral service will be Friday, May 17 at 10:30 at Lakeview United Church. There will be a visitation (no open casket) Thursday, May 16 in the evening at McInnis and Holloway on Elbow Drive. The obituary will be out tomorrow in the National Post and I think tomorrow and 3 other days next week in the Calgary Herald. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Optimist Club William J. Cummer Scholarship. Details of locations and donation instructions are in the obituary.

I would appreciate it if you would forward this to your club members and other Optimists.

He will be missed by all who knew him!

Bill served 50+ years with the Optimist Club of Calgary and is fondly remembered for being a dedicated volunteer whose contributions have touched generations of youth throughout Calgary.  His passion and dedication were recently honoured by his fellow club members the last time that they hosted AMS&NW District members to a conference in Calgary.  Many of us have enjoyed and will treasure the company and fellowship that Bill always shared with every Optimist he met.

Credits:  Photo -  www.legacy.com

Remember Past LG Muriel Crowther

It is with sadness that we inform you that Past Lieutenant Governor Muriel Crowther passed away peacefully at the age of 67 on Saturday, January 26, 2013.  Muriel was a past member of the St. Albert Optimist Club and served as Lieutenant Governor of Zone 5.  Muriel helped organize the Optimist Float for Klondike Days in they early 2000 era. She will be remembered for her infectious smile and hearty laugh in addition to her contribution to the youth in our communities.

She is survived by her children Warren, Karyn, Janice, Brenda and Warren; siblings, Esther, Gordon, Vernon, Gert and Sonny and nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service on Saturday, February 2 at 1:00 p.m. at Centre for Spiritual Living, 10580 - 113 Street, Edmonton.  In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated. Please send to Norwood Palliative Care at 10410 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5G 3A2.

Submitted by past Governor Keivin Wallace

The Passing of our Club President - Dennis Farnham

Additional Details:

Viewing
Friday, July 22nd - 6 PM to 8 PM at:
Dokken-Nelson Funeral Home
113 S. Wilson Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715

Memorial Service
Saturday 07/23/11 - A service/gathering will be held at the Optimist Park at 8PM.
A reception will follow at the Holiday Inn, Bozeman, MT 59715

Dennis will then be transported for burial at Santa Clarita, California

Original Announcement:

It is with a heavy heart that I send this information to you.

Breakfast Optimist Club President, Dennis Farnham, passed away in the afternoon on Saturday, July 16th, 2011 at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.

Dennis was found in a stairwell at the Holiday Inn (where he worked part-time), CPR was administered and he was rushed to the hospital.

His wife Kathy and daughter Sheri received the call while on their way to Billings, turned around, arrived at the hospital in time to be at his side.

Initial condolences can be emailed to Ted Huber [ tedhuberjr at msn.com ]

Provided by Governor-Elect Ted Huber, Breakfast Optimist Club of Bozeman

Prayers & Thoughts for Marion Cummer

It is with great sadness that I send this message to you. Marion Cummer, wife of Optimist Bill, passed away on Thursday, Jan 6th.

Bill Cummer has been a long time and devoted Optimist, and always active with the Optimist Club of Calgary and High River Optimist Clubs.  With an active Optimist father, Denise Dolph became active with both the Optimist Club of Calgary and the Dinner Optimist Clubs.  Both Bill & Denise have served on the District executive.

Please remember Marion in your thoughts and prayers.

Here is a PDF copy of Marion’s obituary which includes details about the services.

Originally provided by Governor Tim Bell, PDF file provided by Mike DeNicola

SAD News

It it with a heavy heart that we regrettably have to inform you of the passing of two Optimist friends: Marion Kreller and Alex Wilson.

Marion Kreller, wife of Optimist Glen Kreller, from St. Albert, passed away on Wed., June 23rd, after a battle with cancer. Marion was a past member of the St.Albert Breakfast Club and a friend to all who had the greatest pleasure of knowing her. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 3rd in St.Albert at the Connelly-McKinley Funeral home on Muir Drive.

Suddenly, on Saturday evening, June 26th, Past District Governor Alex Wilson, of Regina, passed away. Alex was truly an Optimist who lived the Creed and as fine a person as you could have as a friend, a friend you could always count on. A memorial reception will be held in Regina, Monday, July 5th from 2pm - 5 pm at the Regina Inn, Wascana Room, 1975 Broad Street, Regina, SK, S4P 1Y2.  The internment will be at Foxleigh, SK on the Labour Day weekend.  Alex's obituary can be found online at: http://www.legacy.com/can-regina/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=143854738 or in the printed version of today's Regina Leader-Post.

Our condolences go out to these families and we ask you to keep them in our prayers during this difficult time.

Originally submitted by Gov Darryl Sim and DST Patti Welling

Remembering Glenn Jewison

It is also with great sadness that the Distriict has lost another great supporter. Past Governor, Glenn Jewison, passed away April 15, 2010.

Glenn was an active Optimist right up until his passing. He helped the Downtowners with the Band Festival (something he had done FOREVER) in late March and Glenn and Betty had just conducted the Sundown’s Oratorical Contest a few days before his surgery.

He was one of the organizers of the Taylor Field beer sales, no small undertaking. He loved working with kids. Glenn always had a big smile on his face and was one of those people who were just a joy to be around. We will miss him.

Originally submitted by District Foundation Rep - Lyle Merriam

Remembering Myrna Seiben

It is with a heavy heart that I pass on the news that Myrna Sieben passed away last Thursday night due to a brain tumor.

Mryna was a true Optimist, always active at the club and district level, and serving this year as our District Bulletin Editor and Publicity Chair. Myrna greeted you with a smile and friendly word each time you saw her. She brightened your day, just the same as she did for every child she helped.

A prayer service was held at 7:00 pm Tuesday at the Catholic church in Unity. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:30 am in Unity, Sask.

Here is her Mom & Dad's contact information:

Art & Cheryl Seiben
Box 1241
Unity, Saskatchewan
S0K 4L0
Phone# (306) 228-3402

Funeral Arrangements : Grondin Funeral Home
(306) 228-4480
No Web service
Funeral - Wednesday 24th, 10:30 A.M. at Saint Peter's Catholic Church

Originally submitted by Gov Darryl Sim

Farewell to Emma Collins

It is with a great deal of sadness that I report to you that Emma Collins passed away this morning.

Emma came into our club through the Saturday Mornings Communications Club, now known as the Brailtone College Club, and worked as a mentor in the project until her health put a halt to it. She worked hard on our Board of Directors and served as President of our club, and helped out with the Oratoricals program when she could.

Emma also was very active in the Toastmaster Organization and belonged to several of those clubs as well and was a Past Governor as well as President of several Toastmaster Clubs. There is an advanced Toastmasters Club named after her at the U of A where she worked before retiring.

Originally submitted by Opt Keivin Wallace, Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club