Dear Friends,

My first memorable interaction with Chuck Austin happened the year we hosted the District conference here in Frederick. There was a concert at the Weinberg one night and I was sitting near Chuck and his wife, Beverly. I approached and said hello and had a long conversation with him about Rotary among other things. I remember thinking, “Wow! This is what Rotary is about! Someone who has been a member of this Club for probably 50 years at the time, taking this time to make me–with only a few years under my belt and no significant Club affiliations yet–feel included and important. That is who Chuck was, though: always there with a smile and a kind word.

It also never failed to amaze me that a person could dedicate such a large portion of his life to an organization and a cause. Anytime I would bring a guest to Rotary, I was sure to point out his amazing tenure and attendance. It’s hard to imagine how many kisses he gave out to ladies coming in the door for meetings and how many hands he shook as he sat at the table taking attendance.

Even when it was clear he was slowing down and having more trouble getting around, Chuck was always there – a steady presence – to greet us as we came in. I know there have been other members who have had parallel lives of service, but for me, Chuck was always Mr. Rotary and the “ol timer” I got to know the best.

It gives me great satisfaction to know that the Club was able to give something back recently to someone who gave so much to the club. I know there are other members who knew him and his family better, and for whom his passing will leave a greater void, but Chuck was a man who will leave an indelible mark on my Rotary journey.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Michael