It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....
GEORGE OKURAPA - ROTARY CLUB OF AJAX
We are very saddened to pass along the news that Past President George Okurapa passed away suddenly at home from a cardiac arrest on Thursday January 9th 2025.
While George had only been a club member for 4+ years he has already had a great impact on the Club and the community it serves. George was a proud Rotarian. He and Edinah always volunteered for Club activities and he frequently attended training on behalf of the Club and for his own personal development.
Here is an article from Soft Power News in Uganda:
George was a loving and proud family man who cared about, and for, his extended family in Uganda. He was a gentle soul and a true gentleman. You never heard critical words from him and he seemed to exude positivity. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He has gone far too early.
Prominent former Makerere University Guild President , and a staunch supporter of the Ugandan Peoples Congress (UPC), George Okurapa, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Ajax, has died in Toronto, Canada. His passing was confirmed by his wife, Edinah, who revealed he succumbed to cardiac arrest at home. The news was shared by Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss. He highlighted Okurapa’s recent efforts to bridge the divide between opposition figures abroad and the Ugandan government.
“I was heartbroken to hear of George Okurapa’s sudden passing,” Tayebwa said. “Edinah informed me that he suffered a cardiac arrest following his daily routine and was pronounced dead shortly after. George was a passionate advocate for reconciliation, working tirelessly to unite the diaspora opposition with President Museveni’s administration. Though he is gone, his work and vision will remain a testament to his commitment to unity. My condolences go out to his family and the entire nation.”
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, also paid tribute to George, calling him a unifier who transcended political divides to unite Ugandan diaspora. "In his collaboration with President Museveni, he laid the groundwork for reconciliation and worked toward the things that brin us together. My sincere condolences go out to President Museveni, his dear wife Edinah, their family, as well as his relatives, friends and in-laws. may the good Lord grant him eternal rest."
Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda shared his personal reflections on George. Andrew reflected on their long-standing friendship and his remarkable character. “I am deeply saddened by George Okurapa’s death,” Mwenda shared. “I first met him in 1997 at former President Milton Obote’s residence in Lusaka, Zambia. We quickly formed a strong bond, and I was fortunate to stay at his home during my first visit to Toronto in 1998. George was a brilliant mind and a kind soul, the epitome of humility and grace. His sudden departure is a great loss to everyone who knew him. May his soul find eternal peace.”
George's legacy extends beyond his leadership at Makerere University, as he remained a significant figure in Uganda's political and intellectual circles. His work toward bridging divides in the Ugangda diaspora earned him admiration from all across the political spectrum.
He is survived by his wife Edinah and his family.
BILL BOYD - PAST ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
It with great sadness that we recognize the passing of Rotary International Past President Bill Boyd on January 22, 2025.today. Our thoughts are with Lorna and their family.
Bill Boyd was President of Rotary International in 2006/2007, only the second New Zealander to hold that position.
Bill’s service to Rotary International has included:
• Rotary Foundation Regional Coordinator for Australia and New Zealand from 1989 to 1991.
• Chaired Regional Magazine Editors Conference in 1992 and subsequently two more times.
• Appointed to Rotary International Communications Committee 1993 and subsequently became chairperson.
• Rotary International Director from 1998 to 2000 including Treasurer of Rotary International in 1999/2000.
• Member or chairperson of various committees for next few years (Literacy, Water included).
• Trustee of Rotary Foundation from 2008 to 2012 and chairperson in 2011/2012.
• Chaired Branding Committee from 2012 to 2014.
• Chaired the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group from 2012 to 2018.
• Filled an extraordinary vacancy on the Rotary Foundation Trust from 2016 to 2018.
• Chaired the Peace Programmes Overview Committee in 2018/2019.
In recognition of his service Bill was awarded the Rotary Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award and Citation for Meritorious Service and a Distinguished Service Award by Rotary Down Under. Bill was also presented with the Queens Service Order for Community Service in the 2007 New Zealand New Year’s Honours List and made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013. He was a Paul Harris fellow, many times over. A complete Rotarian.
A note from Evan Burrell: Sad to hear about the passing of Past Rotary International President Bill Boyd from New Zealand . He was a lovely man and did so much for Rotary and for the whole of New Zealand. He will certainly be missed. Sending my thoughts and condolences to all of his family and his many Rotary friends. In 2006-2007, Bill asked us all to "Lead the Way" and we did that by following the path he set forward. RIP
BARRY WEBSTER - ROTARY CLUB OF EAST YORK
Barry Webster (1937-2025)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Webster, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, on January 20, 2025, at the age of 87. Barry’s life was defined by a devotion to family, community, and the causes he held dear. Born in Brackley, England, Barry and his wife Anne emigrated to Canada in 1967, settling in Toronto with their young family. Barry’s career at TD Bank included helping develop the iconic TD Bank logo, and the Green Machine, and notably, creating the TD Award of Excellence. His legacy in both business and branding continues to inspire.
Barry’s love for his family was unwavering, raising two sons, Jeremy and Phil, with his first wife, Anne, who sadly passed in 2001. Barry was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather and his joy in his family’s accomplishments was evident throughout his life. Barry married Lynda in 2004. As a nine-year old, Barry joined the Westminster Abbey Choir, and was present for the 1947 wedding of Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip. Music remained central to his being, continuing with the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir (Chor Meibion Cymru Toronto) and the choir at St. Aidan’s Church, where he formed lasting bonds with fellow music lovers.
In retirement, Barry devoted himself to his community, spreading holiday cheer as Santa Claus, giving back to others through Rotary, and always striving to make a positive difference. His zest for life was also evident in his many adventures, especially his love for photography, sailing and travel. Predeceased by his first wife Anne and stepson Trevor, Barry is survived by his wife Lynda, sons Jeremy (Joanne), Philip, Andrew (Charmaine), and Geoff (Crystal), grandchildren Natalie (Rhys), Victoria, Ava, Olivia, and his great-grandson Oliver. The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the excellent palliative care team at the Tommy Latner Centre for their support and love.
A celebration of Barry’s life will be held at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church on February 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm. A gathering will follow at Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club (ABYC). Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honour the life of a man who truly made the world a better place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rotary Canada (Rotary Foundation Canada https://trfcanada.org/ ).