Hi everyone!!!
President Alice Albright opened the meeting and gave
us the sad news that our good friend and devoted Rotarian Barry McKey, passed away over the weekend.
Barry was an outstanding Rotarian of over 50 years, joining Matamata Rotary in May 1972, he served as the club President in the 1997/1998 year and in many varying roles throughout his time, especially as the club historian in his latter years.
He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow in December 1998, a Sapphire Pin in March 2012 and a double Sapphire pin in June 2022 for his dedicated service to Rotary.
Barry dedicated his life to the community through the Matamata Rotary Club and the Matamata Historical Society. He was passionate about all that he did and he will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service for Barry will be held on Saturday 11th February at 11am, at the Broadway Funeral Home Chapel. Rotarians are asked to attend if you can and Rotary will perform a Guard of Honor as a fitting send off for Barry.
President Alice then read the following poem as a tribute to Barry.
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
To sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
But never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journeys quicker,
For some the journeys slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the Lord.
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On a much happier note, President Alice then inducted our newest member Roisin Mc Quillan.
Roisin is an Equine Vet at Matamata Veterinary Equine division. She is looking forward to being involved in the Matamata Rotary Club and participating in all of our events and activities. Welcome Roisin.
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And I think it is only fitting that I leave you with a beautiful image of Barry.
Thank you Barry for your many years devoted to our club, your tireless work as a historian, your sense of humor and the fact that you were just an all round good bloke. We will miss you greatly. Rest in peace my friend.
