The Rotary Clubs of Abbotsford, Abbotsford-Sumas and Abbotsford-Matsqui have each presented the annual Don Funk Memorial Award to a deserving individual.
The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional “Service Above Self” in their actions, both within and outside the Rotary community.
This year’s recipients, each presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship, are Alan Hougen (Abbotsford), Allan Asaph (Abbotsford-Sumas), and Neal Doan (Abbotsford-Matsqui).
Hougen has been involved in Rotary for many years and is previous recipient of the fellowship several times. In addition to being past president, he has been a group study exchange host, air show volunteer, participant in a Rotaplast mission to the Philippines and worked on multiple committees.
Abbosford-Sumas Rotary president Mike Adkins said Asaph “was always the quiet and unassuming person. Whenever asked, he followed through and got the job done. He is a totally committed Rotarian and has been for many years.”
Doan is a two-time club president, the club’s unofficial historian, the director of public relations, a mentor to new members, and has been involved for 23 years as a key organizer of the annual Wine Festival.
Don Funk was a member of the Rotary Club of Abbotsford for many years. His dedication to the community and to overseas projects, particularly by securing and shipping hospital equipment to countries in need, was recognized by Rotary International with the Service Above Self Award, the highest honour given to a Rotarian.
Funk was instrumental in chartering both the Sumas and the Matsqui Rotary Clubs, and maintained a perfect attendance at all three.