April 18, 2026

It is with a humble and overflowing heart that I thank you for the dedication of the 102nd North Carolina State Convention.

A few weeks ago, I began my 77th year as a Lion. Many magnificent things began for me in 1950. Most importantly, I married my wonderful wife, Esther. I also began my career in public education in North Carolina, and my father and I joined the Lions Club.

I am delighted to be here tonight with my loving family and the Lions of North Carolina, who I consider my extended family.

Neither Esther nor I had any idea where this great adventure would take us. We have traveled the world, visited almost every club in North Carolina multiple times, and witnessed the immeasurable impact Lions have had on the lives of others.

The faces have changed in some ways since my first Lions meeting in 1950. We were all guys then, a bit younger than many of us are now, and it brings me great joy tonight to see a room of men and women, black, brown, white, able-bodied and no so able-bodied. One thing that hasn't changed is the joy we experience in serving.

I had the pleasure of serving as District Governor at the beginning of Camp Dogwood, our top-notch facility and program run by a fine and dedicated staff serving the visually impaired and the Lions of North Carolina. I am also proud to have played a small part in the long history of our VIP Fishing Tournament, and I consider it one of our most important projects. Both of these programs were created and nurtured by the North Carolina Lions. I believe the greatest natural resource of our state is its people - people who see the needs of others and find ways to help.

The Lions of North Carolina have a great tradition of service. We have a difference in the lives of our neighbors and people around the world.

I am grateful that our paths have crossed as Lions, and I have shared the poem Crossing Paths With You (below) at many Lions meetings. It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to have served alongside you and to call you my friends.

Again, I thank you very much.

 

CROSSING PATHS WITH YOU

When the shades of evening are falling

At the close of the day

And I'm just sitting around to pass the time away

There comes a thought to cheer me

When I'm feeling sort of blue

Just a little prayer of gratitude

For crossing paths with you

 

Now I've never had the habit of slinging a lot of bluff

Nor indulging much in mushiness or sentimental stuff

But when I like folks, I ups and tell them now

Instead of writing fancy epitaphs about them when they're gone

 

So I'm telling you now, just because I want to say

That I'm glad fate arranged for you to pass my way

Just to see you and to be with you makes my skies a shade more blue

And I'm just a great deal happier for crossing paths with you.

 

- Anonymous