The Rotary Club of Fullerton presented a very special  tribute today to  our own Bill McGarvey.  Blake Smith’s Newest Nine and Collette’s were ready to receive and serve the 150 Members, visiting Rotarians, and guests.

Chief Pat McKinley called the meeting to order, which began with a deafening loud clang of the bell and a flag salute led by Dick Jones.  Dr Leroy Fulton provided the invocation and led us in a musical rendition of his version entitled Viva Bill McGarvey!  Then Rick Crane handled the announcements followed by an expensive fining session imposed by Bob Hillhouse.

Chief Pat conducted an express raffle, and then quickly introduced our program M.C. Jim Williams.  In welcoming our 150 attendees today,

Jim noted that perhaps the one thing we all had most in common with each other, is that we are proud to be counted amongst those lucky people who hope to be referred to as - Friends of Bill McGarvey.

Jim then observed that although Bill no longer works in the real estate business, he does continue at his “true life’s work”.  He recalled how it was Jacob Marley’s ghost, who in the classic novel A Christmas Carol warned Ebenezer Scrooge - “Mankind is our Business”.  Jim also said like author Charles Dickens, McGarvey likes to boil things down to the most simplest terms.  You may have heard him say over and again, that for him ….  “It’s all about people”.

Still referencing Dickens, Jim said he believes Bill has exceeded any Great Expectations that his family might, or ever could have dreamed.

“Bill has made incredible and enduring differences in our community – … creating opportunities for so many of our citizens, his life’s work (business) has become an inspirational legacy of “Service Above Self”.

Griff Duncan then recited Bill’s resume of leadership and awards. Four pages later (just the significant ones) with Griff struggling to catch his breath, it was noted that “while Bill serves as an inspiration to others, one cannot imagine that we will ever again witness such dedication, or see his equal in service”.

Shelly Hoss, President of the Orange County Community Foundation then spoke about Bill’s example in philanthropy. Her organization has gifted $5,000 which was presented to honor Bill as their largest ever, and first, Power Packed Philanthropist Award in North Orange County.

Bill decided the funds should go to our own Rotary Club Foundation. Thank you, Bill, for your unselfish generosity.

Shirley also announced another $20,000 from her organization will follow in matching funds for our Club’s Community Investment Awards.

Next - State Assemblyman Mike Duvall awarded Bill with a special commendation from the California Assembly.  City Council-member Dick Jones and Mayor Don Bankhead then proceeded to award Bill commendations from the City of Fullerton as well.  Since budgets are a little tight these days, Bill will have to provide his own frames!

Our elected officials were followed by sincere and warm comments and congratulations from the Chair of the Board - Fullerton Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Fitzgerald.  It was clear to all present, that her  warm gratitude and great admiration expressed for Mr. McGarvey was truly heart-felt, and entirely sincere.

California State University Fullerton Vice-President Pam Hillman was present to honor Mr. McGarvey as well, Pam commented about the long and significant contributions Bill has made to the University. Bill’s Friends and the CSUF Philanthropic Foundation contributed almost $2,000 towards the purchase of a tree and a monument, which will be planted on the campus to honor Bill McGarvey.

Diane Masseth-Jones was excited to announce that the YWCA has begun a new scholarship program for CSUF. Nearly $3,000 has been donated by Friends of Bill McGarvey which will fund three scholarships of $1,000 each to be awarded in the name of Bill McGarvey. Diane also presented Bill with a Bonsai Tree for his garden to commemorate the occasion and special recognition he will receive by the YWCA.  

Before closing the program, Jim thanked Blake Smith and the Newest Nine, and his wife Sally, her mother Betty Andrews, and Dean Stockwell for the table decorations and favors (red socks).  Credit was given to Diane Masseth-Jones who conceived and worked on this very special tribute,   

Before our President-Chief Pat (I kicked the heck out of the SLA with one hand tied behind my back) McKinley finally awarded the coveted Fullerton Police Patch and coffee mug to Bill McGarvey, Jim Williams decided to share two things of which he was extremely proud of this day:  his more than 30 years association with the members of  THE Rotary Club of Fullerton, and the honor and privilege of being Bill McGarvey’s friend.  There was plenty of pride to go around today.