At the Change of Command celebration, we remembered four club members who died during the past year. We miss them terribly, as all were exemplary representatives of Rotary's motto Service Above Self.
William S. Gripman – Bill
On the morning of his graduation from University of Michigan, Bill was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy and in the afternoon married Nancy, to whom he was married for 64 years. You can see Nancy’s name in the Parker Task Force grocery store as she and Bill were its founders. Bill joined Rotary in 1996 as a Retired Sales Exec, was active in many community projects, and became an Honorary Member prior to his passing. Nancy was also a Rotary member, joining in 2008 until her passing in 2015.
Deann Olson
Deann began figure skating at age 12. That was considered too late for serious competition, but Deann showed them all. She had a successful career as a figure skater and later a second successful career in professional coaching, taking skaters of all levels to the United States Figure Skating Association ranking. She was inducted into the Skating Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, where each year the Deann Beideck Olson trophy is awarded to the winner of the Northwest Pacific Juvenile Girls Ice Skating Competition. Deann gave skating instructions to several Hollywood actors and young hockey players. She brought her passion to Rotary in January of 2016 where she appeared at almost every event. Dinners for Eight were some of her favorites!
Michael Oldham -- Mike
Mike was a retired attorney who joined Rotary in September of 1998, sponsored by Bill Gripman. Mike quickly became involved with youth and the Boy Scouts of America, in particular Troop 16. He was our club President from 2004-2005 and secured the District Grant for Respire Haiti for schoolhouse education. Mike was a member of the District American Indian Committee and Polio Plus Committee. Polio was close to Michael’s heart as he had polio at an early age. Mike became District Governor in 2009-2010.
Allan Johnson – Al
Al joined our Club in April of 1996 as a Retired Aviation Executive. He served as club President from 2006-2007. While heavily involved, Al preferred being outdoors and those were the projects he supported. He was also a past AG (Assistant Governor), helping clubs to grow while becoming more involved in their community. His wife, Jane Johnson , served as president in 2011-12 and is currently an Honorary Member.
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