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Richard 'Pat' Henry Named Rotarian of the Year

June 24, 2009 – More than 50 Rotarians and guests of the Rotary Club of St. Croix Mid Isle gathered together Wednesday to honor and remember Rotarian Richard “Pat” Henry as the 2008 -2009 Rotarian of the Year.
The sentiments bestowed on Henry were of his giving nature and the inspiration he was to fellow Rotarians. Henry died last September at the age of 59 after a brief illness.
“Pat always said to me 'we have to get this done,'” said Earl Powell, Rotarian and fellow local hotelier. “He would never say no to anything asked of him. He would call me at midnight and say 'Earl we have to do this or that for the community.'”
Henry was president of the St. Croix Hotel and Tourism Association.
Ellen Henry flew in from Fort Meyers Beach, Fla. to be on hand at Gertrude's Restaurant for the honor given to her husband. She said she moved to Florida after hurricane Omar to be close to family members, but added the St. Croix community was her favorite out of the 17 places she has called home.
“Pat's commitment and belief was always 'service above self,' living that Rotarian motto,” said Ellen Henry. “He was the consummate Rotarian.”
She said she would hold dear all the members and was touched by the honor, love and support shown to her as she accepted a plaque presented to her by Marcel L. Galiber, out-going club president.
“Every time Pat was asked to do something, he never said no,” Galiber said. “If it was something for the Lighthouse Mission he said, 'What do you need?'”
If Rotary needed a place to hold an event, Galiber added, Henry, who had been general manager at Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, always offered the use of the resort at no charge to the club.
“Pat was a true Rotarian – he always gave of himself to other people,” Galiber said.
Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. joined the Rotarians in honoring Henry, saying he got to know Henry through doing things with him at Catholic Charities and Bethlehem House.
“As a community, we remember him for his support,” said deJongh.
Lionel Downer, Rotarian and Women's Coalition board member, read a letter from Clema Lewis and Mary Mingus co-directors of Women's Coalition, with remembrances of his kindness, generosity and gentle spirit for the help he gave to clients at Women's Coalition. Kevin Jackson, assistant general manager at Divi, remembered Henry for his love of Rotary and his emphasis on doing things for the club.
In other Rotary business the Club awarded a four-year, $1,000 a year scholarship to Good Hope School graduate Kristen Wattley to attend Roanoke University, where she will study pediatric anesthesiology.
Two new members, Ralph Collins and Jay Wiltshire were inducted. Galiber recognized and gave out flowers and certificates to club members who helped and supported him during his year as president.

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