Reflections by Keith Van Vliet

This one was penned by a popular Irish author, who became famous because his brother became famous first. His name is Malachy McCourt, and he wrote:

"Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

A ROTARY MOMENT

The most important aspect of RI is that it does not stand still. Innovation is always present. In 1994, RI began an experiment of training district leaders from within each district, with a three year trial project in 12 districts in 14 countries. After analyzing the results, RI created a new district structure using assistant DGs to train them for possible future service. Our own Gordy Norman is now serving in one of those positions for District 5300.

In Memory of
Julius (Jay) Winston Watkins
(March 6, 1923 - April 17, 2009)

I feel a great personal loss with the passing of my friend Jay. We traded weekly observations and opinions over breakfast for many years, and though our positions differed on some subjects, I felt a closeness to his nature that is hard to describe. Some found him gruff, but underneath that gruffness I discovered a humanity that was broad and inclusive. He had accumulated knowledge from his many travels around the world and I profited from his insights, which he freely shared with me.

During his extended illness I came to realize how much I missed him. When I visited his sick bed a few days before his passing it was the Jay of old times I saw, and I fully expected him to rally and return for some extended period of continued struggle with his many ailments. Thus, his passing was in a sense a release from the indignities of aging, which plagued him sorely. Now that his spirit is freed from his sufferinging body it is liberated to soar into those realms to which our earthly imagination is forever barred. Whatever realm that may be I imagine will be henceforth forever changed by receiving the unique nature of Jay's presence.

Julius (Jay) Winston Watkins, Glendora resident since 1974, died peacefully, after a long and fruitful life, at home with his family on April 17, 2009. Born to Julius Charles and Bettye Louise Watkins on March 6, 1923 in Vickery, Texas, he was always known as “Jay” to his family and friends, but was Winston to his mother. Jay proudly served from 1942 to 1946 in the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific Theater during World War II, and was honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant. Always a Marine, he never did anything that would dishonor the Corps.

He began college at Howard Payne College before the war and completed his education at Southern Methodist University in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Jay was always a man of business and many in his extended family looked to him for advice in their business affairs. His first job after college was with a CPA firm in Dallas and he later moved to a Big 8 accounting firm in Billings, Montana. While working on the Husky Oil account he met the love of his life, Becky (nee Taggart). After proposing to her on the dance floor, they married on September 26, 1953 in Cody, Wyoming. He went on to work with the Northern Pacific Railroad in Billings; was General Manager of WMK Transit Mix in Las Vegas, NV; President of Tri-City Concrete in Redlands, CA, and Executive Vice-President of Livingston-Graham in Irwindale, CA.

Blessed with seven children, he assumed a full role in raising them and assured they knew right from wrong. The numbers could be somewhat daunting whether simultaneously bathing four children in the bathtub or buying enough milk to become the largest private customer of a local dairy. With a surprising level of equanimity, regardless how his children provoked him, he handled all the ups and downs. Centered on family, the Watkins children always knew his love, concern, support and that he was very proud of them.

Jay was a true Rotarian, not just a member. He first joined the Rotary Club of Redlands; he founded and chartered the Rotary Club of Irwindale serving as its president; and was a long time member of the Rotary Club of Glendora. A Paul Harris Fellow, he was always a supporter of the Rotary Foundation He also served his community through the Boy Scouts, PTA, the South Coast Water Quality Board, and local Chambers of Commerce.

Jay is survived by his wife Becky and their children: Sherman (Nancy) Watkins, Wynne (John) Manning, Barbara (Charles) McKay, CO; Nancy (Mark) Walker, Peter (Dana) Watkins, Susan (Doug) Van Cleave, and Michael (Kelly) Watkins; sisters, Marilyn Bradley and Karen (Whit) Coats; 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, April 22, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 120 N. Oakbank Dr. Contributions preferred to the Rotary Foundation, c/o Glendora Rotary Club, PO Box 776, Glendora, CA 91741.