Rotary E-Club Canada One: Our Program this week. In remembrance of our Club President, Dr. Peter Denooy. January 13 to 19, 2020

WELCOME!!

to this week's meeting of

The Rotary E-Club of Canada One

For the week beginning January 13, 2020

A special tribute to celebrate
the life of our
Club President and Friend
Dr. Peter Denooy

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Note from the editor:

I hope you think this week’s posted meeting is a fitting tribute – though you may not have really known Peter well. Perhaps, after this meeting, you will feel that you had more of a connection with Peter.

Please play the opening musical prelude while you read the comments from everyone. And then listen to the other selection of music from Elly later on. Be sure to watch the two “Four-way” test choral reading videos too!

THIS WEEK - IN REMEMBRANCE OF

OUR CLUB PRESIDENT AND FRIEND

Dr. PETER DENOOY

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A short musical prelude
Read through the remembrances while you listen.

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Remembrances from guests, members, friends

Our E-Club President, Peter Denooy, has passed away on Thursday, January 9, from complications of his recent cancer surgery. This meeting is dedicated to Peter’s memory – a celebration of his life!

We are shocked and deeply saddened.

Peter was a man of substance who made many friends throughout the Rotary world. We will miss him greatly!

The Board has sent a condolence message to Ileana and family on behalf of the RECCO membership.

Peter’s Bio – from our Rotary club page

Dr. Peter Denooy was a veterinarian who moved to Canada immediately after graduating in the Netherlands in 1976. He practiced full time in Northeast Alberta until he became one of the owners of EIDAP Inc. in 1999, and got involved in the RFID business. Hence Peter’s Rotary Classification of Electronic Identification when he joined the Rotary Club of Edmonton Strathcona in 2001.

After the company sold, Peter started a new company that provides calcium chloride to veterinarians around the world as part of the worldwide movement to control the dog overpopulation problems. His classification is now Veterinary Medicine.

Peter was President of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Strathcona during 2007 – 2008. As a direct result of attending his first Rotary International Convention in Salt Lake City in 2007, Peter became involved in the distribution of wheelchairs around the world to those who cannot afford them.

In cooperation with many Rotary Clubs and Districts, more than 3000 new wheelchairs have been distributed in Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, and the Dominican Republic.

Recently, Peter was spending most of his time in the Dominican Republic. After a year of membership in a Rotary Club there, he joined the Rotary E-Club of Canada One in July 2016.

Peter leaves behind his two sons, Johan and Roland, and their families, along with his partner, Ileana Moreno in San Juan de la Maguana, which is located in the geographical center of the island of Hispaniola.

Peter spent most days in his balcony office in Dominican Republic where he divided his time on his laptop between a recently started veterinary venture (Aiding Animal Welfare by Promoting an Inexpensive Way to Sterilize Male Dogs and Cats Worldwide) and Rotary, unless he was watching soccer, golf, and the occasional movie.

Members and guests have provided remembrances of Peter below.

I've had the privilege of knowing and working with Peter for a few years now, and I was planning on visiting him in the hospital on Monday, but life is so very unpredictable and sometimes cruel.

Peter was a strong Rotarian and Humanitarian, and will be missed by so many people.

Besides all the online meetings we’ve had over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Peter, in person, on a couple of occasions when he was back in Canada from the Dominican Republic.

On one occasion, at the end of my term as President of the E-Club in 2016, we had breakfast together and I transferred the small Rotary E-Club bell and plaque to Peter, as he was driving down to Red Deer and would deliver it to the next President of the E-Club, Frank Yakimchuk.

In 2018, Jocelyne and I met up with Peter and Ileana at the RC of Strathcona where Peter was embarking on a tour of District 5370 Rotary Clubs promoting the E-Club of Canada One.

He was such a proud, enthusiastic, passionate man who loved Rotary. Our thoughts go out to Peter and Ileana's family, at this very, very hard time. Jocelyne and I will never forget him.

-- Jim Ferguson, District 5370 Governor-elect and Past President of E-Club of Canada One

Rotarians Jim Ferguson and Peter Denooy

Peter spreading the word about E-Club of Canada One

Peter, Ileana, Jocelyne, and Jim

We have all had the privilege of knowing and working with Peter as an integral part of our E-Club. Peter was a true Rotarian whose goal it was to “Connect the world” through Rotary and the E-Club. He had accomplished much in pursuit of that goal.

I met Peter initially online through the E-Club meetings. When I learned that he was organizing a breakout session on E-Clubs for the Toronto RI Convention, I offered to help. It was there that I was privileged to meet Peter in person. Peter’s inspiration, his personal integrity, his work ethic, and his leadership qualities are why I am currently a part of the E-Club of Canada One.

Many through the Rotary world knew and loved Peter and all will miss his Rotary passion, his commitment, and his friendship.

Thank you for being an important part of our lives, Peter!

-- Kitty Bucsko Associate Member, E-Club of Canada One

Peter was a dedicated Rotarian and has visited our club (Rotary E-Club of Innovation) many times over the past two years. In the past couple of years, I have been involved with several things with Peter, and he will be sadly missed. He was a dedicated Rotarian and a friend.

I have been working closely with Peter to promote, develop, and connect with E-Clubs around the World. We have a regular meeting with the North American Passport and E-Clubs to share ideas and best practices. Peter was an integral part to leading this group and will be very much missed.

Peter was the co-ordinator of the Break-out group for E-clubs at the Toronto RI Convention where I, along with other Rotarians from around the globe, presented to an audience of 400+. Without the sterling work from Peter, this would not have happened so well.

I will miss Peter dearly as a friend and fellow Rotarian.

On behalf of our club, I have sent our condolences to his club secretary.

-- Martin Brocklebank, Rotary E-Club of Innovation (based in the UK)

I am a rather regular attendee at the Club’s weekly online coffee chat for a half hour every Thursday, as was Club President Peter Denooy. In fact, I was on the chat this past Thursday, January 9, after a few weeks’ absence due to travel commitments on several prior Thursdays.

I and all those participating in the chat Thursday were delighted to see Peter join us from his hospital bed in Edmonton, appearing to be in recovering health and advising that he was beginning to feel better and was looking forward to moving into a temporary apartment in Calgary while the post-surgery process was being managed.

So, it was an absolute shock to wake up the next morning in my home in England to find an email waiting for me, to advise that Peter had died later that day.

As we are an eClub, I in fact never met Peter in person (we tried once when our paths crossed briefly in Edmonton, but it did not work out as Peter was detained at a prior appointment). However, through our eClub virtual meetings, he had become part of my circle of friends and a key member of our Rotary family.

Peter was a dedicated Rotarian who spent thousands of willing hours in the service of that great organization globally and of our small but active Club. He will be sadly missed by his own family, as well as all of us in his Rotary family.

-- Keith Evans, E-Club of Canada One

Although I only had a few minutes of his time it was very easy to tell that he had Rotary in his heart. Following the First People’s tradition, I have put the canoe in the western doorway to ensure that the vessel is there for his voyage, and we ask for calm waters, the candle is lit to light his way and the medicines are burning to clear the air for the journey.

-- Gary Froude, former E-Club of Canada One member from Ontario

I am joining you and other Rotarians to express your most sincere condolences to Peter’s family and Ileana’s family. What a shock after seeing him this morning on our coffee chat!

I have known Peter for over 35 years as a customer and a Rotarian and always enjoyed his ethics and values. A great man indeed.

I met Peter over 35 years ago when he was a customer of my testing laboratory, in Edmonton, Alberta. Frequently, Peter brought animal feed samples to be tested. As a veterinarian, Peter often needed to assist farmers and feed suppliers on the best animal husbandry protocols for the health of farm animals he was involved with.

Later on, Peter joined the Strathcona Rotary Club where I was a member and where he was President for a number of years.

As a customer and as a Rotarian, Peter was always an exemplary member of any group he was involved with. We admired his values and his respect for diversity.

Today, Friday, January 10, we attended the meeting of the Rotary E-Club of Carpenteria Morning Guatemala Chapter in Antigua. While it was a Zoom meeting, about 7 members attended in person, including our E-club member, Vicki Horsfield. We all paid tribute to Peter with a minute of silence.

We pray for his family and the family of Ileana.

-- Jean-Michel Crepin, E-Club of Canada One

My deepest sympathies are extended to your E-Club for the sudden passing of your President. In Rotary Spirit,

-- Christine Rendell, District Governor 2019-2020 (Rotary Club of Calgary East www.rotarycalgaryeast.com, Rotary International District 5360 www.Rotary5360.ca)

I feel very fortunate to have known Peter. He was an example to all Rotarians with his dedication to Rotary and Service above Self. As President of the club, he was always willing to assist in any way he could and devoted many hours to ensure our club ran smoothly and fulfilled its obligations.

After seeing Peter at the coffee sip Thursday morning and hearing that he and Ileana were making arrangements to relocate to Calgary, we were making plans to see them next week, so it was a complete shock to receive a call from PP Jim Thursday afternoon to say Peter had passed away.

Our thoughts go out to Ileana and to all Peter’s friends and relatives at this difficult time.

-- David Werrett, Past President, E-Club of Canada One

David, Ileana, Peter

I have known Peter since he joined the Edmonton Strathcona Rotary Club in 2001. He has been a dedicated Rotarian for almost 20 years.

I have gotten to know him better since I transferred from the Edmonton Riverview Rotary Club to Rotary EClub Canada One, where Peter served as President this Rotary year. I have served as a Director on his board since July, and have always been impressed with Peter’s unwavering commitment to our club and its members.

Peter has been the driving force, always there to help everyone. He also took it upon himself to contact the other EClubs in the Rotary world and formed a cooperative group to share ideas.

I will miss him, his enthusiasm, passion, and dedication. His passing will leave a huge hole that will be impossible to fill. Rest In Peace, Peter. You will not be forgotten.

-- Judy Harcourt Brown, PDG, Rotary District 5370 and Director, RECCO

Peter was a true believer of Rotary and E-Clubs.

-- Andy DeWitt, E-Club of Innovation

Peter Denooy was the driving force behind the efforts to organize and engage North American E-Clubs. His concept was for E-Clubs to meet online and share ideas and solutions to the unique challenges faced by E-Clubs. We will miss him dearly.

-- Brian Carmichael, PDG District 7080 (2011-12), Ass’t Rotary Co-ordinator, Zone 24E, 2017-2020.

What sad and very unexpected news. He will be missed as his initiative was very timely and important.

-- PDG Diana White and Roger White, District 7020.

I am in shock.

-- Elly Contreras, E-Club of Canada One

Thank you for letting me know. The short time I have known Peter he exhibited innovative leadership and no doubt had a positive effect on many. Deepest sympathy to yourself and members …

With warm regards,

-- Chris McBride

This is horrible news, James. My deepest condolences to you and the entire club.

-- JP Kamel

My deepest condolences to Peter's family and the E-Club. He leaves a big hole in the membership, and he will be sorely missed. He was a great guy, and, moreover, a good Dutchman!

-- Delwen Stander

Thank you for letting me know. What a week of sad news. I shall pray for his wife as she tries to sort out affairs. I take it he was hospitalized in Edmonton. Peace be with all of you as well as his family.

Life is so tenuous at times.

-- Lynne Ternosky, Rotary Club of District 6330 Passport

This is very shocking. He was just at our house on New Year’s having a laugh and in great spirits. Very shocking, so sorry to hear.

-- Bryce Lambert, E-Club of Canada One

I was actually hoping to meet with Peter this year as the Dominican Republic is essentially my second home. I have heard many great things about him and our thoughts and hearts are with him and his family.

-- Joel Benjamin Goor

I cannot believe the sad notice. I am so sorry for Peter's family as well as for the E-Club Canada One. Please receive my deepest condolences. I am sure that Peter will be missed, but will be remembered too for all the good he brought to the people who knew him.

-- Nosberto L. Lou

I am very sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences to your whole Rotary family and certainly to his as well.

-- Carolyn Ferguson

I feel so sorry for Peter’s family and his many friends. My sincere condolences,

-- Donna Barrett

I'm so sorry to hear this news, Oh my, he had so much drive for the E-Club. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.

-- Simon Boersma

Please let me know if and when there will be a funeral or celebration of life. I will keep Peter’s family and the Rotary E-Club in my thoughts and prayers. Another stark reminder that every day is precious.??

-- Ingrid Neitsch, IPDG Rotary District 5370

So sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He was a very dedicated and true Rotarian. He will be missed.

Yours in Rotary,

-- Gord Lewis

Very sorry to hear this news. Please pass on our condolences to his family from Karen & me.

-- Winston Conyers

I am so sad to hear this shocking news. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My heart goes out to his family and everyone who was connected to him, at this time of grief. This is such a huge loss. Peter was a very passionate Rotarian. I'll always remember him.

-- Nishchint Bajaj

Pete Denooy was an important member of the Rotary E Club of Canada One having been one of my best supporters in troubled times.

Tammy and I were planning to visit him and his wife this coming Monday. Peter will definitely be missed by the Rotary Family.

-- Frank Yakimchuk, E-Club of Innovation

Peter and Frank Yakimchuk

Tammy Waugh (E-Club of Canada One) and her husband, Frank above, visited with Peter and Ileana in Red Deer, Alberta, on November 29, 2019. The photos show the happiness and hope for the future.

The following photo was taken by Tammy on 29 November, 2019, at a lovely Italian restaurant near Jean-Michel & Barbara’s condo in Calgary. We had drinks and appetizers beforehand at Jean-Michel’s condo. It was a fun evening with great food and great friends! I wish I had a photo with all of us.

Below, Peter and Ileana having lunch at the home of Tammy and Frank in Red Deer, Alberta, on November 29, 2019.

Photos contributed by Rotarian Jim Kenyon

Photos taken 18 September 2019 in Bruce Kleeberger’s back yard in Surrey, British Columbia. A nice sunny bbq.

I joined via Elly and when Peter and Ileana were in Canada, we decided to get together. Bruce offered to host a bbq. I flew down to meet everyone.

I enjoyed joking with Peter with veterinary stories. I'll miss that. We all will miss Peter in so many ways.

Jim Kenyon, Elly, Peter, and Bruce Kleeberger

From Rotary Club of Edmonton Strathcona

It is with great regret and sorrow we pass on the sad news that Peter Denooy died suddenly yesterday afternoon, January 9th.

Peter was introduced into Rotary by Dennis Freeman in January 2001, and he served as our president in 2007-08. He was the primary motivator of the Wheel-Chair project, a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and was the club's Rotarian of the Year in 2004-05.

Peter resigned from the club in 2015 and took up residence in the Dominican Republic. After a short stint with Rotary clubs there, he joined E-Club Canada One in 2016, and he was serving as the president this Rotary year 2019-20.

Peter will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Our sincere condolences go out to his partner Ileana.

Service for Peter

Peter’s service is Tuesday, January 14 at 10 a.m. at

Trinity Funeral Home

10530-116 St NW

Edmonton, AB

Canada T5H 3L7

Both of Peter’s sons and their families are here in Edmonton. They had a great family visit Thursday morning. They took a family photo with Opa and then went to West Edmonton Mall for a family day. Things turned bad in the afternoon and Peter did not survive.

Johan and Roland decided that because all the family was here, they would have Peter’s service as soon as possible. They are working to get Ileana home to the Dominican Republic as soon as Wednesday. This is to be confirmed.

The service and reception will be at the same place to minimize travel in our January weather.

Refer to the notice in e-Strathconian dispatched earlier today or on our home page at www.EdmontonStrathcona.Rotary5370.org.

My friend Peter

He was my friend, a Hollander; A man I understood.

Our passion for our Rotary was helping others and do good.

I met him not too long ago about tasks that were at hand;

He was not well and in his eyes was that look I could not understand.

Later I learned his eyes showed death, which I feared to believe;

But it was true, and now he’s gone, leaving us all to grieve.

-- Elly Contreras, E-Club of Canada One

Photos submitted by Rotarian Elly

***

Views on Grief and Loss

(10 minutes)

When Amy Green's young son was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, she made up a bedtime story for his siblings to teach them about cancer. What resulted was a video game, "That Dragon, Cancer," which takes players on a journey they cannot win.
In this beautiful talk about coping with loss, Green brings joy and play to tragedy. "We made a game that's hard to play," she says, "because the hardest moments of our lives change us more than any goal we could ever accomplish."

...contributed by Rotarian Keith

What Grief has taught me
(8 minutes)

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Musical Selection

celebrating Peter's connection to Holland

...contributed by Rotarian Elly

Humour

We must share Peter’s quick wit and sense of humour. It was always on display on a Thursday morning.

Choral recitation. Those in attendance will remember and appreciate these two moments. The group were attempting a choral recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test. Give a listen.

The first: When we were trying to get it set up!

The second: The result:

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Please remember our dear Rotarian Peter

as he recites the Rotary Four-way Test

one last time.

Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to Peter.

Please rest in peace dear friend and fellow Rotarian. You will not be forgotten.

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Thank you for joining us. We appreciate your feedback and hope you will return and invite a guest.

Please consider a donation to The Rotary Foundation (TRF)

in memory of Peter.

Click HERE to leave us a comment or send a message.

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1108 6th Avenue SW

Calgary, AB

Canada T2P 5K1

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Program Donations

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Our club and the program you have just enjoyed, either as a member or a visitor, is funded only by donations.

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