Tim Anderson orchestrated a tribute to President Don and implemented a quiz while all were getting their lunch. Basically, Tim introduced 5 songs that described characteristics (I think) of our president. Songs included Andrea Bocelli (opera singer) and Frank Sinatra (I did it my way).
Mike Carlin opened the meeting.
26 members in attendance, plus 2 guests, student friend of Anita Lakra & Flavio Antonini the pride of Palermo Italy
Bob Pearson led us in O’Canada.
Mike Carlin provided the Invocation & Land Acknowledgement giving thanks for good food, good company and the kind of Rotarians that show up early on Friday morning for our Stampede Breakfast & stay late to clean up.
We are reminded of what our late Rotarian, Al Williams stated, “Service is the rent we pay for the life we are given”and today we are paying that rent with Fun, Fellowship & Purpose.
We also acknowledge we are meeting on the traditional lands of the Treaty 7 peoples by remembering “we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors – we borrow it from our children”
David Wartman announced that July 3, 2026, is an historic day with the chartering of the first Indigenous led Rotary Club in the world - sponsored by our Club - Mohkinstsis Urban Indigenous Club. The Ceremony was chartered by RI Director, Marty Helman & by Elder Casey Eaglespeaker with his inspirational words followed by a Victory song, and a Round-dance. 25 new Rotarians and over 100 people joined to show their support.
Mike Carlin introduced our YA HOO operator Scott Sword and with a few limited instructions, he caught on quickly.
President Don - Presidential welcome – “your Honour/my Lord”
Gratitude was extended to Rod and the vast team of volunteers who made last Friday's Stampede Breakfast an overwhelming success.
Vision for Total Engagement: President Don committed to breaking down the 80/20 rule through active member inclusion and, invoked themes of cosmic ambition for the year ahead, quoting both Jean-Luc Picard ("Engage!") and Buzz Lightyear ("To infinity and beyond!")
Trophy Presentation This Trophy has been, engraved with every president’s name since our club's founding in 1967. Don is #60 and that number carries weight. Because behind it are 59 individuals who each, in their own way, helped shape what this club is today—through service, leadership, friendship, and commitment to the Rotary ideals.
They didn’t just hold a title. They built something—year after year—that we now have the privilege to carry forward. Each presidency is a chapter. Some chapters brought growth; some brought challenges: All brought progress.
Our membership, our impact, our reputation in the community—is the result of those cumulative efforts.
Discovery & Induction: Welcome President Don Edie!
The formal "changing of the guard" was handled with a brilliant blend of legal wit and ceremonial gravity. Past President Mike conducted a humorous "examination for discovery" of incoming President Don Edie, the club’s 60th leader.
Don, a senior lawyer, former Queen's Counsel, and veteran oil and gas regulatory expert, Opera Singer performing 60 theatrical events, treated the club to his fascinating life story. (Cradle to Present) Born in Edmonton so he could be a Canadian citizen while his father was finishing a doctorate at MIT, Don grew up right here in Calgary's Parkdale neighborhood. Following a distinguished 40-year career in energy law, he retired in 2016 and joined Rotary in 2019 under the sponsorship of Velma Noble, quickly falling in love with the club's exceptional fellowship.
Additional insights include:
Don is a recipient of a Distinguished Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is a professional recognition awarded to lawyers who are widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards. It is based on confidential evaluations from other attorneys and members of the judiciary.
He not only knows the Rotary 4 Way Test, but he also actually sang it with a little Opera flavour
Oath of Office “Well Your Honour/My Lord - Do you, being of relatively sound mind and body, solemnly swear to execute the office of President of the Rotary Club of Calgary West, to the best of your ability, without favour, or excessive use of legal jargon?” Good enough – you’re in! YA HOO
Director’s Pledge & introduction of new Directors
Gord Cox, President Elect
David Wartman, Treasurer
Rod McMahon, Secretary
Chris Davis, Membership
Chris Ritter, Past President
Mel Warman Youth & Vocational Service
Garfield Ganong, Service Projects
Announcements:
Don’t Forget - Flavio’s parents are arriving from Italy on July 17th and everyone is invited to welcome their arrival at the airport.
Meeting concluded with a little Western singing – Opera Style
To lock in the promised engagement right away, President Don refused to let the board sing alone. The entire room joined in a boisterous, heartwarming chorus of classic western anthems, including Home on the Range, This Land Is Your Land, Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, and Ian Tyson's legendary Four Strong Winds, carrying the club out into a bright new year of service.
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.
