Bill Smith received accolades from the Board of Directors,
Members and staff for his volunteer service through most of Parkwood’s history
as a heritage institution and charitable organization.
Executive Director Brian Malcolm offered a partial view of
Bill’s extended service:
“My direct
knowledge about Bill’s volunteer service only covers the last 23 years or
so. Most of you know Bill as our
Comptroller, our behind the scenes accounting guy, and that certainly is the
case these days.
But there was
a time when Bill got dragged into just about everything – from barbecues and
bulb planting, to Easter Egg hunts and Swing Band concerts, helping put budgets
and financial reports together since the 1970’s. As a member of the Management Committee from
the1980‘s to the mid 1990’s, Bill was often called on to leave his ledgers and
files and get involved with urgent matter du jour. Later, Bill got us all to leave our ledgers
and files, as he helped shepherd Parkwood through the early agonies of
computerized accounting.
Until
recently, Bill kept daily hours and had the misfortune to have an office right
between Jane’s office and mine, and right across from our sometime development
office. We had constant access to him,
and what a fantastic resource for us.
But think for
a minute about the volunteer hours and the level of service contributed each
day, each week, year-round and each year. Truly, I can’t imagine how Parkwood
could have made the strides it has without Bills’ constant commitment, and
faithful attention to some of the most important matters.
Over the last
few years we have focused on sustainability.
Frankly, we have been acutely aware of the value of Bill’s volunteer
services. It’s beyond any typical
measure of expectation. I can’t think
of another organization that has enjoyed such a gift.”
Treasure Scott Smith introduced a special motion at the 40th
Annual General Meeting
“BE IT
RESOLVED THAT that, as The Parkwood Foundation celebrates its 40th
anniversary, it recognizes the decades-long volunteer contribution of William
Smith as Comptroller – with resounding gratitude for his long-service,
dedication and wise counsel.”
Rules
of order were thrown out as several attendees clamoured to second Scott’s
motion. Here’s a sampling:
“ I have worked with Bill almost as long as he
has been here, when I was a Director and more recently as Chair of the Finance
Committee. I came to rely on Bill’s
work, and trust on the information and advice he has brought to the Board and
the committee. It has been a pleasure
working with him over the years.
I second the motion, with my
confidence and thanks” Arthur Lovell
“I probably work the closest
with Bill, about 14 years if anyone is counting. For me Bill represents one of those un-sung
heroes, who work quietly but effectively behind-the-scenes, on things that are
important and - let’s face it, nobody’s
idea of interesting or fun - and seeking no recognition or praise.
Bill, I second the motion,
with my thanks for your patience, guidance and commitment” Jane Battersby,
Administrative Assistant
“In 1990, Marion O’Donnell
& I became really active in Parkwood’s rejuvenation. Along with Bill, we formed a sort of dynamic
trio – a restructuring task force to push forward the new future for
Parkwood. It was somewhat daunting and a
bit radical and we relied heavily on Bill’s financial good sense to help guide
the changes. Bill was also far more
involved in events and doings than he ever hoped or wished to be. His thanks are truly well-earned.
I second the motion, with
the knowledge of Bill’s many skills and broader contributions to Parkwood’s
success.” Patricia O’Neill, Past
President
Parkwood has not stood
still, nor has the world. During my term
as President I saw increased demand on our accounting requirements. But, Bill remained unflappable and slow to complain
about new reporting requirements and regulations, fundraising and grants, new
budget lines and inter-fund complications.
It was a pleasure working with him and, with a shared hospital
background we even commiserated a little about our health care system
I too second the motion,
with sincere thanks and admiration.”
Sharon Swain, Past President
“I get the prize for working
with Bill the longest, and I might just have the best perspective on just how
valuable his service has been to Parkwood.
He has been a constant resource during various ups and downs, a great
source of knowledge and a sounding board too, a man of integrity and solid
values, and an exemplary volunteer. For
so long, there was just no question about who would be doing what Bill was
doing, next week, next month or next year.
That’s an amazing comfort level for me, with a perpetually
under-resourced organization, and it represents a rare & outstanding
volunteer contribution.
I second the motion with my
personal thanks and knowledge that Parkwood and I have been spoiled!” Brian
Malcolm
Needless
to say, the motion passed – with hands raised in the affirmative and then in
applause (followed by a standing ovation!
Thank you
Bill!
No comments:
Post a Comment