Dr Gerry Johnston celebrated his membership anniversary at last week's meeting.
39 YEARS!
Here’s a little about Gerry’s service to Rotary.
Dr Gerry Johnston was inducted into Rotary in 1982, continuing the Club’s link with Kodak which began with the late Thomas Baker, our president in 1928. He was nominated by Rotarian John Habersberger, with the classification of Photographic Supplies - Marketing. At that time GM of Marketing at Kodak and ending as Managing Director and subsequently Chairman until his decision of early retirement in 1998.
Gerry immediately immersed himself in our affairs. He had several terms as chairman of the student exchange committee, was a director in 1989-91, Vice President in 1991-92 and was an energetic President in 1993-94, putting the Club back on a normal footing after the excitement of the RI Convention. Gerry also served as Chairman of the District International House Committee and of the Council of International House, a trustee on the Baker Foundation for 14 years, serving as its Chairman for 12 years up to 2014 and has been the Captain of three Groups - none of which has survived, but we won’t go there!
In recent years Gerry is one of the Thomas Baker Oration organising committee which has brought us wonderful Orations from esteemed Australians: Dr Alan Finkel, Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Professor Fiona Wood, David Thodey and most recently Professor Margaret Gardner.
Gerry was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2000 by President Jack Melbourne. Gerry is a great supporter of Rotary International Foundation, having reached Multiple sapphire level and is also a Special Friend of our own RCM Foundation.
Gerry and Sophia (“SOPHIAH”) have three daughters and a son. Their daughters were all exchange students and he and Sophia have hosted students from Canada, Germany, Finland and Japan. They were also involved in the RI Conventions of Mexico in 1991 and Melbourne in 1993. They have now retired to a home they have built in Sunbury.
So, congratulations to a wonderful Rotarian and happy 39th Anniversary of membership Gerry.
