The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise is paying their respects to a man who served a proud Rotarian and vital member of the Norfolk Community.
Last week, 83-year-old Don Emerson passed away leaving behind quite the legacy.
Locally, he was known for years of operating Emersons China and Ladies Wear before moving on to being an instructor at Fanshawe College.
Over the years, he served in many different services clubs and on many boards to better help the community.
Notably, Don served on the Board of the Simcoe Caring Cupboard for over 25 years, and dedicated many years in support of the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society.
That was John Wallace speaking on behalf of the Rotary Club Of Norfolk Sunrise.
He spoke about Don’s passion for travel as well, and how he combined that love to help out people from all over the globe.
John told us that over the years he, and his steadfast companion Gwen, made repeated trips to Mexico to the Nogales area for charitable work supported by the Rotary Club of
Norfolk Sunrise.
Don provided leadership to a water project in Central America, converting fog into potable water.
He traveled to Togo in Africa for HIV National Immunization Days, two trips to India to visit joint Operation Eyesight projects, to China to do volunteer teaching, to Wales as leader of a youth exchange team, and later, a friendship exchange.
Don was a major contributor to The Rotary Foundation and was honoured by Rotary at the District and International levels as well as by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise with Paul Harris Fellowship.
Those wishing to donate in memory of Don are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or the Simcoe Caring Cupboard.