Grant W. Barton
Presentation for Grant Barton - Service Above Self Award 2024
with Len Hawkins
Fellow Rotarians, spouses, and guests,
Tonight, it is my pleasure, on behalf of the Rotary Club of St. Marys, to present our Service Above Self Award. But first, let me provide you with a little background.
As Rotarians, we know the Paul Harris Award is named after our founder, who started Rotary International in 1905—116 years ago. Many members of our club have received one or more. The difference with the Service Above Self Award is that it cannot be purchased by the recipient through donations. It is truly for exemplary service and dedication to our club, the community, and the principles of Rotary, and it is voted on by the membership in a secret ballot. It is the most coveted award of the Rotary Club of St. Marys.
Would President Mark Oliver please come forward to assist with the award presentation for 2024?
The large award plaque will be placed at Rotary Hall, with a smaller replica given to the recipient. Thank you to Rotarian Doug Fread for his carpentry skills on the plaques.
Before we announce the winner for 2024, let me provide a few hints to see if the recipient has a good memory. When a person joins Rotary, they are asked to write an article for the Rotary website on “Why I decided to join Rotary.” The recipient wrote the following:
"I became familiar with Rotary while in Scarborough through one of my previous school principals, who encouraged me to join Rotary. My desire to be involved with community projects had to take a back seat, though, as it was important for me, at that time, to complete my master’s degree. It was several years later when Rotarian Bob Stephens encouraged me to come out to a few meetings and then to join the Rotary Club of St. Marys in 1977."
That’s 47 years ago. Now that’s a Rotary WOW.
I ask the 2024 recipient of the Service Above Self Award – Grant Barton – to please come forward.
(Applause from the crowd)
Award Presentation – Mark Oliver
Let’s now provide a little more information on Grant Barton’s service profile.
Professionally, Grant pursued a teaching career, mainly in Perth County. He moved from Scarborough to Juliet as Vice Principal, then to Principal at Mitchell Public, and finally to Principal at Downie, where he retired after 35 years of service.
I asked Grant’s daughter, Melissa, for a family comment about their dad, and she shared the following:
"He is a devoted dad to Jeffrey, Melissa, and Andrew and grandpa to four grandkids. His way of showing love to us was to do things for us—‘love in action’ is his mantra, and it remains so today."
Let’s take a snapshot of how Grant has continued his life mantra through community service with Rotary.
Highlights of Grant’s Rotary Contributions
Parkview Seniors’ Complex: Grant was one of the original founding board members for this project in the mid-1980s, addressing a shortage of affordable senior housing. The Rotary Club developed Parkview West (42 units) and Parkview East (22 units), a massive undertaking for a relatively small club. Despite material shortages during Toronto’s SkyDome construction, the project was completed and has served the community for over 35 years.
Heritage Festival Fireworks: Alongside June Cunningham, Grant started the Rotary fireworks display for the Stonetown Heritage Festival, a beloved event for the past 30 years.
Dragon Boat Races: From 2000 to 2002, Grant helped organize dragon boat races with over 20 boats on the Thames River, bringing excitement to the community.
Rural Urban Night: Grant has participated in this cherished event for 47 years, recalling when it was held in local churches like Kirkton and Thorndale.
Rotary Park and Taylor Trail (2013): Partnering with UTRCA and the Town of St. Marys, this project added to the town’s walking trails, benefiting countless residents and visitors.
Additional Projects: Grant has contributed to many other initiatives, including the Sparling Bush rejuvenation, Santa Claus Parade, Library Reading Garden, roadside clean-up, Meals on Wheels, Nourish Market, and community meals.
Closing Reflection
In summary, Grant epitomizes the Objects of Rotary and uses the Four-Way Test as a guide in all he does. He never needs to be asked to volunteer for a project because his name is always the first on the list. He is a tireless and dedicated volunteer, and we are proud to have him as a member of the Rotary Club of St. Marys for the last 47 years. He continues to live his life mantra: Love in Action.
From all your fellow Rotarians: Thank you, Grant Barton.
Please stand as we sing, “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
(Applause)
