Posted by Kevin Walsh on Jun 25, 2017

The award of a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Windsor recognizes Rotarian Les Reid for his many years of volunteer service to Rotary, to his community and to his profession. The award is named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary in 1905, and is made to individuals who best exemplify the Rotary motto of, "Service above Self."

 

The photo shows Rotarian Les Reid receiving his Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotarian Kevin Walsh and Club President Jason Trider.

 

Les has been a Rotarian for over 20 years, and served in most positions on the Board of Directors, including President.

 

While still in his teens Les began his community involvement as a Scout leader and Youth Group leader in his church. Early on during his time in Windsor Les served on the boards of the Windsor Workshop (now New Boundaries) and later on the Kings Meadow’s board. He has also been involved with the Windsor United Church, serving as Clerk of Session and as the Men’s Club President.

 

Les was very involved with the Windsor Jaycees. He held every office at the local club, including twice being president and served the Atlantic Region as Secretary to the Regional Director. He was honored for his efforts by being named the most outstanding Jaycee for the four Maritime Provinces during a convention in St. John’s (one of the youngest to receive this honour).

 

Very active in his profession, Les was on the board of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia and served as its President as well. He is the recent past President of the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists and he remains a member of the Executive Committee. Les is one of a handful to have served as Presidents of both organizations.

 

A guy like Les gets recognized by those who work around him. He received a national Pharmacy Practice award for his work in third-world countries. He was also the recipient of the Bowl of Hygeia which is presented provincially to pharmacists whose service in the community extends beyond professional duties. Some call it the the Stanley Cup of pharmacy - an impressive looking trophy.

 

In the photo Rotarian Les Reid and his wife Sue with Club President (center) Jason Trider.

 

Les remains physically active and curling has been a focus of his in recent years. He was President of the Windsor Curling Club and enjoys officiating having recently worked as timer at a national event.

 

Les’ passion in Rotary Service has been, and continues to be International Affairs. He has, with the support of the Windsor Club, travelled to Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, Malawi and Ghana as a participant in humanitarian missions. Les and Sue have travelled to Australia and the Finger Lakes district of New York State on Rotary Friendship Exchanges.

 

He has been the Chair of the Youth Exchange Program and continues to set a fine example as a host parent. This year Les and Sue are hosting their 20th exchange student and attended their 10th Senior Prom! Les and Sue continue to be very involved with the Youth Exchange Ski Weekend held at Camp Mockingee and their delicious home cooked meals draw rave reviews from all participants.

 

In the photo exchange student Agustinia shares her locks to give her host father Les a full head of hair.

 

Les has always taken an active role in the Auction often serving as “Floor Director” during the broadcast and has helped out with Camp Mockingee. For both of these, his fine carpentry skills have been put to use.

 

Impressive as this sounds, I’m told his greatest passion remains his children, and Sue and Les are very impatiently awaiting the arrival of their first grandchild, due in early July.

 

Whether a Jaycee, a practicing Pharmacist, a man with a broom, a Rotarian with his thumb in many pies, or a citizen of the world commited to helping others, Les exemplifies all that is inherent in the Awarding of a Paul Harris Fellow.