It is with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family this month. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family.
Devon Biddle - Rotary Club of Oshawa-Parkwood
It is with deep sadness that the members of the Rotary Club announce that Devon Biddle has fought a courageous battle and has passed away, at his cottage, on his 75th birthday, August 28, 2020 with his family by his side.
Devon has been a member of our club since 1976. He has held every position in the club, has been our club secretary for many years and then went on to be out club treasurer for the last 15 years. Devon was very instrumental in many of our club signature projects including the Kids Safety Village of Durham Region, the Rotary Centennial Bridge and the Rotary Gazebo that are predominant fixtures in our community.
Devon and his wife Linda have gone to India and participated in a National Immunization Day trip and administered those two precious drops of polio vaccine to many children. He has been very active in the last 15 years , serving and leading the way on many District 7070 committees including the Co-chair of District Conference, District Treasurer, Governance and Audit. Devon and Linda have a deep love for the work of The Rotary Foundation and a few years ago, became members of the Arch Klumph Society.
Devon was loved and respected by everyone he met. His devotion to Rotary and the Rotary Club of Oshawa-Parkwood will live on forever. Instead of giving our guest speakers a "thank you" gift, we remember Devon Biddle and make an annual Devon Biddle donation to PolioPlus on behalf of all of our guest speakers. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife , Linda and the whole family.
Here is the announcement from Oshawa Funeral Service: BIDDLE, Devon Gordon P. ENG Passed away at the cottage surrounded by all his loving family on Saturday, August 28th, 2020 on his 75th birthday. Beloved husband and best friend of Linda for 53 years. Loving father of Nancy McCallum (Gordon), David (Alexis) and Allan (Irene). Cherished Grandad of Cameron, Claire, Jane and Kipling. Dear brother of Tamara Hopkins (late Robert), Anthony Biddle (Karlene) and Kimberly Biddle (Susan). Fondly remembered by his family and friends. Devon attended University of Toronto, where he met his two great loves, Linda and engineering. Following his graduation in 1967, he established the engineering firm D.G. Biddle & Associates in 1974. This legacy continues to this day to contribute to the growth of Oshawa and Durham Region. His own good fortune inspired him to contribute to causes and initiatives he cared deeply for, both locally and internationally. These included Oshawa Parkwood Rotary, Rotary International, Parkwood Estate, Camp Samac, Ontario Tech University, University of Toronto and many others. He cherished his family and was dedicated to building a wonderful life for them. This included the spectacular cottage on Balsam Lake that he built much of with his own hands. This became the place for family and friends to gather, celebrate and have fun creating lasting memories. It is there he spent his final days. He was an adventurous spirit and travelled the world, visiting every continent, but always returning to his favourite destination, HOME. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, September 3rd from 4 – 8 p.m. A private family service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, September 4th. Please join us to celebrate Devon's life via live stream https://www.distantlink.com/scion6.html at 1:30 p.m. Interment to follow at Thornton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkwood Rotary Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.oshawafuneralhome.com
Luis Vincente Giay - President Rotary International 1996-97
A Rotarian since 1961, he was a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Arrecifes, Buenos Aires Province. He has served Rotary International as district governor, Information Institute counselor, International Assembly instructor and moderator, member and chairman of numerous committees, Director(1987-89), Treasurer(1988-89), aide to the RI President (1990-91) and Rotary Foundation Trustee(1990-93).
He is survived by his wife, PRID Celia Vicente Giay and four sons.