PDG Jim Lightbody
District Governor (151) 1951-1952
PERSONAL
Jim was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1890; the family moving to Canada in 1904. After finishing high school and working in a hardware store, he entered into a clerkship in a law office. Before finishing, he quit to become a newspaper reporter, later joining the B.C. Electric as head of its publicity depart¬ment where he remained until he retired. In retirement he lives with his son in Victoria.
All during his active years, his hobby was being in his home woodworking shop.
ROTARY Jim joined the Vancouver Rotary Club in 1920 when it met in the Oak Room of the Old Vancouver Hotel; At that time the only other club in lower B.C. was in New Westminster. Jim reports that as many as 1500 delegates attended the District Conferences and that "everyone attending wore a cap denoting his club and that each club tried to outdo all others in noise and song".
The fellowship in the club and programs were outstanding. Harry Lauder was a guest speaker and was introduced by member, Jack Matheson, resplendent in kilt and Scottish burr. At another luncheon the Provincial Lieutenant Governor was the speaker. At the conclusion of the address, club President, Tom McHattie, won everlasting glory by asking the members to remain in their places until the Lieutenant Governor "had passed out".
The fund raising activity of the Vancouver Club was the annual amateur carnival which generated much fellowship and fun in both committees and club meetings. The New Members Committee, chaired for many years by Bert Perry, was also noted for its good fellowship.
Jim was elected Secretary in 1946 and President in 1948. Till then the club had dragged its feet in encouraging the formation of new clubs in suburban Vancouver, although Rotary International had been pressing for such extensions. Jim got the directors to open the club boundaries, and by-pass¬ing usual R.I. procedures, appointed N. W. Bailey to organize the Marpole (now South Vancouver) club and Vern Whitworth to organize the Kingsway Club. Both clubs were instantaneous successes.
HIS GOVERNOR YEAR During Jim's year as Governor, the clubs of Haney and Smithers were formed. He attended the International Convention in Paris in 1953, and was appointed chairman of the Seattle International Convention in 1954. The success of that convention reflected the abilities of both Jim and others in the district. Among the speakers were Bruce Hutchison of Victoria and John Foster Dulles, then U.S. Secretary of State.