Richard (Dick) joined the Optimist Club in 1980. Over the next 39 years, Dick demonstrated his commitment to the Optimist Club and the youth it serves.  He volunteered his time and energy to club activities and providing leadership at various levels.

Dick served as Club President, as well as Lieutenant Governor and Governor for the WINUM (Wisconsin Northern Upper Michigan) District. Under his leadership as Governor, Dick was recognized for the outstanding performance of his District, which outpaced all other districts in the State and Upper Peninsula during that time.  Dick also worked with other clubs within the District to rally and raise the membership numbers to increase the number of youths served within the District.

At the local level, Dick filled important roles with various Board positions, including the Club’s Foundation, but he was also eager to volunteer for any of the projects the Club was undertaking. Dick also took the lead to coordinate such projects as Bike Safety and various fundraising activities such as chairing the Fox River Boat Races.

On a personal note, Dick would always greet you with a smile, a joke and as an avid baseball and Cub fan would call out “play ball” at the end of the Pledge of Allegiance at each meeting.