We are saddened for the loss of one of our beloved members, Raul Paredes. He passed away last week after courageously battling cancer for many months. Raul was a great example of what it means to be a Rotarian. He lived his life following the guiding principles of the 4-way test, and it was never a doubt that he followed the Rotary motto "Service Above Self." When you were in his presence, you always felt as if you were the most important person in his life at that moment. On a personal note, he always called me Billy. I have not been Billy since high school, but when he called me Billy, I felt as of I had known him all my life.
He joined our club in March of 2006. He immediately got involved in whatever he was asked to do. He was our club secretary in 2009/2010, then our incoming president in 2010/2011, and our club president in 2011/2012. That was an outstanding year under his leadership, and was the recipient of the District 5810 Outstanding President of the Year Award. There were over 60 clubs in the district, and to win this prestigious award was not only a great achievement for Raul, but for our club as well.
As you would expect, Raul was a generous man, not only with his time, but also with his support of our club. He lived his life as a Christian, a loving husband, father, and grandfather as well a great Rotarian.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Aurora, his beloved wife of over 45 years, as well as to his children, grandchildren, and other family members.
We will miss him
Bill Bexley
