Conroe Noon is experiencing yet another bittersweet moment as we celebrate Jason Miller’s ascension to the Presidency while mourning the loss of yet another club monarch.
Many who follow our club know the logo for Lions Club international has twin Lions, which per LCI founder Melvin Jones, “represent a lion facing the past with pride and the future with confidence, looking in all directions to render service.” We have said farewell to many wonderful Lions over the past few years and Past International Director Don Buckalew’s passing is one of the most significant for the Conroe Noon Lions Club. There has been no Lion in the history of our club who lived a life to be proud of, while facing the future with confidence and looking in all directions to render service.
Until his health got in the way, I counted on regular phone calls and texts from Mr. B to check in and encourage me as the leader of his beloved Lions club. I can’t express the gratitude and appreciation I have for not only getting to know an icon like Mr. B personally but also getting to call him my friend. I was always impressed to find out how he kept his finger on the pulse of operations of not only this club but everything going on around Conroe.
As I ponder Mr. Buckelew’s passing, along with other dear Past District Governors and Past Presidents of this club, I can’t help but wonder, who is going to fill their shoes? The overall success and tremendous momentum Conroe Noon enjoys can all be, either indirectly or directly, attributed to the contributions of “Mr. B” or “Big Don.”
In fact, if you look closely enough, you’ll find Mr. B’s fingerprints on every facet of this club over the years. Every past president here has enjoyed mentorship and guidance from Mr. B. The Community Partnership program was created by him. The programs, scholarships, community service and recognition and overall reputation and esteem in the community have been built by monarchs of our club, and he is absolutely one of them.
Now as we face our own club future with confidence, in the absence of a true icon, we lean on each other and dedicate ourselves to service in his honor. He leaves behind a legacy which none of us could ever emulate but we endeavor as a club to honor that legacy with service and passion for Conroe. We Serve.
If you would like more information about the Conroe Noon Lion’s Club programs, please visit our website, www.conroenoonlions.org, or call the local club office at 936-760-1666. You may also call 936-760-1666 for additional information on any area Lions Club.
