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Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Past District Governor
Lynne Deavin writes

What can we say about Past District
Governor John Sayer who was called to
Higher Service on 12th April. John was
District Governor in 2016/2017.
John was brought up in London and South
Hertfordshire He studied Chemical
Engineering at the University of Newcastle-
upon-Tyne and returned to the Home
Counties to develop his career in the
Chemical Industry.
In 1985 he moved to the North Midlands.

John’s Rotary journey started when he joined
the Rotary Club of Stone and District in 1997
and he went on to hold most roles in the Club
including President in 2003/2004.
John was also invited to join the District 1210
Youth Service Committee and for many years
managed the “Young Innovator” competition, and was Chair of Group Study Exchange in 2011/12.
When John became our District Governor in 2016/17 and the international theme for that year was
‘Rotary Serving Humanity’, the theme he chose for his Conference at Southport was ‘LIVE THE
DREAM’.

John joined the Rotary Club of Blythe Bridge and District in 2020.
District Governor Steve Antill said “I first met John when I was District Secretary and he was
working on the Youth Committee, leading the Young Innovator competitions. His passion for Rotary
was always evident, and amongst other things he will be remembered as a great supporter of Rotary
working with Children in Need. He pioneered the co-operation in our District, and even during his
recent illness he continued to support clubs with merchandise and advice to maximise our joint
efforts.
“John worked closely with other local organisations, most notably in Stone, where he was at the
forefront of Rotary working alongside outside partners. John’s knowledge of Rotary was evident,
both as a Past District Governor, and as District Secretary. Despite his health issues forcing his
retirement from the latter John was always on-hand to offer advice when asked, and I will miss him
greatly, both as a Rotarian and as a friend”.
Away from Rotary John had many other local interests:

He was Chair and Secretary of the Stone Festival Committee for a number of years.
He volunteered with Young Enterprise (‘YE’) both as a Business Advisor to local school YE teams
and a local Board Member helping to put on events of the programme.
He was Chair of a Community Shop at Summerfield Court in Stone.

I am sure you will all agree that Past District Governor John Sayer served humanity and LIVED THE
DREAM. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Editor note - for the winter 2021 edition of ROTO, John was asked a series of questions. He was also
asked to ‘compose a slogan to sum up your life.’ His response was ‘He enjoyed life’.
John requested that, in lieu of flowers or otherwise in memory,
donations should go to Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus fund.
Donations can be made at justgiving.com/campaign/inmemoryofjohnsayer

SPRING 2023 ROTO 21