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Our friend Philip Li sadly and suddenly left us last weekend. His passing brings to focus his contributions to the Rotary Club of Richmond.
The President suddenly announced the club should dissolve which meant we would surrender our charter. We had just concluded the first of two strategic planning meetings late 2014. Immediately, Chris Browne called Philip Li and myself. The 3 of us met for an emergency lunch. Philip argued the club should persevere and we should do what we could to carry on the great work of Rotary.
It was Past President Philip who then directed Chris and myself to take on the next two years as President. Six of us remained. Six Rotary Club of Richmond members attended the 2nd session of strategic planning session with DG Don Evans. Those six were Dave Takahashi, Juan Burry, Barbara Duggan, Chris Browne, Philip Li and myself.
October 2014 was a pivotal moment for the Rotary Club of Richmond. It is said that one person can make a difference. Philip Li, must be remembered as the silent fortitude, pushing the rest of us into rebuild mode.
We could speak volumes of his contributions to Rotary. Maybe you don’t know that Richmond Interact would not have happened had he not made the first moves. He sat on committees for many successful Golf Tournaments, our Reverse Draw Dinners, Christmas Hamper Fund drives, Art Auctions, our Seniors Gala, Rotary Walks….and the list goes on. Many fundraisers for the Hospital or for our own Rotary Hospice House and Rotary projects were successful due in part to Mr. Philip Li.
Every successful organization needs leadership, inspiration, energy and participation. Those all describe Philip Li. Rotary needs team players and Philip was just that, a team-mate. Described in one word, he is a “True Rotarian”.
Philip, my friend, you leave a large chasm in the soul of Rotary. It is not an understatement to say that you will be greatly missed, and fondly remembered.
- Keith Tsukishima