This is our 100th year celebrating Loftus Day, which honors Rotarians loved/lost in the past year. Following tradition, we will hold a short program on Friday, September 6th to remember selected individuals and reflect on our history, followed by a visit for those able to to a local cemetery. There are three main cemeteries that will be in an annual rotations, so each gets visited every third year. Please bring a bouquet of flowers (from your home garden, your favorite florist or roadside stand, etc), if you'd like to participate. At the end of the regular meeting, those wishing to go to the cemetery will gather.
Each person will be give a cemetery map, a section map, and a name, along with info about the deceased member. You'll be given a different name every year so that you get to know different people's stories. You'll drive (or carpool) to the cemetery, find the grave of your assigned person, place the flowers, and depart when you wish.
If you have questions, please contact myself, Dave@trumpiephotography.com or cathy@lansingrotary. com
Three past members who will be honored on Friday, September 6th, 2024 will be: Rev. Lawrence Richard "Dick" Ammons, Rick Anthony and J. Clyde Spencer, M.D.
Rev. Lawrence Richard "Dick" Ammons moved to a new home on October 29, 2023.
Dick was the only child of Glenn and Nellie (Nee-Henry) Ammons and was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, on April 19, 1938. He graduated from West Fairmont High School and Ottawa University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
During his lifetime he received many honors and awards. He was an eagle scout, a mason for 60 years, received the Keyman Award from the Campbell County, Kentucky Jaycees and was Jaycee of the year. He was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board in Newport, Kentucky, and was a chaplain for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce twice receiving the president's award from the Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to joining the Downtown Rotary Club of Lansing in 1983, Dick had been a member of the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri. While a Rotarian he received the Paul Harris award 4 times. Duane Vernon was his sponsor into our club. Rev. Ammons retired in 2004 as the Senior Minister of Unity of Greater Lansing. Following retirement, he presented workshops in church management and was often a guest speaker at Unity churches.
He is survived by his wife Betty Ammons of St. Johns, MI, children: Rick and Julie Ammons of Blue Springs, MO; Jeanneane and Jack Nartker of Shepherd, MI; Kippy and Pat Franks of Brooklyn, MI; Randy Ammons of Huron Twp., MI; and his grandchildren: Ian, Brandon, Hope, Lee, Stephanie, Nathan and John. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Born August 22, 1947 in Lansing, Michigan son of the late John and Harriet Anthony passed away following a battle with cancer on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at age 76.
Surviving Rick are his loving wife of 56 years, Carole; their children, Robert (Joelle) Anthony, Rick Anthony, Jr., Ryan (Angela) Anthony, and Randi Kay (Aaron) Bowden; grandchildren, Elise, Jacob, and Levi Anthony; sisters, Pat (Douglas) Holliday, Sandra (Brian) Lundy, and Pamela (Gary) Sage along with many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jon M. Anthony.
He graduated from Holt High School and went on to become, along with his wife, owner and operator of Rick Anthony Flowers in both Holt and Lansing and was formerly on the Board of Director’s at the Michigan State Florist Association. Rick was a longtime member of Holt Baptist Church and the Rotary Club of Lansing. He had coached basketball for Delhi Township Recreation League and a Church League.
Rick was instrumental in organizing the flowers for our Loftus Day tradition every year.
J Clyde Spencer MD passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024 at the age of 94. He was born on September 30, 1929 in Ionia, Michigan, and raised there as the only child of J Clyde Spencer Sr. and June Josephine Wales. In his youth his best friend and constant companion was Chan, his beloved Chow Chow dog. In high school Clyde played football and baseball and excelled scholastically, earning a full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan. He obtained both his bachelor and medical degrees from Michigan, did an internship at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, and then served two years as a Medical Officer in the United States Army in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Influenced by fellow Army physician and well-known Harvard radiologist CC Wang, following his military commitment Clyde returned to Ann Arbor and entered a radiology residency under the direction of the highly regarded Dr. Isadore Lampe. After completing his residency he accepted a position with Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and began work in the Radiology Department under its Chief, Dr. Bill Cheney. It was there he flourished, first as a Diagnostic Radiologist and then later as a Radiation Oncologist treating cancer. Clyde loved his work and was dedicated to his patients. He was instrumental in bringing a linear accelerator and other high-tech equipment to Sparrow, served as a Department Head for several years, and at one time was the Chief of Staff for the entire hospital.
In his off time, Clyde was an avid golfer. He once carried a 6 handicap, had 9 holes in one, and belonged to Walnut Hills Country Club for over 50 years. He also enjoyed time with his family, social activities with friends, and in retirement wintering in Vero Beach, Florida. Clyde was lucky in love and was married to two wonderful women; first the former Beverly Mae Brown of Grand Rapids until her death in 1980, and then to Marcia Grimes Jensen of East Lansing, who was a close friend of Beverly’s. Clyde and Marcia were married for over 40 years and she got him to loosen up a bit. At one point he was even spotted wearing jeans. His other affiliations included the American College of Radiology, the Ingham County Medical Society, the Rotary Club of Lansing which he was a member since 1972, the University of Michigan Alumni Association, and All Saints Episcopal Church.
Clyde was predeceased by Beverly and Marcia, along with his son Ted. He is survived by his sons Craig (Gina), Bryce (Margo) and Todd, and his daughters Allison Duniven and Sarah Hensien (John), grandchildren Brian (Jane), Clay, Marissa, Lauren (Doug), Katherine (Kevin), Chelsea, Hillary (Michael), Jack, and Anna, and great-grandchildren Molly, Lexi, Ben, Emma, Alexander, and Stella.
We are seeking nominations for someone to serve as Treasurer for both the Club and our Club’s Foundation. The primary function of the Treasurer is to exercise oversight over Club and Foundation funds and ensure that budgetary control is appropriately maintained. The Treasurer serves as a member of both the Club’s board of directors and the Foundation’s board of directors. A detailed job description is available from Cathy or Club President Rebecca Bahar-Cook. If you are interested in this position please contact Cathy, as we would like to elect the new Treasurer for our next fiscal year.