Short Biographies from Past Governors

On November 13, 1999 the First Quarterly Board Meeting was held at the Quail's Inn in San Marcos.   In attendance were 15 of the 24 past governors. A bit of history was shared and enjoyed by all as the following short biographies were read by Past Distinguished Governor Robert Langhorst and his wife Georgia.
                    
Dudley D. Williams
(Jane)
Written by Dudley prior to his passing away.
OC of Uptown, San Diego
Governor District 14 1952-1953
President Optimist International 1978-1979

Dudley and Jane Williams are presently living in San Diego. He writes - " In 1952-1953 we were District 14 (Southern California, half of Nevada and all of the state of Arizona). We started the year with 80 clubs and ended with 88. The smallest club organized was 78 members.

One of the things I will always remember was the annual beach campout for the youngsters. For one month the kids lived in tents. Meals were cooked over an open fire. "Friend of the Boy" was the only theme Optimists had.

In 1978-1979 I had the pleasure of serving as Optimist International President. Two of my programs are still a part of Optimist International - working with the hearing impaired youngsters and the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships.

As an Optimist, I will always keep trying - so will you".
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E. W. "Bill"Spurlock
(Geri)
OC of La Mesa
Governor CALSO 1969-1970

Bill Spurlock presently lives in Hemet. He writes - "please accept my congrats on your being the District Governor. I have to confess that when I received your letter in the issue of the "Southerner" I called Bill Mackey in Vista, whom I haven't spoken to in a number of years. My opening statement was "Do you know they have a woman Governor?" Guess that goes to show I've been out of touch with the goings on in OI.

You asked for a short paragraph stating something I remember about my term as governor. I got out my scrapbook and realized that I couldn't condense a year of pleasures and disappointments into a paragraph. I remember we built 5 clubs which were Coronado, Kensington, El Centro Breakfast, Santee and at the moment I'm not sure of the other but I believe it was either Mira Mesa or Bonita.

Other than loosing my wife "Sue" to cancer several years ago, retirement life has been great for me. I have remarried a neighbor who also lost her mate to cancer. Fortunately, I live on a golf course and am able to play four or five times a week and still bowl on two leagues and have a enjoyable life everyday.

I thank you for your invitation, but on the date we will be returning from an 11 day cruise to Hawaii.

Please extend my best regards to any that might remember me - especially "All Rong Wong." The best of luck to you and your officers for the coming years."
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William J. "Bill" Mackey (Doree)
OC of Vista
Governor CALSO 1973-1974

Bill presently lives in Vista. Bill writes "I had a pretty good year. We started with 1327 members and ended the year with 1771 members. We put in four clubs that year. It was not a one man job. It took a team and I had a good one - with 8 zones and 8 outstanding Lt. Governors. I say outstanding because four became Governors and one a Vice President.

It was a fun year, and a team year. If you want a good year, you've got to work as a team.

I'm now retired, and chase women. Don't know what I'll do if I catch one!"
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William J. "Bill" Tanner
 (Joie)
OC of Crosstown, San Diego
Governor CALSO 1974-1975

Bill lives in Leucadia with his wife Joie. Bill writes "I was governor in 1974-1975. Our theme was "3 Dimensions of Service -- Desire, Dedication, Determination.

My year was a year of clean-up - deleting inactive clubs and members. We had a good District Convention in Las Vegas where Joie and I had a room with mirrors on the ceiling. We had to be good because we didn't know if there was a camera behind those mirrors. I had an excellent Southerner Editor, Wynn Foster.

I have been retired from the Security Pacific Bank since 1983 and enjoy each day."
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Lucien "Lou" Innis
(Bettye)
OC of Kensington, San Diego
Distinguished Governor
CALSO District 1977-1978

Presently lives in Las Vegas. "During my year as governor, our theme was 'beyond the call of duty' We had a special criteria in which the club had to perform in order to win a medallion on a red, white, and blue ribbon. The club president would be the recipient. We wanted to get some recognition for the club presidents during the year. We made a commitment that there would not be any clubs dropped from the district that year. We built three clubs that year (which include Bonita), the first year of the pilot award program. Optimist International found out it was hard to make any kind of major increases without new club building and only "new members" alone.

I would like to say something of great importance. The new person in office, whether it be a club president, committee chairperson or governor, you must sincerely want to do an outstanding job, otherwise that person will not succeed and may as well pass the job to someone else.

As for my present activities, I am now an advertising executive for a large company in Las Vegas.

Have a wonderful and successful board meeting and we hope to see you soon."
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John A. White 
(Pennie)
OC of Kensington, San Diego
Governor CALSO 1978-1979

John lives in San Diego with his wife Pennie. John writes "I was Governor the year that Dudley Williams was International President. My theme was "lend a helping hand." I had a wood carving that year that depicted that theme.

There were three candidates running for Governor in 1978. I was elected but all three served as Governor. It was a spirited campaign with lots of fun. I had a campaign manager and we distributed buttons that said "Do It Right, Vote For White."

One of the changes we initiated that year was the "March On" of the officers and spouses at the convention. We also put out a district roster with the pictures of all officers and club presidents.

In my view we have better conventions now that we did in those days. However, I believe we did better training in those days. Al Wong was the Optimist of the Year.
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Dennis Baker
(Stephanie)
OC of Valley Center
Governor CALSO 1979-1980

Dennis is living in Valley Center.
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Harold "Woody" Wood
(Gigi)
OC of Kensington, San Diego
Governor CALSO 1980-1981

"Woody" is living in San Diego.
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Domenick Muffi
OC of Vista
Governor CALSO 1982-1983

Dom is living in Vista. He is a man of very short words. Don is a very dedicated Optimist. He completed every job to the best of his ability. Dom is proud to be an Optimist and is still an active member of the Vista Club. He is like by everyone.
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Ted Harris
OC of La Mesa
Governor CALSO 1983-1984

Ted is living in Prescott, Arizona.
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Tom Shelton
OC of Crosstown, San Diego
Governor CALSO 1985-1986

Tom is living in Ohio. Bill Tanner visited Tom this past summer.
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Wynn Foster
 (Marilyn)
OC of Coronado
Governor CALSO 1986-1987
Vice President Optimist International
1992-1993

Wynn is living in Coronado. Wynn writes - "Probably the most memorable and somewhat traumatic experience as Cal South Governor was getting to the district convention in Burbank. The plan was that Marilyn and I would drive from San Diego to the convention hotel, off-load our luggage, then drive to the Hollywood - Burbank Airport to meet and greet the arrival of the International President Les Craft and his Lady. However, en route, as we passed through Irvine, my automobile malfunctioned. A couple of frantic telephone calls later, I was to arrange a substitute greeting party and went about solving the automobile problem.

Investigation revealed a malfunctioning engine governor. Fortunately the problem was speedily remedied and we arrived at the convention hotel only a few hours later than planned. But for the remainder of the convention, there was a recurring, good-natured reference among the conventioneers to the district's "Governor problem."

Marilyn and I send our fond regards and best wishes to International President Andre Dubois and First Lady Lise, with whom we served our tours as International Vice Presidents.
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William H. "Buck" Rogers
(Lou)
OC of Coronado
Governor CALSO 1987-1988

Buck writes "The OI theme was "Integrity, Growth, Service" and the District Theme was 'Think Positive.' Our recognition was the "Attitude" Pin. Two new clubs were built during the year: National City and Kearny Mesa. This was the last year of our (Lou)
OC of Coronado
Governor CALSO 1987-1988

Buck writes "The OI theme was "Integrity, Growth, Service" and the District Theme was 'Think Positive.' Our recognition was the "Attitude" Pin. Two new clubs were built during the year: National City and Kearny Mesa. This was the last year of our association with the Optimist Clubs located in Orange County. After a 20 month trial period it was concluded by resolution of the CalSouth District that the six clubs that were transferred to CalSouth in 1986-87 should be returned to Pacific Southeast. This was brought on by the defection of all of the active members in one club to a new club in PSE. This tried our 'Think Positive' patience for certain. We did however finish with a net gain.

The International President Ken Loach visited in January 1988 and past International President Cy Silverman was our OI Representative at our convention in Palm Springs. The leadership from our district was outstanding. Two of the Lt. Governors ultimately became Governors - Jake Sloan and Bob Fuller.

I believe we did much in our year to advance optimism. We used the "Attitude" pin to honor those who best performed in advancing the OI and District goals. To advance Optimism in a positive way was our main goal and we achieved it."
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I. W. "Tommy" Thomas
(Georgine)
OC of Valley Center
Distinguished Governor
CALSO 1988-1989

Tommy is living in Valley Center. Tommy says that he had a successful year as governor due to the teamwork of a lot of good people doing a lot of good things. Tommy states that his registered success is based on the people behind him.

Webmaster Note:  The BEST BBQ in the world is served at FAT IVOR'S, Valley Center, CA a restaurant owned and operated by Tommy Thomas.  If you like BBQ this is "Heaven."
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Jack R. "Jake" Sloan
(Ann)
OC of Coronado
Governor CALSO 1989-1990

Jake is living in Coronado. Jake writes "my theme was Par - Pride - Action - Results". He especially remembers meeting so many wonderful members in the California South District and Optimists on the International level. Jake is still a member of the Coronado Club. He also helps at the District level when asked."
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Joe D. Adkins
 (Mary Lou)
OC of Coronado
Governor CALSO 1990-1991
Vice President Optimist International
1998-1999

Joe lives in Coronado. He writes "the OI theme was 'Light the Way' and the district theme was 'With Optimism Every Day.' Of special importance is the fact that Wynn Foster was elected as an International Vice President that year. In addition this year Joe received a letter from the Oratorical winner of his year announcing his graduation from Yale University on May 24, 1999. Our scholarship helped him - this is why we are Optimists!"
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Bob Fuller
(Terri)
OC of Vista
Governor CALSO 1991-1992

Bob lives in Vista. Bob writes "my most pleasurable experience as Governor was yearlong. Meeting and getting to know our membership and the sharing of their unique personalities and ideas was truly an unforgettable experience.

The International Theme was 'A United Spirit' and Bob merely added 'With Heart' to reflect the spirit of the district.

I am still trying personally to 'pave the planet' and currently hold no district office." (P.S. However, Bob did chair the 1999 Convention!).
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Jim Ferrara
(Elizabeth)
OC of Del Mar / Solana Beach
Governor CALSO 1992-1993

Jim presently lives in Solana Beach. Jim writes "Elizabeth and I are happy.

Family: Son Erik is out of the Navy and into an MBA program after bicycling solo to Central America. Daughter Gabrilee is an elementary school teacher. Elizabeth's parents have stated to slow down requiring back and forth trips to France. We are active church members.

We remain active in the Optimist Club of Del Mar Solana Beach."
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Bob Conley
(Jackie)
OC of Uptown, San Diego
Distinguished Governor CALSO 1993-1994
Vice President Optimist International 1999-2000

Bob is living in San Diego with his wife Jackie. Bob writes - "The International Theme for 1993-1994 was 'Soar With Optimism.' The California South District theme was 'Above The Rest ----- With The Best." With the aid of my wife Jackie, Distinguished Secretary/Treasurer Bob Haynes, seven fabulous Lt. Governors, and Optimist of the year Tony Peraino the CALSO district was a Distinguished District and also earned the President's Award for Membership Top Achievers in all of Optimist International.

One thing in particular stands out in my mind. With only 59 hours left in the Optimist year, the district needed one more new club in order to achieve distinguished status. Jackie and her friends decided to form a new club. Fifty-three hours after receiving permission to start a club, the Casa de Oro Optimist Club was chartered!

Another highlight of my year was the forming of the Carlsbad Village Club. With the aid of Tony Peraino, Richard Rivera, and Skip Sorenson the club was chartered with 80 new members.

All four of the clubs started that year are still going strong. It was a great year for the California South District!"
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Bert Prichard
 (April)
OC of Carlsbad
Governor CALSO 1994-1995

Bert and April live in Oceanside. BERT Writes - "The theme for Optimist International was 'For A Better World' and for our district it was 'For All Tomorrows'. The International President was Jean Mercier.

The highlights of the year --
* The District was First Place in Optimist International Foundation fund raising for dollars per members - the district chairman was Bob Fuller.
* The district was the recipient of the Andrew J. Avada Award for Corporate contributions.
* The Secretary /Treasurer - Tom Black - built a new club - 'The Performing Arts Optimist Club.'

Bert had outstanding oratorical and essay contest chairs (Jerry Fulk and Roberto Saucedo). Bert also remembers having great quarterly meetings and a super convention. One thing Bert especially remembers is the outstanding costumes of the International Representatives - Vice President Alain Marceau and his wife Carmen at the Convention's Renaissance Theme Dances.

It was a fun, good time year!"
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Bob Langhorst
(Georgia)
OC of South Bay
Distinguished CALSO Governor 1995-1996

Bob and Georgia live in Chula Vista. Bob writes - "My theme was 'Riding the Rainbow' and I ended up as a Distinguished Governor which I am very proud of. It was an exciting year ending with 1796 members and six new clubs. We had a total of 47 clubs. It was a fun year for everyone with lots of activities. I especially enjoyed visiting all of the clubs in the district."
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Phil Johnson 
(Carla)
OC of Crosstown, San Diego
Governor CALSO 1996-1997

Phil and Carla live in San Diego. Phil writes "The most memorable moment of our year as the California South District was the election and installation of the first lady Governor. That celebrated ten years of promoting lady members in Optimist International.

Our greatest joys came from the multitude of new and lasting friends we made during the year.
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Yvonne Kay Naud
 (Ray)
Sunrise of Imperial Valley
Governor CALSO 1997-1998

Yvonne and Ray live in El Centro. Yvonne writes 'The mission statement for my year was "to serve the youth of each of our communities'. I felt that we as Optimists must be actively engaged in building the confidence and self esteem of each child that we come in contact with." Yvonne writes - "think how much greater it is to build a child now than to repair an adult later. That is why my theme was 'Every Child A Star.' I felt like I had a very accomplished year. We did not grow in membership nor in clubs but the clubs in our district accomplished so much it made me proud to be their leader. I was the first female Governor which was neat. I love being an Optimist!"

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Ron Foster
(Bonnie)
Bonita Optimist Club
Distinguished Governor CALSO 1998-1999

Governor Ron's theme was "Teamwork Spells Success."  It was a great year.  One of the best things about the year  was the membership of our district rolling up their sleeves and really going all out to help the kids!  Inspiration came from the top as we also had one of the best OI President's ever, Jim Hubbard.

We further defined teamwork as a constant flow of communication between the Executive Team and the Club Presidents. What a team effort it was - the Lt. Governors, Assistant to the Governor, and the Secretary/Treasurer accomplished all that was asked and needed. The CALSO presidents responded. The CALSO ended the year as 7th out of 53 in all of Optimist International with two Distinguished Lt. Governors, twenty Honor/Distinguished Optimist Clubs and awarded Honor District. Congratulations belongs to the members, club boards and leaders and especially to the 1998-1999 Executive Team. Teamwork DOES Spell Success! Onward and upward as we start the new century to the greater achievements of the future. It is for the kids.......... Let's Roll!

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Bonnie Styles
(Richard)
Rancho Nacion / SUCCESS / Carlsbad Village / Bonita Optimist Clubs
Distinguished CALSO Governor 1999-2000

Richard G. Rivera
(Bonnie)
Oceanside Noon / Bonita Optimist Clubs
Distinguished CALSO Governor 2003-2004

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