George Vrotsos joined Rotary in 1992 and served until July 26, 2020. Although during the last few years George was incapacitated, he
always kept in touch with club members and offered his experience and expertise in club matters, particularly to the Scholarship Committee.
George served many years on that committee and dedicated may hours of his precious time each year to select the best recipients for the
Rotary Scholarships. For the past few years George was a member Emeritus of the Scholarship Committee and continued to keep abreast of
the committee's work. He will be sorely missed as a valed member of that committee.
George's classification was Real Estate and while the system has changed George recognized the principles and expectation associated
with the system and held himself to the highest ethical standards of business practices.
George also enjoyed the camaraderie and fellowship afforded each year during the annual decorating of the Quill Rotary for the holidays.
The tradition of decorating started in 1983 and after George joined the club in 1992 he would open his office to the "Rotarians At Work "
so they could escape the cold, the snow, the sleet and freeing rain which often plagued the project. A warm spot with hot chocolate, coffee,
and maybe some donuts was a welcome respite.
He realized the importance of service, locally and internationally; he welcomed the fellowship and friendships the Rotary afforded; George
through his action as a Rotarian helped to develop and spread peace, goodwill and world understanding.
The Object of Rotary has a key phrase contained in its profession; the "ideal of service". George held that personal view of the importance
of being thoughtful and helpful. He believed in the underlying principle of unselfish volunteer service.
George lived his life according to the tenets of the Four Way Test, of the things we think, say or do.
1. Is it the TRUTH ?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned ?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS ?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all Concerned ?
George in his efforts to make sure that the club functioned successfully involved himself in the avenues of service;
Club Service by his active participation on Committees; Vocational Service by representing and upholding the dignity of one's profession;
Community Service by improving the quality of life for all; and the "Fourth Avenue" International Service by promoting
international goodwill, peace, and understanding.
George was proud of his Greek heritage and a romantic, so I thought it fitting to conclude with this poem by Lord Byron.
"Love and Death"
Lord Byron was also a "romantic" and had a strong affinity and love of Greece its culture and history.
This is a special poem because Lord Byron wrote in the throne of what he believed was his death. He contracted a grave fever
while sailing to Missolonghi for the Greek War of Independence.
Love and Death BY LORD BYRON (GEORGE GORDON)
I watched thee when the foe was at our side,
Ready to strike at him—or thee and me,
Were safety hopeless—rather than divide
Aught with one loved save love and liberty.
I watched thee on the breakers, when the rock,
Received our prow, and all was storm and fear,
And bade thee cling to me through every shock;
This arm would be thy bark, or breast thy bier.
I watched thee when the fever glazed thine eyes,
Yielding my couch and stretched me on the ground
When overworn with watching, ne’er to rise
From thence if thou an early grave hadst found.
The earthquake came, and rocked the quivering wall,
And men and nature reeled as if with wine.
Whom did I seek around the tottering hall?
For thee. Whose safety first provide for? Thine.
And when convulsive throes denied my breath
The faintest utterance to my fading thought,
To thee—to thee—e’en in the gasp of death
My spirit turned, oh! oftener than it ought.
Thus much and more; and yet thou lov’st me not,
And never wilt! Love dwells not in our will.
Nor can I blame thee, though it be my lot
To strongly, wrongly, vainly love thee still.
Farewell Dear Friend.
Jack Kean
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