Rotarian of the Week 08-31-11

Our Rotarian of the Week grew up right here in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His first work experience was a job at Boyd’s Cigar Store. It seems our special Rotarian was a talented negotiator at an early age. He was able to get himself released from school early to work the counter at the store beginning at 2:30 PM every day and all day Saturdays. He made 50 cents an hour. After graduating from Central High School the only high school in Cheyenne at the time he attended the University of Wyoming. His higher education was interrupted at the end of his first year. It seems he had joined the Naval Reserves here in Cheyenne and while he was in Laramie at the University he received a letter at home from the United States Navy. His mother called to let him know of the letter. He had her open it and read it to him. It informed him he was being called to active duty [the Korean War was going on]. He was sure there was a mistake and returned to Cheyenne to visit with local Reserve. It was no mistake David Uchner spent the next two years in the United States Navy.

Dave returned to University of Wyoming, completed his BA in business and graduated from the UW law school. He married up as did most successful men. The beautiful Jane Henderson accepted his proposal and they raised to wonderful daughters; Susan, currently living in Cheyenne, and Margaret currently living in Denver.

Other than his family, Dave is most proud of his overall ability to influence legislation in the State of Wyoming. For decades he has worked diligently and skillfully to inform our citizen legislators, to enable laws that help Wyomingites and to discourage proposed legislation that would harm Wyoming businesses and citizens.

Dave was sponsored into Rotary by his father in law, Harry Henderson. Harry was the consummate Rotarian. He was remarkably active, attending every Rotary International Conference around the globe for nearly twenty years.  The “Programs” are what Dave likes most about Rotary. His most memorable Rotary experiences were attending the District Conferences at the Broad Moore in Colorado Springs. Rotarians from all over the state of Wyoming and the region attended. Great relationships were built and renewed at those meetings.   

Dave has served our Cheyenne Club as a member of the Board of Directors, as chair of the program committee and as chair of the bulletin committee. During his term with the bulletin committee the Rotary Club of Cheyenne’s bulletin was named best in the District.

Dave enjoys college sports, as a Cowboy Joe Club member he is a great fan of our University of Wyoming Cowboys. His favorite meal is Italian and his least favorite is Chinese. 

In recognition of his wonderful and lengthy service to our Cub our community and our great State of Wyoming, the Sargent at Arms will present David Uchner with a Gift Certificate and a Cowboys Cap form the Club.