Rotarian of the Week 09-07-11

Our Rotarian of the week’s family came to Cheyenne in 1911. He was born and raised right here. He attended Cheyenne High School home of the Indians. His first paying job was working as a clerk at Boyd’s Cigar Store for .50 cents an hour. Our special Rotarian attended the University of Wyoming after graduating from high school; he then went on to Creighton University and completed dental school. Interestingly, this Rotarian has the distinction of being recognized as “a distinguished alumni” by both our beloved University of Wyoming and Creighton University.

Joe Devine married his lovely wife Margaret in 1952. They had six wonderful children Pat, Joseph, Martha, Paul, Vincent, and Luke. Margaret has passed on but her loving memory lives forever in the family.

Joe was sponsored in to Rotary by Dr. Harold Ellis. His most memorable Rotary experiences include chairing the Picnic Committee for a number of years and providing a number of programs including most recently “How we won World War Two”. Joe also served on the Rotary Board of Directors and was asked at one time to serve as President.

 Unfortunately Joe Devine was not able to serve as president of Cheyenne Rotary Club. It seems he had been elected president of the American Dental Association in 1986-1987, he was simply too busy to perform both jobs and keep the practice going. Joe likes Rotary for the fellowship and he is especially pleased that during his tenure in Rotary, our organization made the wise decision to accept women into Rotary. They [women] have certainly added energy and talent.

Other than family Joe Devine proudest accomplishments include: of course serving as president of the American Dental Association, serving on the Laramie County School District #1 Board of Trustees and serving as Chairman of the Committee that got Cheyenne’s Stage Two Water Bond Passed. The work of the Bond Committee was critically important to Cheyenne’s future development and remarkably contentious. Imagine what it would be like today.

Our Rotarian of the Week’s favorite meal is New York strip steak with baked potato and green salad. When he is eating it at the Texas Road House he goes with a sweet potato. In his spare time, Joe likes to play pool. Every year he takes a lengthy snowmobile trip in Yellowstone and he enjoys fishing.

In recognition of his service to our Club, our Community, our State and our Nation, the Sargent at Arms will present Joe with a gift Certificate with our heartfelt thanks.