Lions Club member Bryant celebrates 96th birthday
The McMinnville Lions Club had close to two centuries of life experience in attendance recently when the organization celebrated the 96th birthday of its oldest member, Quim Bryant, on March 2 at McMinnville Residential Center.
WCPI Public Radio personality, and County Commissioner, Bill Zechman was on hand to chronicle the event, which was attended by a number of local Lions Club members and other well-wishers, including fellow McMinnville Residential Center resident Hilda Newman, who celebrated her 100th birthday in April of 2006.
?The retired businessman joined the local Lions in 1950,? Zechman reported, ?and served in every elected position in the civic organization, from Tail Twister to president.?
Bryant was delighted when a number of golden-vested club associates surprised him with balloons, cake and a giant greeting card at the celebration.
?This was one of my best birthday parties ever!? Bryant said.
Fellow Lions lauded Bryant?s faithful service to the local club, including Long time friend, and fellow Lion, Whitson ?Snuffy? Burton, who says Bryant is the perfect example of the Lions Club philosophy of volunteerism and community service.
?He?s been in the Lions Club ever since it?s been here,? Burton said. ?He?s been a good Lion. He served as president back in the 1970s, and I don?t know how many other offices he?s held. He?s been a Lion and worked as long as he was able to go and help. He used to help me put out the bloodmobile signs when the Lions Club would have it,? Burton added. ?He?s just a good man. I still visit or talk to him just about every day.?
Current McMinnville Lions Club president Inez Nunley says Bryant has been a loyal member of the club, and that was one of the big reasons for the party celebrating his 96 years, many of which he has served as a Lion. Nunley said she has only been with the club since 1997, when Bryant was already 86, so she didn?t know him during his most active years, but she talked about his continuing support of the McMinnville club.
?The main thing I remember about Quim is that even when he wasn?t able to work, he was always there to encourage us and tell us what a good job we were doing,? Nunley said. ?To give us a pat on the back. He?s been a good Lion.?