Larson joined the Club in 1955 and served as its President in 1980-81. He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1944 and enlisted in the US Navy, serving during WWII from 1944-1946 aboard the USS San Jacinto, an aircraft carrier CVL30-Pacific Theater, receiving an Honorable Discharge.

He attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, majoring in Advertising Design, graduating in 1950. In 1949 he married Carol Quist and they have been happily together for 73 years. They are the proud parents of four children – Sandra Calalesina, Marsha Forsberg, Richard Larson, and Karen Coccagnia, all living in this area. The family also includes 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

 

Bill was employed in the Art Department at Dahlstrom Metallic Door Co., then Morse Engraving Co., and Erie Engraving Co. He then joined with Terry Jonethis to form the firm Jonethis/Larson Advertising and eventually when Terry retired, he formed William K. Larson Advertising. Bill retired in 1991.

 

The Larsons were first long-time members of Epworth Christ United Methodist Church and then Christ First United Methodist Church, where he has sung in the choir for 72 years.

 

A man of many talents, Larson belonged to the Jamestown Harmony Express Barbershop Chorus and the Silvertones Barbershop Octet. He has been a faithful 50 plus year member of the YMCA and its Board, a member of Lodge 65-Independent Order of the Vikings, and the American Legion. His hobbies include golf, and he is a very talented watercolorist.

 

Current Rotary President John Healy said, “It is difficult to express the true nature of one man’s contributions. Simply listing all of them would not give the essence of the deep underlying sense of commitment to Rotary and community that Bill has demonstrated for 67 years.”

 

Some of Larson’s Rotary highlights include:

 

·      Being a dedicated Rotarian for the past 67 years. He is the longest serving member of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, NY.
·      Served with Charter Member (Henri Hall) and with between 900 and 1,000 members of the local Rotary Club, well over a majority of everyone who has ever been a part of the club and probably close to 75% of all Jamestown Rotary members.
·      Past president in 1980-1981.
·      He designed and produced the I Love Chautauqua game, which netted over $25,000 for the local Rotary Club’s service projects.
·      A recipient of multiple Paul Harris Fellow Awards (1985 & 2014).
·      A devoted member of the club service, membership, and golf committees – creating the golf tournament’s sponsorship signs by hand for 27 years. Bill has also created and updated the club’s name badges and for many years made those by hand.
·      Bill still attends Monday Rotary meetings by Zoom.
 

 

One of Rotary International’s official mottos is “Service Above Self.”   Larson has been actively committed to service since 1955.  For 67 years, he has provided great service, fellowship, leadership, and participation in the achievements of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, setting an amazing example of Service Above Self – one that the members will never forget and that serves as a wonderful example to all.

 

Healy went on to note, “Rotary has been very much a part of Larson’s life. His family and the community remember the values by which he has lived.  The motto ‘Service Above Self’ is his motto, one that he has carried out every day of his life. Larson has given his time, talents, and gifts in service to our country, community, his church, family, and this Rotary Club. Thank you does not adequately express the gratitude that we have for his service and commitment.”

 

Healy closed by stating, “It is a pleasure to have been in the club with you and we are proud to have you as a member. We in Rotary are honored to be able to show our respect and admiration to you with this honorary membership. William Larson, on behalf of the 87 current members of the Club and the 1,000 former members you have served with for the past 67 years, we thank you.”

 

 

 

Ecklund, who will celebrate his 88th birthday in early September, was a member of the Class of 1952 at Jamestown High School. He joined the National Guard in 1953 and served for eight years. He married his wife Thelma in 1954 and they are the proud parents of one son and two daughters, four granddaughters and one great grandson. He retired as CEO of Ellison Bronze in 1998 and continues to serve on the Board of Directors of that Company today.
 
The Ecklunds have been members of First Presbyterian Church since their marriage in 1954 and Mr. Ecklund has served as a Deacon and on the Session, also serving as Personnel Chairman for 15 years. He has also served for the past 32 years on the Board of Directors of the Chautauqua County Sports Hall of Fame and for more than 20 years as that organization’s Secretary. In addition, Ecklund is a past president of Moon Brook Country Club, serving in 2001.
 
A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and active membership. As a longtime member of the Rotary Club’s “Table of Love”, Ecklund has been vital to the club’s atmosphere, fellowship, camaraderie, and accomplishments over the past 31 years.
 
In 1995, Russ and the other gentlemen of “The Table of Love” re-established the annual golf tournament as a charity event, and for the past 27 years it has raised almost $200,000, with the proceeds supporting local and international projects. Club President John Healy noted, “We will miss your dedication and leadership on the golf committee, and we are deeply grateful for all you have done for this tournament.”
 
Mr. Ecklund has also served for many years on the Club’s Vision Committee. A major project currently undertaken by that Committee on behalf of the Club is the Jamestown North Main Street Entryway Sign to the city. Ecklund brought Ellison Bronze into the proect, who have donated their services and provided a beautiful City Scape panel for the project. The Rotary Club would not be successful in this endeavor without the contributions of Ecklund and Ellison Bronze.
 
Russ is a recipient of two Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Awards.
 
Healy described Ecklund as, “Always personifying the Rotary core values of service, fellowship, integrity, and leadership with the community and within Rotary.”
 
President John presented Ecklund with a certificate of appreciation and a gift certificate as a symbol of the lasting impact he has made in the local Rotary Club and stated, “I thank you on behalf of the Rotary Club of Jamestown and the Golf Committee with deepest gratitude for your commitment to service.”
 
Everyone was treated to moving and heartfelt words of sincere thanks and praise by Rotarian and Russ’s dear friend Phil Cala.