The Rotary Club of South Haven celebrated another year of service to the community with its annual leadership induction dinner and recognition of the Rotarian of the Year. The Rotary Club of South Haven is pleased to recognize Robert (Bob) Copping as the 2023 Rotarian of the Year.
Each year an outstanding club member is honored as Rotarian of the Year. Candidates, like Bob, are individuals with a strong commitment to the principles of Rotary and demonstrate the motto, “service above self” who have made significant contributions to the mission of the club as well as one or more avenues of community or international service. This is our Club’s highest honor for individual Rotary members.
According to Melinda Gruber, incoming Rotary Club President, “Bob Copping has been a Rotary member since 1994. He is not only a consistent source of humor and good cheer, he is an inspiration for those who want to make great things happen in a small community like South Haven, Michigan.”
The Rotary Club said that Bob demonstrates community service with a vision, strategy and implementation. He is the founding president of SHOUT, a local community organization that is instrumental in community improvement projects including the Four Seasons gathering place in Dyckman Park, SHOUT Park, numerous sculpture and art installations, the historic tug boat Wilhelm Braun at the Michigan Maritime Museum, Dyckman Bridge flowers and holiday lights, the annual Cottage Walk and so on.
But he did not stop there. Bob has often said, “…the first part of our lives is dedicated to our careers and our family, the second part to serving others.” So, he then turned his energy, leadership and creative talents to establish the South Haven Speakers Series; the South Haven Performance Series and the South haven Theater Series. These are vibrant, thriving organizations that continue to enrich the cultural and community life of South Haven.
Bob and his wife Jane also volunteered with the International Executive Service Corps assisting a company in Kosice, Slovakia and teaching English at a hospital in that town.
Dan Thompson, South Haven Rotary Recognition Committee Chairperson noted that “whether they are Rotary or community projects, Bob always brings his vision, passion and a “can do” attitude to make a positive difference. Bob is always there at the front lines in Rotary activities and demonstrating his commitment and dedication to the Rotary Club of South Haven and to community service. We are blessed to count Bob among our friends and Rotary colleagues.”
(Photo L to R: Dan Thompson (Rotary Recognition & Awards Chairperson, Rotary Club of South Haven); Bob Copping (2023 South Haven Rotarian of the Year); Melinda Gruber (President, Rotary Club of South Haven)
