Rory McIvor remembered

He always had a smile, was a joy to be around

Rory McIvor was an individual who could light up a room. He was always pleasant, usually cracking a joke. McIvor, who died this week, left his stamp nearly everywhere. In alphabetical order he was: a city councillor, Community Foundation founding member, Community Futures director, head librarian, justice of the peace, music academy founder, Okanagan College board member, RDOS director, Rotarian, school board chair, teacher, and University of Saskatchewan graduate.

He ran for political office eight times and boasted a perfect eight-for-eight record. He never ran for mayor, believing you can be more effective sitting in a chair to the side.

Even in the last few weeks of his life, we saw him out in the community. He attended the funeral of another former city councillor, Gus Boersma. He quietly sat and observed the Save Skaha Park annual meeting. Even though he didn’t say a word, his presence was commanding.

In later years, he was blind and his health was failing but he always maintained a positive attitude and even a sense of humour about himself.

He was a loyal Penticton Herald subscriber and when he renewed his subscription for the final time he told the front office staff, “I can’t read it anymore, I just like getting the newspaper.” When he and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year, he purchased a family advertisement to mark the occasion, and wanted to make sure it appeared on the actual date of the anniversary.

That was Rory McIvor — he always supported locals.

His list of accomplishments with Rotary are many. One of the events he seemed particularly fond of was the Pioneers Reception where long-time Penticton residents are recognized. In an age where younger people quit clubs because of a single disagreement, Rory understood compromise and accepting other opinions. He was a Rotarian until the day he died — 44 years with the Penticton club.

His accomplishments were recognized many times by the community, twice winning the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award in 1990 and 1999 and the Governor General’s Award in 1992 for Canada’s 125th anniversary.

The best thing about Rory McIvor wasn’t the resume of volunteer service, his many awards, or his personal achievements: it was his ability to make others smile and to feel good about themselves. He will be missed.

—James Miller, Valley Editor