Rotary honors Rep. Bob Godshall honored
State Rep. Bob Godshall exemplifies the Rotary Club mission of service above self, Souderton-Telford Rotary Club member David Fazio said June 7 during the Rotary Club’s presentation of an award honoring Godshall for that service.
“I have known and worked with Bob for a few years, long enough to realize that Bob’s service does not come from being a politician or trying to get votes or wanting to get re-elected,” Fazio said.
“Bob’s service truly comes from his heart,” he said. “He really gets great satisfaction from helping others.”
Godshall, a Republican, is retiring this year after 36 years of representing the 53rd District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He previously served in other positions including as Montgomery County controller and a member of the Souderton Area School Board.
Although Godshall is retiring,
“I’m sure he will continue in any way he can to help others and provide any service that he can to the people of our area,” Fazio said. “Thank you, Bob, for this lifetime of service.”
“I have a lot of memories and I just want to thank you for all the years that you supported me and helped me,” Godshall told the group.
Growing up on a farm in Franconia, he never expected to become a state legislator, he said.
“It’s been a privilege. It’s been very successful as far as I’m concerned, and, I think for most of the people,” Godshall said. “Thank you very much for everything.”
Thousands of people have come to his office over the years and received assistance, he said.
Godshall was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow award, named in honor of one of the Rotary Club’s founders in 1905.
Along with the award, which consists of a certificate and a pin, a contribution is made in Godshall’s name to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
“The Rotary Foundation transforms our gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world,” Fazio said. “During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.”
The service projects include ones that have helped almost totally wipe out polio, Rotary information says.
“Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies,” the information says.
The Souderton-Telford Rotary Club has been serving the local community since 1925, according to Club information. The group meets 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at Indian Valley Country Club.