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Orville Ellis honored
The Paul Harris Society is named after the founder of Rotary International. Harris formed the world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago in February 1905. The Paul Harris Society supports a wide variety of humanitarian and educational programs around the world. Each year, the Nevada Rotary selects one individual who best exemplifies the ideals of the society and donates $1,000 in that person's name to the society.
This year, Orville Ellis is the recipient of the award and was honored at the regular Thursday Rotary meeting at Nevada Country Club June 11. Carol Branham, director of the Nevada Housing Authority, called Ellis a hero for his dedication to the ideals of Rotary while maintaining the suspense of who won the award to the end of her announcement.
"The recipient we are about to honor today is adaptable, considerate, trustworthy, optimistic, resourceful and a great leader," Branham said. "Their high moral and ethical standards are exemplified in their role as a Rotarian, through their faith and in every aspect of their personal life. The recipient is a shining example of a role model and what I would call a hero."
Branham continued and told of the impact Ellis had on her life.
"People come in and out of our lives but there are certain people that we just connect with for whatever reason," Branham said. "Today's recipient is one that I have always felt a connection with and have the utmost respect for. I am proud and honored to be a part of the program today for someone who has been an enthusiastic encourager for me for a number of years and probably does not even realize the impact they have had in my life. This fellow Rotarian endeavors to remain in the background. There is no doubt that our recipient is deserving of this honor and acknowledgment for their contributions to mankind. Please join me as we recognize a great Rotarian that embodies the requirements of being a Paul Harris Fellow, Mr. Orville Ellis."
Dr. Ron Jones presented the award to Ellis and asked if he would like to make a few remarks. Ellis turned the offer down. "No, thanks I don't think so, " Ellis said.
Among Ellis's accomplishments was being a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge and writing a book about the experience, having several careers and being a philanthropist. Branham said Ellis's age had something to do with his age.
"He has donated to 45 charities so far this year," Branham noted. "I know there are several deserving people around but he's 88 years old and they still have time."