Two awards were presented to Dr. Chris Parr by Randy Wright, fellow Rotarian and long-time friend: one was for journalism and the second was for science.
We want to thank Chris for his Looooong Tenure as PRC Bulletin Editor to Dr. Christopher A. Parr - Almost the Longest in History Tenure as Bulletin Editor of the Plano Rotary Club Weekly Bulletin Award - almost 25 years.
His efforts rival the tenure of Orville E. Fudpucker, the Alias of Terry Dobbins. Randy presented Chris with a packet of bulletins from 1984 and 1985 (38-39 years old) for him to add his clever anecdotes (as only he can do) and comments for many Rotarians, some of which are no longer with us.
Noted at the top of these bulletins was the Five Way Test. The first test was 'Is it Humorous?'
Chris can review, enjoy, and then send them around to friends and fellow/former Rotarians. Because, in the words of Randy, 'octogenarians do not accumulate!' Who wouldn't want an item from the Dr Christopher A. Parr Memorial Plano Rotary Club Bulletin Collection?
As to the science award... Chris was selected to speak at the 50 year anniversary of the UTD Chemistry Department to an audience of his fellow chemists. As a momento, Randy presented Chris with a set of Erlenmeyer Flasks. It couldn't be one of those prosaic, round bottomed Florence flasks or some pieces of tubing. It had to be an Erlenmeyer flask. The large one was a full liter while the small one was 50 ML. There were three in between.
Although his wife, Pat Storck, may have a burning desire to retire one or more of the flasks as decorator items, it was suggested that short of being a wine decanter, Chris might want to showcase at least one of them in his library.
Worthy of note, 50 years ago, University of Texas was begging for land from Texas Instruments for land, money, engineer advanced degrees. There were no conference rooms or bathrooms. And just like so many endeavors, Chris is still behind the scenes making things happen.
Chris and Pat have always been movers and shakers for things like libraries, orchestras and so on. So it seems fitting and proper that Rotary recognize him for his contributions. Rotarian Randy Wright and members of the Plano Rotary Club are proud to call Dr. Chris Parr, friend, colleague, fellow Rotarian family member.
We love you, Chris and salute you for your strength in fighting some plaguing health issues. Keep up the great work on your recovery so we can welcome you back to regular club meetings and present you with your cancer survivor's club certificate.
Dr. Parr is a Paul Harris Fellow, member of Paul Harris Society, two-time major donor, Harold Sullivan Keyway Award Winner. Chris has been a member of Plano Rotary Club since January 2002.
Attending: Chris Parr, Pat Storck, Randy Wright, Diana Wright, Johnny Lewis, John Caldwell, Nancy Humphrey, Sharon Lewis, Janelle Twyford-Silvis