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1947 San Francisco Convention
Tributes to Paul P. Harris
Herbert Schofield, RC Loughborough, England
HERBERT SCHOFIELD: Mr. President, Ladies and Fellow Rotarians:
We Britishers are often accused of being lacking in sentiment.
This is probably true, but it is certainly true that we are
capable, on occasions, of very deep feeling. Our thought this
morning, Paul and his gift to the world, makes one realize the
inadequacy of language. And if my words to you this morning are
few, the thoughts I would desire to convey to you through those
words are beyond the power of expression.
The passing of Paul came as a shock to all Rotarians in our
Islands, particularly to those who had enjoyed his personal
friendship and who had the opportunity of receiving from him in
his own particularly charming manner that inspiration which he
could in such great measure impart. His last letter to me, which
I received just after Christmas, was typical of him, simple and
friendly, just a few kindly thoughts, renewing our acquaintance,
which has never faded from the day that I met him.
Someone has said that Paul had a genius for friendship, and it
is true that he never departed from his early theme that the
great thing which Rotary had to give to the world, and which the
world so badly needed, was fellowship, and on that fellowship
Rotary could build its structure with all its many‑sided
applications.
Paul was one of those who builded better than he knew, and his
name will be forever linked with that of other great citizens of
the world who have from time to time arisen in many countries,
and who from the smallest beginnings have literally and
definitely made world history. Such as these are the salt of the
earth, and it is from their labors that we derive some of the
greatest and the sweetest fruits of our civilization.
Rotarians and countless others in the British Isles will never
forget the name of Paul Harris. As long as Rotary lasts, his
spirit will live on with us, and his great work will be an
inspiration to those who will carry it on to ever greater
achievements drawing from the example of his unselfish and his
wonderful life, their courage and their enthusiasm to continue.
We, the Rotarians in RIBI, salute the memory of a loving friend,
a pioneer in original thought, a great and an inspiring leader.
(Applause)
CHESLEY R. PERRY: The fifth speaker is
Fernando Carbajal of the Rotary Club
of Lima, Peru. (Applause)
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