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| Ab Irvine and History of the Scholarship |
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| Who Was Ab Irvine Anyway? |
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The Foundation's Scholarship is named for one of the District’s most fun and colorful members, Ab Irvine. Ab was a very powerful member of Civitan until his death in 1990. His legacy of giving lives on through the Scholarship Fund.
Who was Ab Irvine? Most of us saw him at district meetings, that is, those who were not fortunate enough to have him in our own club. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. He dressed in white pants, black shoes, white shirt with red bow tie and his “Club Builders” red jacket. Silver hair and a powerful smile made him one of the most distinguished looking Civitans I have known. His clothes were aways starched and well pressed as he owned a dry cleaning business!
Ab served Civitan from his Charter membership in the Rio Bravo Civitan Club in 1963. He joined Albuquerque Breakfast Civitan Club (ABC) in the late 60’s, served as GSWD Lt. Governor in 1969-70. Ab chartered several Civitan Clubs and wore his red “Club Builder” jacket with pride. In addition to club building Ab sponsored and inspired many Civitans who continue to serve.
Prior to 1972, Arizona was a part of the Great Southwest District. In 1972 the Arizona District was formed and split from the GSWD. Ab was GSWD Governor at that time. He served as Civitan International Director and ran for International President-Elect on two occasions. He was a Club, District and International Honor Key holder, (the highest recognition any Civitan can receive).
Many of us knew Ab through his service as District Meetings and Convention Chairman. In this capacity he made arrangements for District meetings. Most of us didn’t give a second thought to the fact that District meetings were held at great locations with great facilities, minimal costs and meetings ran mostly without a hitch. Ab obviously put in a great deal of time arranging these meetings - almost always a thankless job!
Active in the GSWD Foundation, Ab was always enthusiastic about the role Civitan plays in our communities. Members of the Great Southwest District gave his service and life a small recognition by naming the GSWD Foundation Scholarship fund, the “Ab Irvine Scholarship Fund”.
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