KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- The Rotary Club of Kirksville recognized one if its own Wednesday. Member Ray Klinginsmith was recognized Wednesday as the service club renamed The Rotary Park Amphitheater in Kirksville in his honor.
He has accomplished a lot in his 50 years of service, but says there is no place like home to get this honor. "Well, it's a tremendous honor and I'm very pleased about it,” said Klinginsmith. “Particularly coming from hometown folks. I grew up in Unionville and lived in Macon so this is much a part of my life. I've had the opportunity to travel all around the world. But home is always the best place."
Klinginsmith was the Rotary International President from 2010-2011.
“The fact that one of our members was the leader of Rotary International, we thought this was a great way to celebrate Ray Klinginsmith as Rotary International's 100th president by renaming the amphitheater," Ralph Cupelli, a Kirksville Rotary past president said.
"I was involved with the design of the building of the amphitheater, but never dreamed that we would change the name,” said Klinginsmith. “In the contract with the City of Kirksville, it stated it would be Rotary Centennial Amphitheater."
Rotary members say Klinginsmith sets a fine example of the club’s mission. "He is the one who really energizes our club, he's the most knowledgeable person in Kirksville about Rotary,” said Cupelli. “He keeps coming up with ideas and keeps challenging us to do more and to do better things for the community."
Everyone says this dedication is going to help continue Klinginsmith’s theme of “building communities, bridging continents” live on, but he says he is just humbled by this experience. "Nothing is forever. It's a very nice honor and I'm thrilled to have my name on the building for however long it lasts."
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