Rod Thomson (2006-2007)
Rod Thomson
From 1972 to 2008 Rod Thomson worked in newspaper and magazine publishing beginning with the daily Columbian newspaper. During that time Rod has worked at daily newspapers, community newspapers and for two years with MacLean Hunter in specialty magazine publications including Pacific Yachting. In 2009 Rod purchased and became the owner of Minuteman Press in South Surrey.
While in New Westminster Rod was active in the Canadian Armed Forces reserve with the Royal Westminster Regiment, where over his 21 years of service he rose through the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer, receiving his commission to Captain in 1985.
Rod is also active in community affairs having served with the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce as a director, and the Abbotsford Community Safety Society as president. Rod was Director of Promotions for the Abbotsford 2002 BC Disability Games, a position he also held for the 1995 Western Canada Summer Games. Rod served as a board member and chair of the board for the University of the Fraser Valley and he is currently Convenor of the board of St Andrew's Hall the Presbyterian College at the Vancouver School of Theology where he also serves on the board.
Rod began his Rotary experience with the Rotary Club of Coquitlam in 1984. After two years away from Rotary for business reasons he rejoined as a Charter Member of the Coquitlam Sunrise (Centre) Rotary Club in 1989. He transferred to the Rotary Club of Abbotsford in 1991 and served as a director for several years and president for the 1997-98 year. In 2009 Rod joined the Semiahmoo (White Rock) Rotary club.
Rod district activity included working with Youth Exchange, GSE, Public Relations and District Conference committees. Rod also produced district directories for two District Governors and presented at several District Assemblies. In 2002 Rod represented District 5050 and District Governor Kathy De Tuerk as team leader of a Group Study Exchange to D1730 in the south of France.
Rod has also served on the Rotary Leadership faculty, the district visioning team and the District Financial Review (Audit) Committee.
In 2006-2007 Rod served as District 5050 Governor after which he served Rotary as an International Assembly training leader for two years, Rotary Public Image Coordinator (RPIC) for Zone 24 West, RPIC training leader, and as trainer for partners of Governors Nominee Partners at the Rotary Zone Institute in Winnipeg.
Rod has been selected as a Training Leader for the 2017 Rotary Zone Institute where he will work with Governor's Elect from Rotary Zones 24 and 32.
Rod is an active musician performing with both the Moonliters Dance Band and the Abbotsford Concert Band.
Rod and Cathy were married in 1975 and have two children, Graham and Stephanie and 4 grandchildren with one more due in 2017
Cathy has shared Rod's commitment to Rotary working beside him on Youth Exchange and providing support for his Group Study Exchange and District Governor experiences.
Rod and Cathy are Major Donors and Level 3 Bequest Society Members of the Rotary Foundation.