Pekin Rotary has its share of unsung heroes--those 
members who quietly do a lot for their community. A shining example of that is the man who faithfully sits at Dean Cooper's table every week--Ken White.
Most people know Ken for his many years of involvement with the Pekin Civic Chorus. But he also has worked with the Food Pantry, which is affiliated with St. Vincent DePaul; the Center for the Prevention of Abuse, where he served as Treasurer; the Children's Advocacy Center Fund Raising Board; Girl Scouts Board; and has served as the United Way Chairman. Ken was also the first treasurer of Pekin Basketball Boosters, and has given over 40 gallons of blood as a blood donor. But his most joyful volunteer activity has been serving as a volunteer Santa Claus for over 20 years. He admits to visiting many schools in that capacity but says, "I was always getting sick, picking up all those germs from the kids," he laughed. "But I still do it for St. Jude at least twice a year. I just have to keep doing that."
Recently, Ken also agreed to serve on our newly-formed Pekin Rotary Charities Board. This humble Pekin man hails from Deer Creek. Born on the family farm, he attended grade school in Deer Creek and high school in Mackinaw. In the summer he was a farmhand, bailing hay at area farms. In college, he spent his summers as a house painter.
After high school, Ken went to Canton Community College for 2 years (now known as Spoon River College). He then transferred to Bradley University where he earned a BS in Accounting, graduating in 1971. Looking to start a career, Ken worked with a couple of employment agencies. One of them knew Gene Taylor, the Personnel Director at Pekin Insurance. He offered Ken a position as an accountant in their Life and Health Division. Thus began a long and prosperous career that would span 39 years.
"I more or less grew up with Pekin Insurance as it grew," Ken shared. "That was when it was really only one building. I started as an Accounting Trainee and ended up as the Assistant Treasurer for the Life Company."
He retired at the end of 2009.
Recruited by Dean Cooper (yes, Ken volunteered that) he joined Pekin Rotary on January 25, 2006. He admits to being sought after by other organizations but they didn't appeal to him the way Rotary did. "Polio Plus, the fund raising at the Marigold Festival and what we do for the community appealed to me," Ken said. "I knew most of the people in the club and that appealed to me, too. I really enjoy it."
Another thing I have noticed about Ken when seated at Dean's table--he loves to laugh. You can always count on that when at that table.
From growing up on a rural farm, to a distinguished career with one employer, to selflessly volunteering in his community, Ken White is one of those rare individuals who quietly goes about "giving back." One who avoids the spotlight, it was great to see this model citizen honored as the Grand Marshall for the 2010 Pekin Marigold Festival. Like others, Ken White epitomizes the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."
Gary Gillis
Pekin Township Hall