It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of two of our Club's finest Rotarians:
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Songleader extraordinaire Remie Laenen passed away Sunday, February 19

 


Past President (1986-87) Robert Pytell  passed away Monday, February 20

 


Click on more for details on Ray's and Bob's lives

 

 

Remembering Ray Laenen: World War II lifeboat survivor, beloved Rotarian

One of  the “Greatest Generation,” a survivor of  more than three weeks in a crowded lifeboat in the Indian Ocean during World War II died last Sunday without a lot of fanfare.

Ray Laenen at the Rotary podiumRay Laenen was one of my heroes. I have never met a man with more joy in his heart or more affection for this land of the free and the brave. A Belgian, whose parents brought him to the U.S. as a child, Remie Laenen led the sing along for decades at Grosse Pointe Rotary with gusto and enthusiasm. The Rotary song book is filled with selections that date to the 19th century or earlier like “Sweet Adeline,” but you could count on Ray to call for the group to sing “America the Beautiful” or “Smile” at least twice a month.

 The full article can be accessed by clicking  www.grossepointetoday.com

Remembering Bob Pytell: 50th Club President , beloved Rotarian, Honorable judge

Pytell, Robert Henry; Age 85; February 20, 2012.



Beloved husband of Laurie. Loving father of Mary Beth (Paul) Agase, Mark (Ann Winkler), and Robert (Danielle DeLuca). Dearest grandfather of Grace, Lynn, Emily, Robert, Joseph, Matthew, Hope, Joseph, and Thomas. Dear brother of Patt K. Flower. Preceded in death by his loving grandson Curtis.

 After receiving his Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Detroit in 1951, he went on to open up R.H. Pytell and Associates; a private practice in Grosse Pointe Farms. He also became a Municipal Judge in Grosse Pointe Farms for 20 years and was a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

 In addition to his successful career, he was a Navy veteran and active in many clubs such as Crescent Sail Yacht Club, Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe, SOC, Senior Men's Club of Grosse Pointe, the Usher's Club at St. Paul on the Lake, an the Polish Century Club. His many interests and hobbies included skiing, sailing, tennis, cycling, photography, and playing the piano.

Bob presided over the Club as its President during its 50th anniversary  year in 1986-87.