1985 - Donald E. Williams
GRINDSTONE AWARD
1985

 

Donald E.
Williams
Though the quality of greatness has many forms, all such forms contain common threads, among them dedication, integrity, ability, service and leadership.

The twentieth winner of the Grindstone Award as Berea's Citizen of the Year for 1985, Don Williams, possesses these distinguishing characteristics in fullest measure.

Don is a true Buckeye. He was born in Elyria, educated in this area and at Ohio Wesleyan University and spent all of his working life in Cleveland. Berea has been his home since 1945, when, after military service, he moved here with his wife, Sally.

The roster of Don's accomplishments is long and impressive. But one is struck with the fact that, in nearly every activity in which he has participated, he has demonstrated the quality of leadership.

His business career started and ended with The Illuminating Company, where he rose through the ranks, retiring in 1979 as a corporate officer.

Don always has been civic minded and, early in his working life, joined the Cleveland Junior Chamber of Commerce. During his many years as a Berea resident, Don served this community as Chairman of Berea United Appeal, Board Chairman of Southwest YMCA, President of Berea Little Theatre and member of Berea Chamber of Commerce. At the same time, he was gathering many professional honors, both in Cleveland and nationally.

Two longtime activities are the crown jewels of Don's distinguished career of service. These are Kiwanis International and Southwest General Hospital.

Don joined Berea Kiwanis in 1946 and served as its president in 1952. In the nearly 40 years since he became a member of the local club, he has held every important office in Kiwanis at local, district, national and international levels, culminating in his election as International President of Kiwanis in 1984.

For more than 20 years, Don has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Southwest General Hospital. While serving as President of the Board, he became aware of the Hospital's need to expand and led the planning and development of the present facility on Old Oak Boulevard, which opened in 1975,

Service and leadership are the key words for the career of Don Williams. Bereans are fortunate that the focus of these accomplishments, known throughout the world, is right here.
Presented March 25, 1986 Baldwin-Wallace College Union