Ed Warren PDG
PDG EDWIN WARREN
19th January 1917 – 22nd August 2015
Edwin Warren was a foundation member of the Lions Club of Campbelltown, joining June 18th 1964
He held most positions in the Club being President twice, 1968-69 and 2003-04. At District level he joined Cabinet as Zone Chairman 1975-76 and Deputy District Governor 1977. From 1977-79 he was District Chairman for Christmas Cakes and again in 1984-85. He was District Chairman for Road Safety and Mints 1979-80 and District Chairman Youth of the Year 1983-84. He accepted District Governor nomination in 1985-1986. This was perhaps one of the great highlights in a very long life when he and Lois journeyed to USA and he was installed during the International Convention held that year in New Orleans, Louisiana. He and Lois also produced “Adoption Certificates” for all his Cabinet members, spouses and some lucky friends who were proud to call them “Mum & Dad” since 1986.
He and Lions Lady Lois became fully involved in all aspect of the Club with Lois joining the Ladies Auxiliary. Not having children of their own, special projects including youth were often supported by them and they did not send Christmas cards, preferring instead to donate the money to a Lions project. Ed was well known as Father Christmas at end of year celebrations, as well as at the functions for the disabled, when he would arrive in a sleigh pulled by white Samoyed dogs to distribute presents. He only gave up that duty when his knees would no longer hold the ladies!
Lions Clubs International made him a Life Member in 1988. He also received the District Star Award. Other honours followed with the highest award for an Australian Lion being bestowed in 1992, a Melvin Jones Fellow. Another Award, the James Richardson was given by the Club in 2004. Ed was on the Campbelltown Club Board in 2005-06 when the sad decision was made to windup the Club. He was a Lion at Large for a very short time and then was transferred to the City of Adelaide Lions Club. He joined other Past District Governors, including Brian Carter, Brian Gould, Alf Tank and Ben Gray as members of the first Club formed in South Australia.
Sadly, failing health saw his beloved Lois entering the Nursing Home at their village where she died peacefully on 29th June 2008. They had been married for 66 years. Theirs was a wartime marriage in 1942 while Ed was on leave with a four day pass from Darwin where he was stationed. They were married in the Post Office at Alice Springs with the local post master and his wife as witnesses.
Edwin continued as an active member when health allowed, still being a top Christmas Cake salesman well into his 90’s. After a car accident when his car was written off, he called on his contacts round the district on his gopher. At the changeover luncheon, he was honoured with a certificate from International, which was presented by the then Governor of South Australia, Honorary Lion Kevin Scarce, recognizing fifty continuous years of service to Lions International. On the 28th June 2015 he received his 50 year service medal from Lions International.
