Bill David recalled growing up in the neighborhood where the Marriott stands and that his father had a gas station in Olneyville. He never enjoyed school but managed to complete a degree at Rhode Island College. From there he joined the Marine Reserves and began a career in social services, ending with his recent retirement after 35 years with the Fogarty Center.
Rotary has been an important part of his life since joining in 1987. He was president of his club in 92-93 and attended international conventions in Buenos Aires and Sydney. He’s enjoying his year as First Gentleman of District 7950.
George Burman was born in Montreal to Jewish immigrant parents at a time when there were few Jews in the community. He recalled being described at one school he attended as “another kind of Protestant.”
Describing architecture as “this strange thing of creating buildings,” he learned the skills as an apprentice before taking formal studies and graduating with honors from the University of Montreal. After a time working in Europe he returned to Canada and built a career that included designing several innovative hotels.
A near-fatal heart attack in 1996 led to big life changes including a move to Rhode Island, a second marriage and becoming a Rotarian.
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