It is with great sadness that we report on the passing of Rotary District 6440 Past District Governor (1978-79) Jack B. Blane, 94.
Jack passed away at home on February 19, 2018. Jack was the loving father of Barbara (Rand) Toney, the late Nancy (Tony) Guerra, and John Blane, and the proud grandfather of Sarah (Patrick Pauley) Toney, David Toney, and Nathan Blane. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Joan, nee Fleischman.
Jack leaves a legacy of immeasurable dedication and commitment to Rotary International (in particular his focus for the last 30 years on PolioPlus, the global eradication of polio), the Highland Park Community Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, and numerous other beneficiaries of his tireless energies. He truly embodied the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”
Jack joined Rotary in 1962, has served as Rotary Club of Wheeling President twice (most recently last year!) and has received numerous Rotary awards and honors. He is a member of the Arch Klumph Society, and has worked tirelessly on Rotary's Polio eradication initiative since its beginning.
"Jack lived a life dedicated toward making the world a better place, and he certainly did that," said District Governor Don Brewer. "Rarely does a Rotary District have a member as esteemed as Jack. Jack spent a lifetime 'MAKING A DIFFERENCE' in the lives of millions of people he never knew as well as his family, friends and fellow Rotarians. We are extremely blessed to have known and loved him for so many years. Jack will be missed deeply by the entire Rotary world. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
A Memorial Service will take place at 6:30 pm March 5th at the Highland Park High School Auditorium.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances would be appreciated in Jack’s memory to Rotary Foundation, End Polio Now fund.
For gifts being made via check, complete this form and make sure to include the following information: Jack’s name (next to “In Memory of” area), his member ID number 531284, and your own information.
For those who prefer making gifts via credit card, go to https://www.rotary.org/donate. You will be able to select what fund the gift goes to, for example, PolioPlus. Under step 3 (“Billing”), click on “Gift options”> “In Memoriam” and complete the form using Jack’s name and member ID 531284. There is no need to complete the notification section of the form, as The Rotary Foundation will send one comprehensive letter to the family.
If you would prefer to make a gift over the phone, please contact the Rotary Support Center at 866-976-8279.
A notification letter to Jack’s family will be sent at a late date, sharing the names of all those who have contributed in his name.