History - Dr. Wilbur Bowker

Wilbur Bowker had been Dean of Law at the University of Alberta for about a year when he was invited to join the Rotary Club of Edmonton. The teaching of Law has been Wilbur's life. As Dean of La, he saw the Faculty of Law grow from about fourty students to around two hundred. Many of those students rose to positions of prominence including two who sat on the Supreme Court of Canada.

Wilbur was President of the Rotary Club of Edmonton in 1959-60 and his quick wit, gentle sense of humour and administrative abilities made it a good experience for all members. If one were to ask him to list his happiest memories as a Rotarian it is certain that the Spokes Club, the entertainment and the sing songs at club meetings would top the list.

As Club Historian for five years, Wilbur did much to keep the spirit of Rotary Fresh for old and new members. His stories of Vaudeville Shows put on by our club in the twenties and thirties, were fresh and highly entertaining. He was also our chief elocutionist and several times recited "Casey at the Bat" with such fervour that it left no doubt that "this boy from Ponoka" loved baseball. He also loved theatre. At Fort Edmonton Park he and a number of members of the club gave a hilarious rendition of "The Shooting of Dan McGrew"

As reported by Dave Miller.