District 53 remembers Joe Purcell, DTM (1932-2010)

Joe Purcell was a member of Mohawk for about twenty-five years.  He frequently served Toastmasters in many Club, Area and Division officer roles, including the honor of being the first Division Governor of Division F.
 
Joe was known as Mr. Toastmaster for several years in Division F and lauded by some to be the most influential person in the Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga area for many years.  He was a fixture at Saturday District meetings and semi-annual District 53 conferences, and champion of many speech contests.
 
Joe first was an Area Governor about 1985 and continued to serve several more times as an Area Governor.  He believed meetings should be well-organized and attended, and strive for the Presidential Distinguished Club. 

Val Albert, DTM, former District Governor and International Director from 2006 – 2008 shared her fond memories of Joe.

"Joe Purcell was a most distinguished Toastmaster from the day he joined our organization 30 years ago.  He was always a professional in everything he did.  He was a true leader, often inspiring new leaders to take the first step in the leadership journey, and taking no credit for himself.
 
"Joe was my friend, but most importantly my first mentor in Toastmasters.  He encouraged me to take my first step in leadership 20 years ago, and followed my leadership career all the way.  He was always the first one to call when I personally succeeded and always reminded me of my responsibility to our members and our organization.
 
"Joe was a Past Area Governor and a Past Division Governor many times over, as well as President of Mohawk Toastmasters many times.  In addition, Joe was a staple at District Conferences ready to assist in any way at the Conference itself, and up until his eyesight started to fail competed in contests many times competing at the District level.
 
"Joe and his wife Mary were best friends and true soul mates, so it did not surprise me that he followed her in death within the week,  His contribution to Toastmasters will always be acknowledged and remembered - Joe Purcell was a true Distinguished Toastmaster in every sense of the word."
 
Chris Van Hoevan, acting Governor of Division F and former District Toastmaster of the Year summed up Joe Purcell’s contributions eloquently and succinctly, "Joe was willing to help out whenever anyone needed it. He was Distinguished Toastmaster in many ways. "