PG WARREN KANE Remembered

by PG John Tyner

Warren Kane (right) joined our K-Family in May 1991 and the Arlington Club has never been the same since. He was elected Club President in 1997-98 and later as lieutenant-governor in 2000-01, he was my Tiger 20 in our Tyner's Tigers year. Recognizing his intense desire to help those in need and his organizational skills honed working for the Congress, the District elected him Governor-elect for 2003-04 and he served as our Governor in 2004-05.

In addition, Warren served honorably and successfully in District roles too many to mention all: Chairman of the Achievement, Past Governors and Finance committees, Certified Trainer, TAG Team master recruiter and Division 20 trustee for the Capital District Foundation. Despite his illness, he attended our Past Governors Committee meeting just three weeks ago and then greeted many of his friends at the Manassas Steak Fry just over a week ago. He told us that "I'll keep doing what I like to do as long as I can."

We all have stories about our working with Warren. While you remember your own favorite story, let me mention a couple of mine:

When he was about to be installed as Tiger 20, I mentioned that he was the only lieutenant governor who did not have email. Due to his family encouragement, especially from his granddaughter, he had acquired a computer by the time we took office. This reminds me that you should look out for what you wish for -- he became a terror of the keyboard because he was always the first to respond to any email I sent out.......

When the District was to be visited by a group of hearing impaired French students from Bourgen Bresse and we had not received timely notice of the visit, Warren took over and organized a marvelous adventure for them with meeting policy makers, a trip to Mount Vernon and even arranged for them to stay at Gallaudet College. Such was his ability to take charge.

While governor he got to work with Jack Stevens when Jack was to follow him as governor, out of which collaboration Warren set up his extremely effective "Plus One" membership plan to recruit new members. I expect that he and Jack are already swapping strategies and techniques to better organize Heaven.

Warren was chair of the 1995 midwinter conference whose major event was a snowstorm, but he still persuaded the Crystal City Marriott to make adjustments when members couldn't get through and he continued with the program. That's his sense of carrying on.

He rarely missed a Division 20 Youth night, nor a Mount Airy pancake breakfast nor a Manassas Steak Fry, organized many an interclub throughout the District and was ever-helpful in the Division 20 directory project.

He and Dale became dual members of the brand new Dulles Area Club, as did several others from his Arlington Club, to encourage a new club in the division.

Speaking of Dale for a moment, this team could be observed at conferences and conventions with Warren holding forth in meetings while Dale patiently embroidered as he worked.

My favorite story of Warren shows the depths of his affection within this team that led him to arrange a secret presentation of a Hixson to Dale under the cover of some award to him. His pleasure in surprising her, and his obvious success in doing so, brought wide grins to both of their faces.

We have lost a good friend, a hard worker and a devoted family man. We remember Warren's force of life and his effect on us, while knowing that somewhere he will be waiting for us when our time comes to join him. Life moves on for all of us with our families and our individual endeavors, so here's hoping that you can be content with your fond memories of Warren...and Dale, your Kiwanis Family is here for you and your loved ones.