Dick Judd, of Dowagiac, is the owner of Judd Lumber Company and a member of the Dowagiac Rotary Club. Judd is currently the longest serving Rotarian serving in the local service organization.

How long have you been a member of Rotary?

I came back to Dowagiac in 1963, and I joined [the club] in 1964.

What made you want to join?

My grandfather, William, was a charter member of the club back in 1920. My dad [Richard] was a lifelong member, so that would make me a third-generation member. Now, I have a son-in-law [Matt Cripe] in the club as well.

What have been some of the things you were involved with through Rotary?

I have been through all the offices. In those days, you were treasurer for a year, then secretary, then vice president, before you became president. I was president the 1972-93 year.

I’ve helped [fellow Rotarian] Ron Gunn when we had the winter basketball tournaments. It was something we always did. One year, we had a White Out, where they got the junior high teams together from all over the tri-county area. In the winter, we had a tournament, and we would get volunteers to help referee. It was a fundraiser, but it was also an opportunity to get all the young people in basketball together. I remember working with Don and Lauren [Woodhouse] and my wife Sandy, and we would man the popcorn stand or man different things.

What is the thing you have enjoyed most about your time in Rotary?

I like the fellowship, comradery and the ability to exchange ideas, to learn about others in the community and keep up with current events, what is going on in the city and county. It’s also fun.

Why do you think Rotary is an important part of the Dowagiac community?

We have supported different things, like Rotary Park. People also recognize us for our work with Rotaract and Interact clubs. We also support youth in the community, with the scholarships we give out every year. We try to get them started on the right foot.