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The Capital Toastmasters Club Remembers Omer
Omer Roberts, Past District 8 Governor, was highly regarded by many Toastmasters, who also considered him a friend. He was a dedicated Toastmaster who gave unselfishly of his time and energy throughout his entire adult life a life that tragically was cut short in an automobile accident on September 15, 2005. Omer was returning to his home in Jefferson City from a Toastmaster meeting in Rolla.
Omer earned the designation of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), the highest educational and leadership recognition awarded by Toastmasters International, in 1977. He served as Governor of District 8 in 2002-03. Omer also served as the President of Capital 503 for three consecutive six-month terms in 2004-05. But his service was not just one of leadership on the larger scale. Throughout his Toastmaster life he sponsored and mentored countless members who joined various community and inmate Clubs. He traveled extensively to provide support and training for many Clubs in Mid-Missouri. Sabir Vali, Omers co-worker, and a former member of Capital Toastmasters, gives credit for a greatly improved life to Omers brotherly and encouraging advice. Past District 8 Governor Steve Watkins, in describing Omer, said he was a pillar of the District.
On August 25, 2006, during the Toastmasters International Convention in Washington, D.C., Immediate Past President Dilip Abayasekara awarded a posthumous Presidential Citation to Omer. The Presidential Citation is the highest honor that Toastmasters International bestows upon its members. Approximately two dozen citations are awarded annually even though the organization has over 200,000 members worldwide. It is rare that one is awarded posthumously.
All who were fortunate to be acquainted with Omer can attest to the fact that he was an excellent Toastmaster and a caring man for whom there simply is no replacement. However, thanks to his tremendous influence and mentoring skills there are many Toastmasters who will indefinitely continue his legacy of dedication to helping others improve themselves through Toastmasters.
The following are a few of the many Toastmasters Clubs whose members benefited from Omer's knowledge and skills:
Capital Toastmasters Club Jefferson City
Mid-Mo Advanced Club Columbia
Alpha Toastmasters Club Jefferson City Correctional Center
Sundai Toastmasters Gavel Club Tipton Correctional Center
Church Farms Club - Jefferson City
Callaway Toastmasters Club Fulton
Ozarks Orators Club Rolla
University Orators Club Rolla
University Of Missouri-Rolla Club Rolla
Fort Leonard Wood Club Fort Leonard Wood
Waynesville/St. Robert Toastmasters Waynesville
Columbia Toastmasters Club Columbia
Talu Toastmasters Club Moberly Correctional Center
Good Neighbor Toastmasters Club Columbia
Shelter Insurance Sunrise Club Columbia
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