Russell Godby  May 5, 1932 to November 13, 2004

Russell Godby, husband, father, brother, Lion, mentor, friend.  His love for Lions was only surpassed by his love for God and for his family.

Russell Godby joined the Pekin Lions Club in 1967.  He has filled every position at the club level including serving as president three times.  For the last 25 years, Russ has initiated every fund-raising project that the club has attempted.  For the past five years Russ has served as Sight Conservation Chairman.  He has spent many hours to see that the club can serve the most needy people with the best value for the club's money.  Russ has also been the sponsor of 10 members into Lionism.  Two of which have served the district as District Governors. 

Russ joined the District 1-H cabinet in 1972.  He served as Eyeglass Collection Chairman, Zone Chairman for three years, Deputy District Governor for two years, and Lions of Illinois Deaf Activities Chairman.  In 1987 Russ joined the cabinet a second time and served as Zone Chairman three years, LCIF Chairman two years, and Lieutenant Governor.

PDG Lion Russ served as a 100% District Governor for 1-H during the 1993-1994 year.  During his year as Governor, Russ and his cabinet organized a relief effort to the flood victims along the Mississippi River.  Russ was instrumental in enlisting additional help from District 1-B Lions members.  Recognition of these relief efforts was provided through an article published in the Lion magazine.  During his tenure as District Governor, Russ had an increase in District membership, the 58th Club, worldwide, to become a 100% Melvin Jones Club and received the Bud Campbell Membership Retention Award.

In 1992, Russ became a firm supporter of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum after having attended his first forum.  He has attended every forum since 1992. Because of his support, he initiated the bid process for the forum to be held in Peoria, Illinois in 2005, working with the site inspection team and ultimately becoming the 2005 Host Committee Chairman.

Russ has served the District in several other capacities since he finished his year as District Governor.  He has served as Ambassador of Goodwill, SightFirst Chairman, and Leadership Development Chairman for four years, initiated a new format for the District training of officers.

On the state level, Russ has served on both the Leadership Development Committee and the Lions of Illinois Forum Committee.  Russ served as chairman of the Forum in 2000.  Again he was a change agent, making changes in format to ensure a smooth-running day.  Because of his efforts in 2000, he was the chairman of the forum in 2003 and 2004.

Russ is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, a Foundation Fellow, and 25th Anniversary Foundation Fellow.  He was a frequent transporter of eye tissue for the Illinois Eye Bank.  He has been known to awaken from a sound sleep in the middle of the night, go to the airport to get the eye tissue, and deliver the tissue to the hospital to ensure that the recipient could have surgery the next day.  The Illinois Eye Bank recognized Russ as Volunteer of the Year in 2001!

The Lions of Illinois Foundation initiated an infant hearing screening unit.  Russ was in the initial group of volunteers who were trained to do the screenings.  He worked doing the screenings until the Foundation was forced to abandon the program.  Because of Russ' work in an Otolaryngolist's office in Peoria, the audiologist in that office became certified to do the screenings.

For his contribution to Lionism, Russ has received several awards.  On the district level, he received a special district governor's award, Membership Development Award, and a certificate of appreciation from International Association of Lions Clubs.  On the club level, Russ has been recognized as Lion of the Year three times and was provided life time membership in the Pekin Lions Club.

Russ has been an active Pheresis Donor for the American Red Cross.  In addition, he has served his church on the Finance Committee, the Bell Choir, and as a Deacon.

Past District Governor Russ has lived the Lion's motto, "We Serve" for he truly did "Serve".  He served as a loving husband, a devoted father and brother, a mentor, and most of all as a Lion.