By Kirsty Ross
FOR well-known trucking identity John McClure, tears are rare.
But his emotions were stirred when, surrounded by friends and family, he was awarded a prestigious life membership of Lions Club International.
The 74-year-old, a member of Werribee Lions Club for 31 years, couldn’t believe his eyes when two of his three sons and their families burst through the doors when the honour was announced on Friday 30 June.
“I never had a clue I was getting it,” said John.
“When I was being presented with it, my whole family walked in … my boys and their wives and my eight grandchildren.”
But what makes it all the more touching is that his second son’s family travelled from close to the Queensland border to be there for the night, and had to drive back 1100 kilometres the next day.
“I just shed a few tears,” he said.
“When you think your family is prepared to put themselves out for you that much, it’s just unbelievable.”
Even John’s youngest son, who took over the family business from his father, called to congratulate him from London that night.
MJ McClure and Sons, now in its fourth generation, recently won the 2006 Wyndham Business Awards for the best small transport and storage company.
For the keen golfer, the life membership runs on par with being awarded a Melvin Jones award about six years ago.
“It’s the highest honour you can bestow,” he said of the Melvin Jones.
“I wouldn’t say it outweighs it – because the Melvin Jones is wonderful thing to get – but so is the life membership.”
He said there were six members who have been awarded the Melvin Jones, but he was only the second to receive life membership in recognition of the services he has undertaken.
