The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) hosted its annual general meeting (AGM) during this year’s Royal Convention in Boucherville, Que. Overall, the state of the society was described in positive terms by all attending directors, including outgoing RPSC President George Pepall, who’s retiring as the third-longest-serving RPSC president with eight years at the helm. The second-longest-serving president was Dr. George M. Geldert, who was president for nine years from 1959-1967. He was followed by the legendary Harry Sutherland, the society’s longest-serving president, who served for 11 years from 1968-78. Pepall noted the society’s executive underwent a “major makeover” this year with six retiring board members and several new appointments. The incoming president is Jim Taylor, of Calgary, Alta. Owing to his ongoing role as international exhibition liaison, Taylor – who was named a Fellow of The RPSC in 2015 – is no stranger to the society or its far-reaching aspirations. “I really hope that the future executive continues to operate as we did, as an executive committee that meets three, four, sometimes five times a year, and refers to the board when issues are complex and when they need a wider endorsement and more feedback,” said Pepall. “I really believe that was an effective way to work, but we had a good advantage all being in Southern Ontario. That was a coincidence; that’s not likely to be the case next year … but I challenge the future executive to try to maintain that modus operandi.” Continue reading →
From the left: Retiring board members François Brisse; Marilyn Melanson; Rodney Paige; and George Pepall were presented with honorific medals at The RPSC’s annual general meeting on May 27.
