Founding President 1923

The first Rotary Club of North Bay president was Dr Rupert Lorne Dudley, a pioneer dentist and active resident of our town. He was born at Westmeath, near Pembroke, in 1879 and came to North Bay in 1903 following graduation from dental school. Dr Rupert was prominent in business and education. In partnership with George Leach, Dr Rupert built the block in which the North Bay Garage, the original General Motors dealer, operated for almost 40 years - building located Main and Sherbrooke.  Rotarians Sutherland (1928) and Trussler (1947) owned and operated North Bay Garage. Dr Dudley's residence was across the street and later on Jane Street. His dental office was above Fosdick's Main Street bookstore in 1923. A dedicated, public-spirited individual, Dr Dudley served numerous community organizations - president of the Board of Trade, Collegiate Board, Hospital Board to name a few.  He was first appointed to Collegiate board in 1911 and served until 1916; was re-appointed in 1929 and was a member until his death.  He served as chairman of the Collegiate board in 1915 and 1932. Dr Dudley died May 12, 1935. He was survived by his wife, daughter Mrs James Stewart and three sons, Rupert, Allan and Gordon, all of North Bay.  Prominent Rotarians attending his funeral included Dr Duncan Campbell, Norm McCubbin, George Lee, Carl Sanders, Jack McKerrow as well as Senator Gordon and Judge Valin, among others.