Tribute to Rod Chambers

Introduction

• Announcement of Rod Chambers' passing
• Rod Chambers: Friend, mentor, first PMUT president
• Desire to honor his life and contributions

Unique Contributions

• Integrated worlds of project management and Toastmasters
• Example of a gold standard in both fields
• One of the seven founders of PMUT

Establishing PMUT

• Rod chosen for his experience, connections, and people skills
• Connected PMUT with the city of Toronto
• Established club's Toastmasters status
• Secured PDUs recognized by Project Management International
• Built a steady stream of PM presenters

Ambassadorship and Mentorship

• Proud PMUT president and ambassador
• Expanded PMUT network
• Encouraged membership
• Serious about mentorship
• Contributions to PMI Toronto's mentorship program
• Many PMPs and PMUT members mentored by Rod

Dedication and Character

• Opposed club inactivity during summer
• Emphasized Toastmasters standards in meetings
• Had a quirky sense of humor and boyish giggle
• Background: Raised by a single mother, shy boy, career in computers

Professional Journey

• Career evolution: Computer programmer to management consultant
• Advised companies from Bay Street to Wall Street
• Worked with the UN, traveled the world
• Family: Spouse, daughters, grandchildren

Advocacy and Resilience

• Fighter and defender of people of color and handicapped
• Defended PMUT against undermining attempts
• Used Toastmasters training and vocabulary as defense

Post-Retirement Activities

• Started a blog and the "Hot Rod: The Rod Chambers Show"
• Shared network with a broader audience
• Engaged with various notable figures

Legacy and Remembering Rod

• Exemplified connection, mentorship, and continuous learning
• Encouragement to emulate his legacy
• Proposal for a toast to Rod Chambers
• Reminder: "Death ends a mortal life, not a memory"
• Call to let his memory guide us, inspired by Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Conclusion

• Toastmaster Rod Chambers' legacy remembered and celebrated
• "PMUT to Rod Chambers! Cheers Rod! Thank you!"