President Jayna Amadasun called us to attention at 1205, and assisted Peter Neufeldt to visually connect the ZOOMing in Rotarians to our meeting so they could watch the in-person crowd eat. In preparation for the eating, Allen Hillsden was called on to lead us in the singing our National Anthem, followed by Peter Peters who was asked to lead in a moment of reflection, praise and thanks. Peter preceded these responsibilities by inviting members to stand for a moment of silence in remembrance of Rotarian Bill Carter, RC of Fort Qu’Appelle, who died in a highway accident on January 14, 2026. (see Family of Rotary below).
President Jayna extended a special warm welcome to Honorary Regina Eastview member, The Honorable Ralph Goodale, and visiting Rotarians and guests. Remembered Rotarians celebrating Birthdays in January, members who achieved recognition for support of the Rotary Foundation and extended invitation for members to share Happy Dollars (these worthy details are noted below).
Following a great lunch , our President introduced us to guest speaker David Thomas, Voice of the Riders. In her comments Jayna highlighted his deep Saskatchewan roots, his 25-year broadcasting career, his community engagement, and the excitement he brings to the role. A product of Weyburn Saskatchewan, David, spent 20 of his 25-year broadcasting career in Saskatoon and in all these years has called 700 games (in hockey, footfall and lacrosse). He hosted pre-game shows from 2010 to 2014 and was a sideline reporter for the 2013 Grey Cup. He was named to his current role as The Voice of the Riders, in April 2024, by Harvard Media/620 CKRM. David is not just a talker, he is also involved in coaching minor hockey and flag football, which provides a critical connection with this community and makes him loved and appreciated.
David did a fine job of introducing us to his career story which reflects on what can be achieved when a togetherness focus, makes a team a TEAM! Teams are built by players, coaches and communities, which when supported by desire, commitment, skill and expertise all click and success is achieved.
Under girded by a support team, which David indicates is led by his wife who fills her career working in the Alzheimer’s world, and is key to his success in the broadcasting world. His days start at 4 in the morning and carry him into the day. The afternoon and evenings are often filled with coaching in minor sports, which involve another aspect of his success TEAM, for there are his children who refer to him as “Coach” and not “Dad”, which seemingly David views as a parental enhancement.
His role as the Voice of the Riders, has allowed him to carve out a new identity in the Rider world. It is in this role that he has learned to better appreciate our players who deal with family highlights and tragedies, while being the best they can be when 'the game is on'. The fan expectation of a Rider, who is becoming a new Dad, or grieving the loss of a parent or family member, is that the Rider will preform at the same level regardless of what is happening in his life. These situations were lived by Rider players in 2025, however, this was the Riders year and unique things did occur. Like, it was here in Regina that the League experienced its first ever “smoked out game”. One can truly boast about the highs and the lows of a season and come out proud.
David praised his parents for creating an image of what he could become. His parents worked hard at making the farm a success, and Mom and Dad worked at this as a Team. The commitment at the Thomas house extended to the community, where families succeeded because they were a team, and as neighbours they helped each other reach a successful conclusion. He suggested one makes good with what you have at hand.
It was working at McDonald's that his voice caught the attention of a radio personality, which led to a voice broadcasting demonstration invitation, where he learned something about clarity and he was snapped up (ROTOR editor’s interpretation), and the rest is history.
Before opening the floor for questions, David referred to his friend, Lorne Mulligan, who gave him this counsel, ‘One day you are going to realize you want to see your children play, rather than watching and reporting on career boosting games’. Sounds like powerful counsel for all of us!
Thank you, David Thomas, for lending your, Voice of the Riders,
to inspire members of the Rotary Club of Regina Eastview.
