Les Garner  

We remember "Mr. Kiwanis" as one who made a difference.

A Past-Governor and Past-Lt. Governor of the Carolinas District, Les helped to organize over 50 clubs during his years as a Kiwanian. read more

He was a charter member and the first president of University City Kiwanis Club in 1972. During his later years he remained a permanent board member and served as club advisor.

Each spring he would head up the nomination committee and would always present a robust roster of candidates for club officers and the board of directors. Just because you were nominated did not necessarily mean you would be elected. He made sure that club members realized that serving on the board was a privilege not to be taken lightly.

One of his biggest contributions to our club was the Pecan and Peanut Project -- the major club fundraiser that generates over $80,000 a year. The proceeds are used to fund our many charities and designated giving. We now distribute peanuts and pecans to every major grocery and convenience store east of I-95. read more

Les is gone but certainly not forgotten. On June 4, 2009 The Greenville Golden K Club sponsored a ceremony to pay tribute to Les Garner and his many contributions to the community:

Greenville Golden K and Salvation Army Pay Tribute The Daily Reflector
TV Coverage of Tribute WNCT-TV
City Proclamation for Les Garner Day - April 26, 2009 - City of Greenville
View photos of the tribute - by James Stokes

More links of Les:

View various photos of Les Garner
Read newspaper stories
Chamber honors Garner
Garner sings "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" for the ECU Pirates
Garner sings "Butterbeans"
Share your memories online
Read obituary