Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

McRae Honored By Rotarians

Prescott's Duncan McRae was honored by the Rotary Club as he was named a Paul Harris Fellow Tuesday, Nov. 11.

During the regular club meeting, local attorney Duncan Culpepper told of McRae's accomplishments and character, as McRae was unable to attend due to health reasons.

McRae, he said, has been a member of Rotary since 1936, and was a past president of the organization.

He also did something almost unheard of in his profession. At the age of 16, McRae went to Vanderbilt University to study law. Before graduating college, he took and passed the bar exam, thereby becoming a licensed attorney before getting his degree.

Upon graduation, he returned to Prescott where he practiced law as a third generation barrister.

During his long career, Culpepper said, McRae touched the lives of many, helping make them better. "He always helped the little guy," Culpepper said of 'Uncle Dunc.'

In fact, McRae helped get the company that would be known as Firestone to locate in Prescott. He also taught Sunday school at the First Presbyterian Church.

"He spent his life living the 4-way test (of a Rotarian)," Culpepper said. "He was above reproach."

Culpepper said McRae worked with and for most of the non-profit community organizations, doing what he could to help improve the lives of those who live in Prescott and Nevada County.

"He deserves the fellowship," Culpepper said, "and he will be pleased to be recognized with it."

Former Rotary District Governor Jane Lucas presented the Paul Harris honor to Culpepper in McRae's stead.

"Rotary," she said, "rejoices when a man like McRae is honored. He joins a group of distinctive people with this fellowship."

Lucas said the honor is special in the fact Rotary is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Paul Harris Fellow honors this year. So, in addition to the award, McRae was also given a special commemorative certificate.