Oni neniam estas tro aĝa por lerni Esperanton. David McNett, ano de nia loka grupeto kiu pruvis tion kiam li ricevis sian diplomon por la perpoŝta kursaro en 2002 je la aĝo de 79. Li amis lingvojn kaj studis 17 dum sia vivo.  Li estis ege entuziasma pri Esperanto kaj propagandis ĝin konstante kiam li helpis studentojn ĉe la lokaj gimnazio kaj mez-lernejo kie li volontulis dum pli ol 20 jaroj. Li estis ankaŭ kunfondinto de la loka societo Audubon. Dave aldonis spicon al nia grupo per siaj observoj de vivo kaj sia humuro. Per helpo de diversaj membroj, li fidele partoprenis klub-aranĝojn eĉ kiam lia sano malfortigis lin.

[Ellen sendis ankaŭ la jenan artikoleton, kiun ŝi verkis pri lia memoriga servo. –Red.]

Never Underestimate Your Efforts for Esperanto

Over 100 people gathered November 8th to honor a man who was a much-loved member of the community, especially for his efforts with children. Dave McNett, died at the age of 86 in Olympia, Washington. But his spirit and his effect on all the lives he touched will live on as became apparent as attendees shared their heart felt experiences.

Family members remembered the uncle, brother. School teachers remembered the volunteer who had so much knowledge of languages and birds. Esperanto was mentioned by the first teacher to speak, since Dave constantly tried to interest teachers and students to learn Esperanto.

There was even a show of hands of all those who remembered his efforts for Esperanto. At least 20 people raised their hands.

Midway through the remembrances, I shared our local group’s experiences with Dave. I was totally surprised when I stated that I was Dave’s Esperanto teacher (he had completed the free postal course) and the audience applauded!  Afterwards one school administrator shook my hand.

The positive attitude toward Esperanto seemed to permeate the room. This was a striking reminder that all our small efforts for Esperanto can really bear fruit.