When Bill Towns first signed up for the Bracebridge Rotary Club, he attended every meeting for nearly 10 years straight until a case of measles forced him to take a few months off. Sixty years later, Towns continues to boast one of the most impressive attendance records in the club.

He is the first person in the history of the Bracebridge Rotary Club to complete 60 years of service. Friday afternoon at the Bracebridge Rotary Centre for Youth, he received a plaque and a standing ovation from his fellow Rotarians for his achievement.

A fifth-generation Bracebridge resident, Towns join­ed Bracebridge Rotary Club at the age of 22, fresh from serving in World War II.

“I was the youngest by a long shot,” said Towns. “I think I started something of a youth movement back in those days.”

After completing his military service, Towns took surveying instruction and was eventually appointed the provincial registrar of deeds. Following a slight heart attack, he was forced to retire in 1979.

Towns is perhaps best known locally for his work with South Muskoka Memorial Hospital. For many years Towns was president of South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Board, and South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, which he also helped establish. In 1993 he was awarded the honour of Bracebridge Citizen of the Year, and he has also been granted the esteemed position of Paul Harris Fellow within the Rotary Club.

An avid curler and golfer, Towns is well known for his singing talents, and for helping to establish the Cellar Singers choir.

“He’s also the only war veteran I know who can still fit into his uniform,” said Bracebridge Rotary president Nancy Cox-Godfrey, in presenting him with an honorary plaque. “There will always be a seat open for you here.”

Towns said he relishes the opportunity to be a part of the Rotary Club, and to give something back to the community that has given him so much.

“They do a lot of good things. They’ve raised thousands of dollars for the (South Muskoka) hospital and the (Rene Caisse) theatre. They sponsor international students,” he said.

Towns said he has made “many, many friends” during his time with Rotary and has no plans to leave the club anytime soon.

“I’ll be coming here as long as I can walk,” he said.