Max Dye has been named the Salem Elks Lodge Citizen of the Year. He was honored for his work at Max Dye, Inc, in the Elks, as a member of the Salem Lions, at First Christian Church where he is a deacon and in helping a number of community organizations.
His son, Mike, read from a letter of accomplishments.
“He has lived a life of service, he has lifted others quietly and consistently, and he has strengthened his community in ways that will endure long after all of us,” Mike said. “We thank you, and we celebrate the extraordinary example that you continue to set for all of us.”
Max, accepting the award, thanked the Elks for being a great organization that has done a lot of good for the community.
“I came here in 1964 to go into business,” Dye said. “What we found when we came here was great churches with great people, just great people everywhere here. A good, favorable business climate and people who really love their town.”
Dye noted how a simple handshake to purchase a car has turned into a much more complicated process now. The award was presented at the dealership on Thursday.
The Elks have also handed out a number of other annual awards.
Doug Telford was named Elk of the Year. Ron Eller, Kent Gruekemeyer, and Jim Davis were all named outstanding members of the Elks. The Bob Lafenhagen family was honored for making a donation to pay for the new pavilion on the north side of the Elks. It was dedicated during the Membership Appreciation Dinner last Saturday.
Doug Telford was named this year’s Elk of the Year. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
