You never know who you will meet in Toastmasters. This tribute from Dave Cartledge DTM relates the story of a member who has unfortunately passed, but will not be forgotten.

We first met Tiger when he signed up for a Speechcraft course in 2015. He fell in love with toastmasters and joined our club. During his first speech, we were amazed to find ourselves in the presence of Royalty. He told us that as a child he was called His Royal Highness Prince Hso Khan Pha of the royal family of the Shane State of Yawnghwe in the country of Burma (now Myanmar). During his time in the club, he gave eight additional speeches, became an educational presenter in a future Speechcraft course, and was our Club Rookie of the Year in 2016!

In spite of the fact that he didn’t drive, he rarely missed a meetings. In good weather, Tiiger would walk several kilometers to and from the meeting. Sometimes other members would pick him up or take him home. He represented our club at the District 42, Division H, Area H62 Evaluation Speech Contest. Tiger came in 2nd.

Tiger was signed up for his number tenth speech to complete his Competent Communicator Certificate on October 6th, 2016. Unfortunately, his heart gave out during his sleep on Sunday, October 2nd, 2016. He was born in a palace, but lived his final days in a Canadian Prairie Town.

Thanks Dave for sharing this story of a Toastmaster in your club.