Col. Pat Speir

Oak Hill Rotary Honors Col. Pat Speir by

Naming Golf Tournament in His Memory

The Rotary Club of Austin-Oak Hill was chartered in 1982 and Col. Pat Speir was one of the founding members. Col. Pat, as he was affectionately known, was part of the Texas Department of Public Safety for 38 years, serving as the Director of that agency for 11 years. During his tenure as Director, he helped institute policies that kept Texas free of much of the civil violence in the early 70’s, oversaw the racial integration of the DPS,the computerization of 8 million driver and vehicle licenses, the employment of the first female troopers and a statewide construction program.

Col. Speir was a proud member of Rotary because he believed in the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self". He was a born optimist and loved people and helping people succeed. He served the Rotary Club of Austin-Oak Hill in many capacities and offices. He was elected "Rotarian of the Year" in 1995. Even into his 80’s with failing eyesight, he never missed one of the club’s Highway Cleanup projects. Before the Rotary Club of Austin-Oak Hill was chartered, Col. Pat was also the president of the Rotary Club of Austin, which is the largest Rotary Club in Austin and the Rotary District. In 1974-75, he was elected District Governor of Rotary District 5870, which includes 60 clubs in the center of Texas. Rotary is generally made up of business leaders, owners and managers, all of whom were honored to be lead by Col. Pat as their District Governor.

We feel proud to name this tournament after Col. Pat because of the stature of the man and also because we know he loved the focus of the funds we are attempting to raise…vocational and academic scholarships. He was a true believer in education and helping people better themselves.