February 25, 2022Herbert S. Watanabe, Past International Director (1993-1995), died on February 21, 2022. A Lion since 1957, the late Past Director Watanabe was a life member of the Hilo Waiakea Lions Club. He held many positions within the association, including district governor, and served as a SightFirst zone coordinator, district instructor, and trustee of the Hawaii Lions Eye Bank. With the help of PDG Norman Sakata, the late PID Watanabe worked to raise more than US$500,000 for the Hawaii Lions Foundation/Makana Foundation Eye Bank. The eye bank is responsible for more than 5,500 eye transplants and corneal tissue replacement surgeries since its inception in 1980 -- more vision surgeries than all other organ transplants combined performed in Hawaii. Past Director Watanabe received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including four International President's Certificates of Appreciation, and 50-, 55-, 60- and 65-Year Monarch Chevrons. He maintained perfect attendance for 41 years and was a Key Member. In addition, he received the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants its members, and he was a multi-level Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. PID Watanabe was also involved in various community organizations, dedicating 55 years to the Boy Scouts of America, and serving as director of his local YMCA and president of his community's Little League for 16 years. He received two Hawaii State Senate Certificates for Distinguished Community Service from the Hawaii State Legislature, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The late Past Director Watanabe was an elected member of the Hawaii State Board of Education and was the first recipient of the Grand Ambassador Award presented by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. He retired as the District Educational Administrator of Business and Facilities of the Hawaii District Schools. A dedicated husband and proud father of four sons, he was a grandfather and great-grandfather who left a legacy of service and commitment.