Lee Ryckert named Citizen of the Year

Torus Tammer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Longtime resident Lee Ryckert was honored Saturday

as Fountain Valley’s Citizen of the Year in a ceremony where Mayor Larry

Crandall presented her with the key to the city.

The event took place in front of an audience that included about 30

members of the Fountain Valley Women’s Club, the group that nominated her

for the honor.

“They came out and supported me on a rainy Saturday,” said the “80ish”

Ryckert. “I feel elated and humbled. You don’t feel you’ve done all the

things they say you’ve done.”

Indeed, though, the list of civic duties attributed to the tireless

Ryckert runs long and far. Her volunteering efforts extend to such

organizations as the City of Hope Guild, Fountain Valley Regional

Hospital Guild, women’s division of the Fountain Valley Chamber of

Commerce and the Fountain Valley Historical Society.

But it’s Ryckert’s 20-year commitment as member and past president of

the Fountain Valley Woman’s Club that is nearest and dearest to her

heart, said friend and fellow club member Laurann Cook.

“Lee is a very special lady, and I’m honored that she is my friend,”

Cook said. “You will find her mark in about every service organization.

But she truly believes in the philanthropic purpose of the woman’s club

in that it gives back to the community.”

Wayne Carr, Rotary Club president, said this was the first year the

organization assumed responsibility of the event. It was previously run

by the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce. That being the case, Carr

added, they wanted to make a memorable choice.

“The rotary club is about promoting understanding and good will

throughout the community and the world,” Carr said. “So it was

fitting that we chose a deserving person like Lee.”

Crandall said the citizen of the year is a standout person who

typifies the outstanding character of the individual from all the

activities and good deeds that the person has done for the city,

typically, in a lifetime.

“Lee is the perfect example of a Fountain Valley Citizen of the Year

and is always ready and willing to pitch in whenever called upon,” he

said.

Ryckert, a 21-year resident of Fountain Valley, says for her part now,

she is just trying to “cool it down” and focus more on dispersing her

years of wisdom.

“It’s time to let some of the younger people take over,” she said.

“But I’ll always be there for them -- anyone in the city knows that.”