Coronadan Larry Cox was honored by the Rotary Club of Coronado with the Bob Watson Citizenship Award for his selfless contributions to the Coronado community. This award recognizes a non-Rotarian Coronado citizen for “an action or effort that demonstrates or contributes to the highest standards of citizenship while exhibiting ‘Service Above Self ’ — the Rotary motto.

Rotarians Jane Simeral and Sharon Raffer submitted the nomination. In their description of Larry’s contributions, they illuminate how he personifies the neighbor we would all be fortunate to have. Examples of his selfless contributions and volunteerism noted in the award ceremony included:

Coming to the rescue of the Coronado Historical Association as the Rotary 100 Exhibit was about to open, Larry spent hours re-hanging the historic Rotary symbol and mounting banners and artifacts throughout the exhibit. 

Spent many hours restoring an historic plaque for display in the Rotary 100 exhibit.

Learning that the Coronado Middle School Emerald Keepers garden had fallen into severe disrepair, Larry spent days developing a plan; ordering, assembling, and designing a foundation to protect the shed from winds that destroyed a previous structure; and installing the shed. As in all his efforts, Larry’s approach to this project demonstrated his professionalism, thoroughness, and “going above and beyond,” resulting in a wonderful contribution to yet another community project.

Regularly transporting monthly food donations to the Imperial Beach Food Pantry as well as gifts and costumes in support of Rotary’s annual Christmas Eve Santa program.

Noted for his dependability, Larry constantly adjusts his schedule to respond to neighbors’ emergency calls for help, working on the homes of many senior community members, and undertaking church repairs.

Manifesting selfless “can do” and dedication to helping, Larry Cox exemplifies the Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self” and is richly deserving of the Bob Watson Citizenship Award.

The Rotary Club of Coronado, through its Club Foundation, is a 501(c)3 non-profit and one of over 46,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary, which now has 1.4 million members, was founded in 1905; the local Club was chartered in 1926, celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, and has been making a difference for the good of others and our world since then. For more information about Coronado Rotary, please see the website: Rotary Club of Coronado (coronadorotary.org).

VOL. 116, NO. 27 – July 8, 2026