DGE Lee Halsted

District 6380
Hartland Rotary

​Lee Halsted joined Canton Rotary, D6400, in 1977. He served as President in 1983-1984. His focus during those years was on Rotary Youth Exchange and creating a Township Library in Canton. During the years 1992-2007 Lee was out of Rotary due to strict attendance rules regarding Rotary membership. Up to that time he had had perfect attendance. His work schedule did not synchronize with Rotary Clubs in his area. In 2007, Lee noticed an article in the local newspaper about a Livingston County Rotary Club that had morning meetings.

He joined Livingston Sunrise and volunteered to work to create new clubs. In 2009 Hartland Rotary was chartered. Lee worked as the 4th of July Parade Chair, continued to build the “Midnight in the Tropics” from a small project to the benchmark event for all district 6380 Rotary Clubs. Lee also enjoyed being club assistant secretary. In 2014, Lee joined Hartland Rotary, Hartland, Michigan as his wife, Lois, had become a charter member in 2009. In 2018-2019, Lee served as President of Hartland. Serving as Assistant Governor in District 6380 from 2021-2024, Lee believes this position was the most exciting and important job in Rotary, until he was chosen as District Governor Nominee Designate for 2024.

Lee graduated from Michigan State University in 1969 with a BS in Biological Science/Physical Science Education. He taught in Monroe, Michigan, for several years before returning to The Ohio State University, College of Optometry, Columbus, Ohio, in 1973 to become an optometrist. In 1977, Lee returned to Michigan and practiced optometry for 45 years.

Lee and Lois have been married for 55 years. Lois has been an active Rotarian and District 6380 Executive Secretary since 2021, serving through the 2027 Rotary year. Lee is a father of two children, now adults, and four grandsons. His hobbies once included being a private pilot, photographer, and avid Great Lakes boater, but today you will find him enjoying lake life, cruising, traveling the US and abroad, and visiting rotary clubs. He is just as likely to be seen in a club outside his district, abroad, as in 6380. As the district is international, Lee has appreciated the diverse cultures each club he visits has taught him.

Using his Optometric skills, Lee has completed four eye care missions in Africa, three in Kenya and one in Egypt sponsored by Rotary International and VOSH.
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Lee has had the opportunity to attend several International Rotary Conferences in Toronto, Houston, and Calgary. He is looking forward to traveling to the upcoming international conference in Taipei. Lois and Lee support The Rotary Foundation, are members of the Polio Plus Society, and Paul Harris Society. They are also Level III Major Donors, and have named several Paul Harris Fellows, especially Rotary Youth.