Pardon Remembered Through Month-Long Blood Drive

For years, Ray Pardon was an active and valued member of the Scotch Plains community. As founder of the Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association and as an active member of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club, he worked in a number of capacities to better the township, those close to him have said.

“He’s touched so many lives and was a member of so many organizations,” said Karen McNally, vice president of the Rotary Club.

Pardon died unexpectedly last October, but he has not been forgotten. The BPA created a special scholarship in his name for local high school students this year, and now to remember him further, the group is teaming up with the Rotary Club to co-sponsor a blood drive in his memory.

“He gave so much to us, and we want to give back in his honor,” McNally said.

The drive, which is in conjunction with New Jersey Blood Services, is a month-long event that will make use of the new donation center on South Avenue in Scotch Plains, which has its official grand opening on Sept. 29.

The first drive in Pardon’s memory will be held there on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In addition to serving with the BPA and Rotary Club, Pardon was also a local realtor and businessman.

He was particularly devoted to the Rotary Club’s Frazee House Restoration Project.

Mayor Nancy Malool noted during the recent council meeting that she also served with Pardon for years on the town task force.

“He was a guiding light in caring for our town,” she said. “His sudden and tragic death was a great loss to our community.”

New Jersey Blood Services will also be sponsoring a donor bus at the Scotch Plains Farmers Market on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They will also have booths at both Fanny Wood Day on Oct. 4 and Scotch Plains Day on Oct. 18.

Appointments are encouraged for those who wish to donate blood on these dates. Those seeking further information can contact New Jersey Blood Services Center at 800-933-2566; Scotch Plains BPA President Lisa Mohn at 908-322-4999; or F-SP Rotary Vice President Karen McNally at 908-322-2800. Those donating in Pardon’s memory should reference #64268.