Roland Gagnon was elected Grand Exalted Ruler of Elks Canada on July 29, 2002. - photo courtesy of Roland Gagnon

Since then he has been riding the purple wave across Canada fulfilling his elected duties.

Gagnon said this year has been a great one to be in his position because there is a lot going on.

"This year being our 90th we have a lot of (clubs celebrating) 80th and 90th anniversaries," he said.

"I get to meet a lot of nice people and travelling Canada is a beautiful country."

His last trip took him to Vancouver Island and the Okanagan in British Columbia.

He has also been to some lesser-known areas of the country, but he said what is always the same is people's pride in community.

"Everybody is proud of their town. I've been to a town (Stranaer, Sask.) that had nine people and they are proud of their town. They are well-known because they have something no one else (in Saskatchewan) does -- a ski hill," said Gagnon.

Seven months into his year-long term he has also had a number of memorable and fulfilling experiences.

"In Marnwaign, Alta., this gentleman passed away and he left $1,252,995.04 to the Elks Royal Purple Fund for Children," he said.

"This money was bequeathed to the Royal Elks of Canada because 39 years ago we helped his niece."

Although significant, it isn't his fondest memory to date.

"The best thing I had happen so far is I met a lady by the name of Mary Pierce in Courtney B.C. She is 83 years old and she is the daughter of our first Grand Exalted Ruler," said Gagnon.

Gagnon joined the Elks 39 years ago, when he was 23.

Candidly, he said, he first joined for the bar and stayed for the honour of being associated with such a worthwhile organization.

"I made a mistake, I guess. I went to a few meetings and they drew me in," he said.

He estimates the Yellowknife Elks Lodge has raised tens of millions of dollars for the community since the hall was built in 1959.

In the last two years alone they have raised $1.5 million.

"How can you not want to join us when you see all the good things we do?" said Gagnon.