Rotary Club of Oak Harbor — known to many around town as “the noon Rotary” — celebrated its 80th birthday Friday at the Yacht Club with paper hats, a giant cake and recognition of its most faithful member.

Former mayor and retired businessman Al Koetje received a standing ovation and a plaque for 55 years of perfect attendance.

“Our club motto is ‘Service Above Self’ and Al is the standard,” said president Brian Jones. “In 55 years of serving this community he shows us the way with his generosity, time and dedication.”

The club was organized March 10, 1936, and its members are behind many important projects and initiatives that shaped the city, including the lagoon at Windjammer Park and John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool. The club took the lead organizing Oak Harbor’s first Fourth of July Celebration and built a children’s playground at Ft. Nugent Park.

Its members have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for a variety of causes, including more than $400,000 for a new stadium. It supports community groups through a grant program and gives Oak Harbor High School graduates scholarships.

These are just a handful of examples of the club’s work. Through all of it, Koetje was there.

“For a very, very long time he’s proposed projects,” Jones said. “He shows up for everything.”

The award was a surprise to Koetje.

Someone tried to put a birthday hat on his head but he fended it off with a bit of wit.

Gesturing to his wispy hair, he said jokingly, “I have a lot of hair — I don’t need one of those.”