Tait Elkie, immediate past president of the Fountain Hills Republican Club, was honored as the club’s “Republican of the Year” for 2014 at its April 18 meeting.

Elkie was selected by a committee headed by last year’s recipient of the award, Dr. C.T. Wright, from among a number of candidates nominated by members.

Rosemary Hansen, first vice president, in presenting the award, noted the award recipient, kept a surprise until the presentation, “personified the original Norse meaning of his first name by always being cheerful and courteous. All who work with him would say that they find him to be measured, fair, and respectful to all.

“His membership and leadership in the FHRC has only further enhanced the reputation of the club and the respect it generates among office holders, those who seek elected office, and Republicans at large.”

He represented those GOP values during his term as a member of the Fountain Hills Town Council, Hansen said.

A Marine veteran of Desert Shield, Desert Storm, as well as Somalia, Elkie was recently praised on the Linked In social site by a friend and non-member in a statement that captures his essence: “He is a sharp, polished Marine in garrison and a relentless grunt in the field. He has a passion for his country and maintains high moral standards and leadership skills.”

Elkie and his wife, Michelle, live in Fountain Hills where he maintains a law office. In 2008 and 2012 he was named Top Pro Bono Attorney for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.

He has used his legal expertise to organize a series of Constitutional lessons for the members of the FHRC taught by Shane Krauser, a law professor and Constitutional expert.

In addition to having served on the Town Council, Elkie is involved in many community activities through his membership in the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce.

The next meeting of the Fountain Hills Republican Club will be Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. at the Fountain Hills Community Center. Featured speaker will be Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas.