Rotary District 5150 proudly recognizes Burnett Tregoning of the Rotary Club of Mill Valley as our Rotarian of the Month for August 2025.
At 92 years young, Burnett continues to exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. A dedicated and generous leader, Burnett has twice served as Club President (2002–2003 and 2012–2013), Club Secretary (2010–2012), and currently serves as the Managing Editor of the club’s weekly newsletter, The Mill Wheel. A retired publishing executive, Burnett brought innovation to the club’s communications, transitioning The Mill Wheel from a printed sheet to a dynamic four-page online bulletin. His journalism background ensured accuracy and professionalism in every issue, and he also faithfully produced the club’s hard-copy membership roster for many years.
Burnett played a key role in establishing the Mill Valley Rotary Service Fund, which manages the club’s $1 million endowment and ensures the earned interest supports local community projects. His vision and stewardship have helped shape the long-term impact of the club’s service.
A hands-on volunteer, Burnett has been instrumental in leading the club’s efforts to preserve the Terwilliger Teaching Marsh, organizing regular environmental work parties. He’s also been a driving force in organizing club teams for the Rotaplast Bocce Ball Tournament and the Big Brothers Big Sisters bowling fundraiser—always participating himself with great enthusiasm.
A multiple honoree, Burnett is a Paul Harris Fellow, George Hoyle Fellow, PolioPlus Society member, and a Rotary Foundation Benefactor.
Beyond Rotary, Burnett’s commitment to service extends deeply into the Mill Valley community. He is a past elected director of the Homestead Valley Sanitary District and served on the Board of Directors for the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce. His leadership and volunteerism have left a lasting mark on his neighborhood of Homestead Valley, where he has lived for decades.
Burnett comes from a Cornish family who settled in Caspar, California—where the family’s legacy lives on with a street named Tregoning Drive. A graduate of Fort Bragg High School, Burnett met his beloved wife Marilyn there, and the couple has been married for 69 years. Together they’ve raised a family that now includes 14 great-grandchildren.
District 5150 honors Burnett Tregoning for a lifetime of service, leadership, and heart. His legacy continues to inspire Rotarians across generations.