Luis Vicente Giay, a past Rotary International president who helped lead the innovation that transformed The Rotary Foundation's grants system, died on 29 August. He was 82.

Giay served as RI president in 1996-97 and used his term to encourage governors to lead their districts with commitment, responsibility, and dedication. He considered Rotary members to be "the architects of the future."

A Rotary member for nearly six decades, Giay also served as director, treasurer, Foundation trustee and trustee chair (twice), committee chair and member, aide to the president, International Assembly group discussion leader, moderator, information institute counselor, and district governor. Giay had joined Rotary in 1961 and was a member of the Rotary Club of Arrecifes, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Giay chaired Rotary's Future Vision Committee, which implemented a bold new long-term strategy for the Foundation by reimagining its grants. He described the plan as a "blueprint for focusing, streamlining, modernizing, and promoting our Foundation so that it becomes more efficient, has more impact, and is better known for its achievements."

"Luis was clearly the chief architect of the new Future Vision plan," said past RI President Ray Klinginsmith. "He was truly a wonderfully talented and committed leader."

Past RI Director Francisco Creo, who served on the Board during Giay's presidency, says Giay embodied the theme he chose for his year as president, Build the Future With Action and Vision. "Luis led by example and was the ultimate humanitarian, visionary, and icon for Rotary," Creo says.

RI Director Mário César Martins de Camargo remembers the advice Giay gave him. "He seemed to have hundreds of unforgettable quotes, and none that he would say twice," Martins de Camargo remembers. Before speaking at a Rotary institute years ago, Martins de Camargo asked Giay what to expect from the audience. "Giay told me, 'Mário, when talking to knowledgeable people, in any subject, you either are a springboard or a toboggan. You can either inspire or depress them. Pick the first alternative.' I'll never forget that. It inspires me," Martins de Camargo says.

Giay was a certified public accountant and owned an accounting firm. He was a member of the Professional Council of Economic Sciences in the Federal Capital of Buenos Aires and president of the Public Accountants Association of Bartolomé Mitre. Giay was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Argentina by the Argentine government. In addition to his role as consultant for the local chamber of commerce, he served as an adviser to the Boy Scouts and assisted a local workshop for people with disabilities.

He and his wife, past Rotary International Vice President Celia Elena Cruz de Giay, are Rotary Foundation Major Donors and Benefactors and members of the Bequest Society. He received The Rotary Foundation's Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award and the Service Award for a Polio-Free World.

Giay is survived by Celia; their four sons: Luis, Gustavo, Fernando, and Diego; their daughters-in-law; and eight grandchildren.