A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 for Paul J. Betschart, a longtime resident of Elk Grove who died Jan. 31, 2009 at the age of 90.

Mr. Betschart’s many community activities included the Elk Grove Lions Club of which he was a charter member. In the 58 years the club has been in existence, he held a perfect attendance record.

He was also president of the club, committee chair for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and secretary for many years. For his many services, the Lions awarded him their Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest honor a Lion can receive.

Mr. Betschart was also very involved in youth sports including Little League where he served as president, Babe Ruth League and Elk Grove High School sports. A sports scholarship at Elk Grove High was established in his name in 2008.

He was a member of the Elk Grove Volunteer Fire Department, American Legion and Valley Hi Country Club.

Elk Grove named him as its Citizen of the Year in 1964 for all of his community service, and the Community Services District followed by dedicating a park in his name in 1991.

Mr. Betschart was born March 28, 1918 in San Francisco, and came to Elk Grove in 1937, leaving only to serve in World War II. He was a Union Oil bulk plant operator.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Fern Betschart.

Mr. Betschart is survived by his children, Clark, Bruce and Paula; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was the brother of Bertha, Fran and Em.

Saturday’s Mass begins at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 660 Florin Road. Remembrances may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by Herberger’s Elk Grove Funeral Chapel.