Camp was a year round topic in our house. From early January, I can remember Dad sitting at the kitchen table going through sporting goods catalogues and ordering different equipment: basketballs, baseballs, nets, paddles, ping pong balls, and the list goes on. The excitement for camp really started to become real around the middle of May, when Mom would pack our trunks full of camp clothes with our names sewn on the inside.

The ride up to camp always came with an extremely early start and of course, a stop at Dunkin Donuts. We would be bombarding Dad with questions about which activities we were going to do, who our counselors were going to be, what cabins we were in, and asking about returning friends from previous years. We would fight to see who Dad would let throw the tokens into the NH tollbooth net. As soon as we got to camp, the bikes came off the back of the minivan and away we went exploring camp and saying hello to everyone.

There are countless memories: Mark in the Joe Bouchard Look-a-Like Contest, Kevin making honor roll and Dad having to shave his mustache, Danielle on the swings by the dining hall, being sent to his steps, and the endless line outside his office for activity changes. He even told people he was the former coach of the San Francisco 49ers-just look at the picture in his office! During color war I still wonder how he knows where everyone is and who isn’t picking up trash. And, let’s not forget about the suspense of, “the CLOSEST color war ever!”

I will never forget when Dad became an honorary Marist Brother and the dedication of the Joe Bouchard Pavilion. Those are the proudest moments we share with Dad at camp.

As this chapter closes, the microphone, PA system around camp, English’s, and most of the NH State wildlife are going to miss hearing Dad’s voice.

We love you so much, Dad. You have been such a great example for us. You came to Camp Marist and made it a better place through your strong values and hard work. We were lucky enough to grow up alongside you. We love you and thank you!