In Memorium
Jeffrey “J.P.” Paul 10.5.86 – 2.19.11
As you may be aware, as a child, Jeffrey spent his summers in Gloucester and was a dedicated and popular camper for many years with us. As he grew into adulthood, he successfully took on more responsibility and leadership with me at the YMCA and Camp Spindrift. I consider it to have been one my greatest privileges to watch his growth and development over the years into such a fine, strong man of character.
Jeff was a leader and vital member of our staff team over the past several years, and it is no understatement to say he had a profoundly positive and lasting impact upon the children and teens under his care. Their on-going success is his lasting legacy.
JP and I would often discuss the importance of summer camp and the difference it made for the kids – but also the differences it made for each of us. We would talk about the need for us to help create and maintain Camp Spindrift as “special and magical place where only good things happened”. He worked diligently every day to make that concept a reality.
We miss you every day, J.P.
Harold Xavier 8.5.19 – 12.27.10
Harold was the Executive Director of our YMCA many years ago and was responsible for securing the property we know as our Camp Spindrift
As we begin to prepare to open Camp Spindrift for our 50th summer - I felt impelled to pass along the story of why Harold named our camp "Spindrift". Harold shared with me that he was an avid sailor all his life and relished his time out on the water. When a wave crashes, the wisps of water that blow back in the opposite direction of the crashing wave is known as the "spindrift" - and Harold wanted our YMCA and camp folks to keep this in mind as "...we all need to keep a watchful and caring eye toward our children who may be falling back in the wrong direction - the Spindrift".
We were pleased to host Harold and his family at our camp for the occasion of his 90th birthday - at that event we honored Harold by presenting a new sign for the road down into camp. I expressed to him our collective gratitude for laying the foundations upon which much of our YMCA-work now stands. The road down into camp is named for Harold - so that when we come down into Spindrift, we will, both literally and figuratively, follow "THE XAVIER WAY".
Wilfred Gouzie 4.16.28 – 5.20.11
Known as “Uncle Will” during his time as the Recreational Director at Y Camp Spindrift in the 1960’s and 70’s, he is warmly remembered for his sense of humor, hard work and kind heart. Uncle Will and his campers cleared the land for what remains today as our ball field.
Will was honored, along with his good friend “Uncle” Joe Orange at our Annual Meeting in 2007 with our YMCA Distinguished Service Award; shortly thereafter, we formally dedicated “UNCLE WILL’S FIELD”. Thank you for doing what you did – so we may do what we do.
Thank you Gentlemen, Rest in Peace. We dedicate our work in your honor. - Rick
