My father, Frank Birchler, passed away last Thursday, February 28 at home surrounded by his loving family. Dad was 76 years old. He has had a big impact on our Camp, both directly and indirectly. For many years, one of Dad’s hobbies has been fundraising for our Annual Golf Tournament. This wasn’t something that Dad liked to brag about, because he did not like attention. He was, however, very committed to helping kids get to Camp who couldn’t afford it otherwise. Dad did not like being in the spotlight. The look he gave me when he was honored with the Dave and Sue Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011 would have terrified most people, but I knew he would get over it before he got back to his seat. It was one of only 2 awards that Dad received that he actually hung on the wall in his house. The other was also a volunteer award for the Golf Tournament. They really meant a lot to Dad. His other favorite hobby also took place at Camp. Pop Pop’s main job after his retirement was to look after his best friend, Katelyn (who also happens to be my oldest daughter). Their favorite thing to do was to go for long walks that usually ended up on Chapel Island or at the playground. The two of them had a very special relationship.
Dad’s indirect impact was more mine than Camp’s. Dad (and Mom) sent me to Camp when I was a boy. They had the foresight to involve me in the decision and told me I could go when I was ready. I think it was 2 or 3 years after their first offer that I finally accepted. You could say that coming to Camp has had a fairly significant impact on my life! That decision inspired my life’s work, introduced me to some of my best friends and mentors, led me to meet my wife who I now have 2 beautiful daughters with, and reinforced all of the life lessons that Mom and Dad taught me at home. My Parents and Camp have, by far, been the biggest positive influences in my life. I can’t thank Mom and Dad enough for recognizing that I needed to spend some time away from them to be able to grow up and discover who I was meant to be. I couldn’t have asked for more supportive parents/heroes/mentors/friends.
Dad will be missed more that I can even imagine right now. We are still getting used to him not being around. In honor of my Dad, we have established the Frank Birchler Scholarship Fund. It is my family’s hope that we will be able to send lots of kids to Camp in his memory. That’s what Dad would have wanted.
Brent Birchler
Boys Camp Director