One of TMC’s very first staff members and long-time friend, Ray Thompson of Sumter, SC, has walked his last trail on earth. Ray died at the end of December.
Ray, along with his wife Nancy, were with us at the very beginning of the development of the concept of TrailRidge Mountain Camp. I remember meeting Ray & Nancy a couple of days after purchasing the property up in the mountains and they shared in my enthusiasm. Ray & Nancy were there the first year of the camp and continued to return for several more years. Ray also joined me on nearly a dozen adventure trips during the TrailRidge years and the years afterwards where we returned to our travel camp roots.
I first met Ray in 1971 when we were working at a summer camp. He became an instant friend. We’ll all miss Ray and his great camp spirit.
Here at TrailRidge, in the mountains,
With our fire burning bright,
May this circle of new friendship,
Be a warm and shining light.
(first verse of the TrailRidge campfire song)
Ray, along with his wife Nancy, were with us at the very beginning of the development of the concept of TrailRidge Mountain Camp. I remember meeting Ray & Nancy a couple of days after purchasing the property up in the mountains and they shared in my enthusiasm. Ray & Nancy were there the first year of the camp and continued to return for several more years. Ray also joined me on nearly a dozen adventure trips during the TrailRidge years and the years afterwards where we returned to our travel camp roots.
I first met Ray in 1971 when we were working at a summer camp. He became an instant friend. We’ll all miss Ray and his great camp spirit.
Here at TrailRidge, in the mountains,
With our fire burning bright,
May this circle of new friendship,
Be a warm and shining light.
(first verse of the TrailRidge campfire song)
Photos:
Ray is in the header of this page along with a group of early campers.
Bottom three photos:
Ray around a campfire the very first summer at camp in 1982.
Ray enjoying a float in the TMC swimming hole with Tally.
Ray and Nancy -- probably at Mark & Bobbie's wedding on the TMC property before there was anything there except trees and water.
Ray is in the header of this page along with a group of early campers.
Bottom three photos:
Ray around a campfire the very first summer at camp in 1982.
Ray enjoying a float in the TMC swimming hole with Tally.
Ray and Nancy -- probably at Mark & Bobbie's wedding on the TMC property before there was anything there except trees and water.
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