Honoring William S. Cline
Tax deductible
It is not uncommon for us to share the news of a long-time Scout leader who has passed away. In Scouting, the trail symbol for "gone home," a dot within a circle, is often used. Baden- Powell has the symbol on his grave; it is a gentle reminder of our humanity and humility. No matter what your position in life, or your faith, there was a time before us, and there will be a time after us. We all eventually "return home."
When a scout leader, who lived a long vibrant life, helped hundreds of boys and families, and earned the role of a leader in the community finally passes, we celebrate all the meaning and value they brought to Scouting, to each of us. We take solace in the idea that a little piece of him or her lives on in each of us. In fact, in many ways, that's how Scouting remembers our heroes who have passed: we each live out the best qualities we gained from their generosity. Our camps, our meetings, our memories are all enriched for having known them.
However, there are also those rare moments when a young Scout, so full of promise, goes home a lifetime too early. In these moments the community cannot feel enriched by the grace they left in each of us. Instead we are simply left with the great ache of unfulfilled promise.
William S. Cline, and Eagle Scout in the Class of 2016, exhibited the qualities of a true Scout in everything he did. He had a sharp mind, kind heart, and generous soul, not just in Troop 11 in Dorchester, but with everyone he met. We have all missed him since his passing in May of 2017, especially those who knew him well.
With William's parents Robert and Heather, we mourn the loss of a Scout with tremendous promise, who had already touched countless lives, not just in his troop, but in Scouting and even more broadly.
Last week I met with William’s father. As you can imagine, after a year the pain is still quite close to the surface. However, all things considered, he and Heather are doing well. During our conversation, Robert encouraged and approved the idea of creating a restricted endowment fund in William’s honor. Because William was an active member of Pack and Troop 11 in Dorchester, our signature Scout Reach unit, the fund would support Scout Reach. William earned his Eagle as part of Troop 11 -- he was the Troop's first Eagle Scout. Although he lived in the suburbs, William made Dorchester and Troop 11 his community.
Scout Reach is a fund and program that provides authentic Scouting for communities that are financially challenged. We aim to raise $10,000 for our endowment, which will be invested and restricted. The investment income would be used to help provide Scouting and camp programs for urban and needy Scouts. Each year, one (or more) Scout Reach children will be awarded the William S. Cline Award for Scouting Selflessness at the Annual Eagle Dinner.
Please consider making a contribution and leaving a note that’ll be memorialized in William’s honor. And like everything William did in too-short life, donations in his memory will "pay it forward" for future generations.
When a scout leader, who lived a long vibrant life, helped hundreds of boys and families, and earned the role of a leader in the community finally passes, we celebrate all the meaning and value they brought to Scouting, to each of us. We take solace in the idea that a little piece of him or her lives on in each of us. In fact, in many ways, that's how Scouting remembers our heroes who have passed: we each live out the best qualities we gained from their generosity. Our camps, our meetings, our memories are all enriched for having known them.
However, there are also those rare moments when a young Scout, so full of promise, goes home a lifetime too early. In these moments the community cannot feel enriched by the grace they left in each of us. Instead we are simply left with the great ache of unfulfilled promise.
William S. Cline, and Eagle Scout in the Class of 2016, exhibited the qualities of a true Scout in everything he did. He had a sharp mind, kind heart, and generous soul, not just in Troop 11 in Dorchester, but with everyone he met. We have all missed him since his passing in May of 2017, especially those who knew him well.
With William's parents Robert and Heather, we mourn the loss of a Scout with tremendous promise, who had already touched countless lives, not just in his troop, but in Scouting and even more broadly.
Last week I met with William’s father. As you can imagine, after a year the pain is still quite close to the surface. However, all things considered, he and Heather are doing well. During our conversation, Robert encouraged and approved the idea of creating a restricted endowment fund in William’s honor. Because William was an active member of Pack and Troop 11 in Dorchester, our signature Scout Reach unit, the fund would support Scout Reach. William earned his Eagle as part of Troop 11 -- he was the Troop's first Eagle Scout. Although he lived in the suburbs, William made Dorchester and Troop 11 his community.
Scout Reach is a fund and program that provides authentic Scouting for communities that are financially challenged. We aim to raise $10,000 for our endowment, which will be invested and restricted. The investment income would be used to help provide Scouting and camp programs for urban and needy Scouts. Each year, one (or more) Scout Reach children will be awarded the William S. Cline Award for Scouting Selflessness at the Annual Eagle Dinner.
Please consider making a contribution and leaving a note that’ll be memorialized in William’s honor. And like everything William did in too-short life, donations in his memory will "pay it forward" for future generations.
Organizer
Michael Trask Terry
Organizer
Woburn, MA
Spirit of Adventure Council, BSA
Beneficiary