Today we honor our countrys unsung hero we put out american flags, pay our respects at cemataries, have picnics and bbq. Today we should also remember those that serve us in our communities. Those that pledge to protect and serve, and those that give countless hours to community service. This bicycle trip is in part to honor one such man.
I first met Harry D Estes when I was 11 years old he was the scoutmaster of our troop in Gualala, Ca. It was a small troop in a coastal town in Mendocino County. Harry had just retired after working for Shell Oil for over 40 years, but more importantly he worked for a company that gave him the freedom and flexibility to be a scoutmaster for two troops one in New York City and one in Houston for over 20 years.
He was raise in Colorado then moved to California some where in there he joined a scout troop and made it to second class scout. He graduated from Cal Tech in chemical engineering. Then went to work for Shell. During the depression he took a leave from Shell and earned his MBA from Harvard.
In his 25+ years as a scoutmaster he taught camping, cooking, swimming,first aid, knots to countless boys. Mostly he used his knowledge and the scouting principle to teach them to lead. Many times I thought he knew B.P himself.
Harry was not only active in scouting at a troop level, he was on SMAC council executive board, a brown sea and wood badge coarse director. In his spare time he was the Sea Ranch fire chief.
As I grew older he became one of my great mentors and friend.
One question I may never find the answer to but would like to know is: If Harry Estes dedicated 30 + years to scouting how many of his scout have gone on to lead there own troop and how many of the 2 million Eagle Scout are out there that are linked to his leadership?
I know in our troop there are at least 15 and soon to be 17? If you can help answer this question, please reply.
Rick Marson
Message sent from blackberry
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial day 2009
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I see you in Mr. Estes and you're a great inspiration to us all! Thank you Rick! Now hurry home so you can get the troop back on track! Seriously, you need to savor every mile - especially with Joe as your companion.
ReplyDeleteAs Tim says, it isn't just the Eagle Scouts Mr. Estes has influenced indirectly. I'm having WAY more fun now than I did as a kid in Scouts, and that has much to do with you, Rick. Thanks for all you do, for all of us!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this trip down memory lane... I am feeling quite young this morning!
ReplyDeleteHarry Estes was my scout master in Pasadena, Texas in the 1950's. His wonderful wife, Pauline, identified me as the quietest smallest boy in her music class and decided I needed Harry Estes' love and guidance. Pauline encouraged me to join Harry's scout troop. Harry's son, Frank, was a member of our troop. Scouting and Harry Estes became the most important influences in my childhood.
ReplyDeleteI only reached Star Scout before moving from Pasadena for high school but had become a member of the order of the arrow and attended a national jamboree and many weekend camp-outs and summer camps. I had grown to love Harry Estes as a second father.
I stayed in close contact with the Estes' through high school, and Harry continued the contact through my college years at Texas A&M, and my early Army years including my tour in Vietnam. Before marrying (my wife of 44 years), I took my prospective bride to meet Harry and Pauline for approval.
The leadership skills and values I learned through scouting and particularly from Harry Estes served me well throughout a career of leadership opportunities.
In Vietnam I commanded a rifle company and was awarded a silver star and two bronze stars. Before retiring I spent around ten of 34 years at Texas A&M University at Galveston as 2nd in the chain of command. As a retirement gift, the university established an endowment to support leadership development programs.
I am certain I would never have grown into the man I became without Harry Estes. At 68 I continue to think of him often which is why I searched his name today. He is one of the great men of American Scouting. His influence has certainly blessed thousands.
Bill Hearn