5/8/2008

I remember the unconditional love Toast had for everything and everyone. I asked Toast one day how he managed to do all he did (this was after one of the marathons. He told me he felt that the Lions' Camp was the path he was given to walk. I said, Baby, it must be great to have that knowledge. I wish I knew my path. He grinned and said Miss Jo An your path was to wear those crazy glasses and give everyone a smile! I will never for get him and everytime I put on a pair of my crazy glasses, I will send Toast a smile! Many hugs to you for sharing your son with this crazy world we live in! God Bless!

5/8/2008

Toast was such an insperation to all. I knew him both as a counselor when I was a camper at TLC and then as a co worker when I came back to work there. He had a way of working with the kids and being silly to make them more at ease and help them loosen up and have fun that I belive not too many counselors posess. His death was a tragic loss and he will be dearly missed by both counselors and campers.

5/8/2008

There are so many warm memories... Toast and I started at camp together in 1993. Neither of us had much experience with American Sign Language, and were grouped together in the beginners ASL class during training week. The first thing I noticed about Toast was the twinkle in his eyes. The next thing I noticed was his flare for finding humor in everyday circumstances. As we went around the circle introducing ourselves and having a "sign name" given to us, Toast introduced himself, and signed his name with the correct ASL sign for toast. The Deaf counselor with us didn't miss a beat and asked if he was Toast with jam? Toast replied, "I'm diabetic, only sugar free jam for me." I never heard an unkind word from Toast. He never hesitated to take the time to just check in with me and see how I was doing. The last time I saw Toast was at Chuck's Memorial at Camp. Few people have the ability to rekindle warmth and genuine interest like Toast did. He said to me that he always appreciated my smile, and devotion to Camp, and was super happy that I was a Mom. The love of Christ shone through that man! I'll look for him in Heaven!

5/5/2008

Toast: A dear friend. Toast was loved, but more than that he loved. He loved people, he knew passion, knew sacrifice, and knew the impact of friendship.

5/3/2008

Toast always had a kind word for everyone and the atmosphere would invariably change upon his arrival at TLC. He was a God send...an agent of change that would breath refreshment and new life with his mere presence. In his most recent years at TLC, Toast's passion as a philanthropist spoke volumes about his character as he worked tirelessly to raise money to address issues that would fix something that could be better. I will forever appreciate Toast for his heart and focus on the needs of others. We indeed lost a treasure, and will miss you, Toast - thanks for everything!

I always enjoyed talking with Toast- about anything really. He was so brilliant and humble at the same time. My first summer at camp (or maybe 2nd) he helped me set up an earthworm compost in the Nature Lab. At that time I didn't even know what compost was! He was really excited about it, and that was Toast- always excited about whatever he was doing- genuinely. And no matter what the theme was each session, he was always totally into it- rallying the kids, singing the loudest, and making sure the kids had the absolute time of their lives. And it was all genuine. I think that about sums up Toast for me- genuine. I've never met anyone like Toast, and I don't think I ever will... I had the best conversation with Toast at Chuck's memorial, and I'm so thankful that I got to see him. My compost is now dedicated to you, Toast... :)