Every so often the camp office receives a request for general information about an individual or individuals associated with the camp in the past. Below are histories for several Camp Westminster folks who passed away in the past couple of years.

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If you are aware of others whom you would like added, please submit their information to the camp office.

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Dale Small

Howard Dale Small was a foster child growing up on a large dairy farm outside Canton, Ohio. The oldest of five children and the only one to attend college. After attending Park College in Ohio, he enrolled and graduated from Yale University. He joined the Army from his dorm in New Haven, CT., and served six years in Europe during WWII as a chaplain. He received the Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat. New England shaped his straightforward ways and turned him into a Presbyterian, having attended a Nazarene church as a boy. As a man, he never wavered from the due processes of high church Scottish-styled zeal for both the spirit and the letter of ecclesiastical law in the church.

 

In 1940 he began serving congregations for a forty years run in Columbus, OH., Pittsburg, PA., Richmond, VA., Kansas City, MO., Detroit, MI., Ft. Lauderdale, FL., and Cleveland, OH. Dale was the first ordained minister to receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for his Christian education work and organized camping from Missouri Valley College. During his forty-one years of service to youth, he inspired forty young men and women to become professional clergy. Following his retirement, he moved with his wife and co-worker Beth Small to Sylva, NC. where he continued to lead wilderness trekking programs with his son Mark, also an ordained Presbyterian minister. Dale is survived after Beth’s passing by Mark Small of Asheville, NC., his daughter Christy Martin of Ocala, FL., and an adopted son, Col. Gareth Foulds of Berkeley Springs, WV. Dale has eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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Alice McIntosh Williston

Alice McIntosh Williston died April 22, 2018. A native Detroiter, Alice was born to Lloyd and Gladys Bailey Williston on May 26, 1930. As a very young child, she survived whooping cough, scarlet fever, and pneumonia. Once in school, however, her gifts as a student revealed glimpses of the skillful teacher she would one day become. Alice was a nearly lifetime Detroiter. Although she enjoyed traveling to far places, she loved coming home. As a young child she had lived in Highland Park within walking distance of the old Westminster Church of Detroit. There, she attended Sunday School, began singing in the choir at eight years old, and first tried out camp for two weeks in 1941. She preferred city activities, however, to camp and did not return until post-World War II; then, as a college student at Michigan State Normal, she became Mrs. Povlitz’s helper in Papoose Lodge. The summer of 1951 at camp she met and fell in love with Don McIntosh, camp truck driver and returned WWII disabled veteran. They married in 1952. Professionally Alice and Don were teachers: Don, in industrial arts, and Alice in grades K thru middle school. They had two sons, Gordon (1957) and John (1962). Alice co-authored The Touch of Influence along with Nona Williston Taylor, Elise Bates Russell, and Suzanne Getz Bates. She was particularly adept at researching various items related to the history of the camp and contacting former campers and staff in order to obtain accurate material for the writing of the book.

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John Hays Schuler Sr.

John Hays Shuler Sr. passed away on October 12, 2018, in Hingham, Massachusetts at age 91. He was born on March 24, 1927, in Detroit, MI to the late Mary Grace Holliday Shuler and the late Harvey Albert Shuler Sr. and grew up in Highland Park. John served in the Navy during WWII from 1944 to 1945. He graduated from Ohio State in 1949, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. John then worked in the mechanical contracting industry as an engineer and CEO of Mechanical Heat & Cold during which time he served two terms as President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Detroit before retiring in 1992. An avid golfer like his parents, he was a member of Plum Hollow and Farmington Hills Golf Clubs. John met and married his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Corbin, at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Detroit where he served as elder and usher. After moving to Troy and Bloomfield Township, he served as deacon, stewardship chair, and usher at First United Methodist Church of Birmingham, MI. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harvey Jr. and Tom. John is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his sons Scott and John Jr. (Jay); daughters Mary, Sandra Barna, and Barbara Emmel; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and eleven nephews and nieces. We will all miss his warmth, generosity, and enduring love and support. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 21, 2018, at 11:00 in the chapel of First United Methodist Church, Birmingham, MI.

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Ed LeBuda

Edward Doren LeBuda, age 83, passed away at Hiland Cottage in Petoskey, MI on October 3, 2018, following complications from a stroke. Ed will be remembered for his sense of humor, fun-loving spirit and love for his family. Ed was born in Ohio on January 14, 1935. He graduated from Redford High School in Michigan and obtained an accounting degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. It was in Detroit that he met his wife, Sharon Brock. Shortly after graduation Ed was drafted into the army. He and Sharon were stationed at Herzogenaurach Army Base in Germany where they met many lifelong friends. Upon returning home, Ed started his career in insurance and obtained his CPCU designation. He ultimately retired from Auto-Owners Insurance Co. As a kid, Ed spent many summers at Camp Westminster in Roscommon, MI and ultimately became a camp counselor. The years he spent at Camp Westminster had an influence on the activities that Ed enjoyed throughout his life and his love for northern Michigan. He and Sharon became avid campers and visited almost every state. He was active in the communities he lived in and the churches he attended. He especially enjoyed coaching his sons’ Little League Baseball teams. Ed is survived by his wife, Sharon; sister Elvera Leversuch; son Edward (Marcie) LeBuda and their children Jennifer (Jeff), Michael (Amanda) and Megan (Neil); daughter Michelle (Tom) Schlueter and their daughters Nikki and Cydnee; son Ken (Lesley) LeBuda and their children Justyne, Karah and Brock; daughter Kirstie (Steve) Brady; and five great-grandchildren.

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Elizabeth Robinson

Beth was born Elizabeth Jane Eisamen in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1924. She attended Waynesburg College during WWII and taught school for a short time before marrying Howard Dale Small, a Presbyterian minister, in 1946. She was a Presbyterian Church member from her youth and spent over 40 years co-ministering with her husband Dale in Richmond, VA, Kansas City, MO, Detroit, MI, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Cleveland Heights, OH, and Franklin, NC. She worked for social justice in the Presbyterian Women and in Church Women United (CWU) organizations in three synods – Covenant, Mid-Atlantic, and Mid-America. Beth felt it an honor to be chosen to serve as a General Assembly Representative. Beth liked nature and for 32 years backpacked with church youth in the mountains of North Carolina. This made her one of the strongest and fastest walkers known to the Penney Farms community where she resided. For the last 16 years Beth was active in all aspects of this community: singing in the Chancel Choir and Women’s Chorus, directing arts and crafts activities, square dancing, and practicing Tai Chi. Beth passed away June 1, 2017. Beth is survived by her adopted son, Col. Gareth Foulds and wife, Gale, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, and by their daughters – Mrs. Leigha Eshner and Mrs. Ainsley Gottrich and their families; also by her biological children, Mark Ainsley Small of Asheville, NC, and Christy Ann Martin of Ocala, FL, and their spouses, Donalyn Small and James Martin respectively; also by her seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Beth’s husband, Dale Small, died at Penney Farms in 2011. Beth married Richard Robinson, who died in 2016. 

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Richard G. Frazier

Born in Zanesville, OH, in 1932, Richard spent 43 years serving at Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN, 11 as asst. pastor and youth minister and 32 years as senior pastor. Richard graduated from Wittenberg University. He had a Master’s of Sacred Theology from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Doctor of Divinity (honorary) from Wittenberg University, and Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary) from Indiana Institute of Technology. Richard served on various church and civic committees and boards including: Fort Wayne Rotary Club, Allen County Public Library, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Lutheran Social Services, YMCA Metropolitan Board, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Juvenile Court Advisory Committee, Fort Wayne Public Schools Scholarship Committee, Dean of Northeast Indiana Clergy, and many others. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1999 by former Governor O’Bannon and was a Wittenberg University-Emeritus. Richard was the husband of Sally Stockwell, Camp Westminster camper, counselor, and staff member. During his later years, he visited the camp regularly with Sally and preached each summer at Westminster-by-the-Lake worship services. Richard was a strong advocate for the value of church camping in general and for Camp Westminster in particular. He entered the church triumphant on May 7, 2016. 

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Bill Jones

Bill was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on February 9, 1934. He attended a military school for part of his elementary schooling and was raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where he graduated from high school. He then graduated from Denison University in Ohio and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. From 1951 through 1965 he worked at Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake in Michigan as a camp counselor and Waterfront Director. He spoke often of the special times at camp and was fortunate to visit and reconnect several times before he died. Camp Westminster always held a special place in his heart and will be remembered fondly by his children. He married Ruth Geis on his birthday in 1957. Needless to say, Ruthie was the most precious “birthday” gift. Ruthie was the love of his life and they were married for 57 years before she went to be with the Lord on April 5, 2014. Bill is survived by two children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Bill was a believing Christian and his family was the center of his life. Bill’s working life started as a probation officer, but two years later teaching junior high youth became his passion. He got “his feet wet” in a public school in Grosse Pointe, Michigan (six years), where he had gone to school. In 1965, the family moved to Rancho Bernardo near San Diego. Bill taught at La Jolla Country Day School for 11 years. He went on to teach at Harbor Day School in Newport Beach, CA, for 15 years, Pacific Palisades Christian Church in Pacific Palisades, CA (4 years), and Mariners Christian School in Costa Mesa, CA (5 years). In all of these locations, his love of the Lord enabled him to love and guide children, faculty, and parents. He was a teacher, coach, Assistant Headmaster, Dean of Students, Headmaster, Vice-Principal, and Principal. However, he loved being with the children a great deal more than “running the show.” After “retirement,” Bill served as a Pastor at Mariners Church in Irvine. His “flock” was in a ministry called Fellowshippers, which had about 200 55+ senior adults. Fellowshippers had 13 ministries reaching out under it. Bill retired from his position as Pastor in 2015. He passed away April 20, 2016.

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Jim and Flora Rowe Wichterman

Two individuals who impacted the lives of the young men and women at Camp Westminster in a very profound way, were Jim Wichterman who was born June 6, 1927, and died December 3, 2015, and his wife, Flo, born in 1930 and died June 14, 2015. Having met at camp, they were married in 1952 and continued every summer until 1957. Flo attended camp for 15 years and Jim for ten. Jim was waterfront director, and Flo was a camper, junior counselor, waterfront instructor, Papoose Lodge assistant, and Wildwood leader. One particular program they initiated was Wildwood in 1952. Jim and Flo developed the rustic camp environment where the girls advanced their independent camping and leadership skills by constructing their own site in the woods. They did their own cooking, constructed shelters and necessary furniture, and perfected the art of camp craft. Jim took many ideas for the Wildwood program from his activities as a Boy Scout and his time in the U.S. Marine Corps.  After Camp Westminster, Jim and Flo moved to Lake Sammamish, WA, where Jim taught philosophy at Mercer Island High School and later at Lakeside School in Seattle where he was also Chair of the History Department and Dean of the Faculty. Flo taught physical education at Mercer Island High School. She was a staunch advocate for racial equality, good government, and women’s rights. Flo was a pioneer in promoting a woman’s right to work in traditionally male-dominated fields. After raising her children, Flo became the first female ambulance technician in King County in 1973. She paved the way for more women to enter this vocation. She was also a volunteer firefighter and worked on the National Ski Patrol. The family lived on Lake Sammamish for 41 years. Summers were spent on the front deck entertaining many friends and guests and inspiring their children and grandchildren to master sailing and swimming. In 2000, Jim and Flo retired to Ellensburg, WA, and founded “Ravenshaven,” their place to garden, listen to classical music, read philosophy and enjoy life. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, amateur photographer, and classical music aficionado. Jim and Flo Wichterman made an indelible impact on Camp Westminster in many ways but most important was the influence they made on the lives of those they touched.  

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Ruth Miesel Worthington

Ruth Miesel Worthington, 96, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2015. She lived a long, active, and nurturing life up until her death. Ruth was born in Detroit on May 19, 1919, the eldest child of Rudolph and Louise Miesel. She was sister to Betty, Don, and Ross, all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Detroit Central High School and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wayne State University. She was state diving champ before it was fashionable for young women to be involved in athletics. On April 4, 1942, she married Bill Worthington at Westminster Church of Detroit. During World War II she worked in Del Rio, Texas, in various capacities for the U.S. Army Air Force while Bill served his country as a training instructor. Following the war, Ruth and Bill returned to Michigan, where she focused on the important responsibilities of raising a family. She opened her children’s worlds to the arts and volunteerism and had an expectation that all her children would be well-educated. She returned to teaching physical education at Tappan Junior High Shcool and to counseling at Cody High School. For much of her life, she was involved with Camp Westminster in various capacities and also with Westminster Church of Detroit. Later in life, she joined the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City. Being part of the spiritual life of the church remained a joyful part of her life up to the time of her death. For 21 years Ruth and Bill owned and operated Pineview Resort in Lewiston. They enjoyed clientele and friends and family visits and shared campfires, deer hikes, swimming, and boating. Ruth and Bill retired to Traverse City, where they enjoyed themselves together and with church activities, the Newcomers Club, and volunteering with the Northwest Michigan Blood Program. She lost her best friend and husband of 61 years when Bill died on Jan. 9, 2004. Ruth’s greatest loves and favorite times were with family and friends. The family traveled together for many memorable vacations. She was intensely interested in other people and cared greatly about all those she knew. She was always there for her family, both for the big events and the day to day happenings. She was described by those who knew her as deeply spiritual and devoted, joyous, mindful, delightful, and just plain good. She continued to love playing bridge, reading, genealogy, and dark chocolate. She lived a long and quietly powerful life. Ruth is survived by her four children: daughter, Ruth Ann; granddaughter Jamie Dehlin, grandson Barry Dehlin and wife, Ann St. Claire; great-granddaughters, Elise Dehlin, Paige St. Claire; daughter, Nan and husband, Dan Tholen; grandchildren, Amalia and husband, Sutin Baldwin; and great-grandsons, Calder Karsten, Elisabeth and husband, Kris Hammerberg, and Kit and wife, Lindsey; son, Bill Jr. and wife, Joan; granddaughter, Holly and husband, Glenn Gilman; great-grandchildren, Clayton and Savannah; son, Doug and wife, Cynthia Dopp; and grandsons, Michael and Nicholas.

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Ann Thomas Scheel

Ann served as the Camp Office Manager during the tenure of Allan Weenink as director in the 1950s. Always congenial, caring, and professional, Ann believed strongly in the value of camping and the impact it makes on the lives of children and youth. She and her husband, Jerry,  expressed this through their support of the camp throughout their lives. She was born April 22, 1931, and passed away July 15, 2015. Ann was the mother of Barbara, Carole (Mickie Montgomery), and Donna (Stephen D. Michelz). Grandchildren were Megan Montgomery, Jessica Montgomery, Daniel Melton, Kathryn Montgomery, Abigail Michelz, and Stephen J. Michelz. 

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Richard Cain

On Aug. 30, 2008, Richard Cain, 60, of Suttons Bay, and a dedicated medical team at Munson Medical Center lost their courageous battle to combat multiple organ failure of sudden, unexpected onset. The loving families and communities to which Rich belonged lost a devoted, compassionate man whose humility, willingness to listen and capacity for fun endeared him to many, many people. Rich was born in Trenton, N.J., Oct. 4, 1947, the third of four children born to the late Robert B. and Doris (Oliver) Cain. He recalled a “great childhood” growing up in a Detroit neighborhood surrounded by peers he thoroughly enjoyed. It was in Detroit that he became an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, its youth group and its summer camp on Higgins Lake. Rich’s experience at Camp Westminster prepared him in 1977 to begin summer work with the State of Michigan as a Camp Licensing Consultant, a position from which he planned retirement in 2008. Rich considered himself extremely fortunate to work toward providing, in cooperation with his fellow consultants and the staff members of “his” camps, for the safety of children in beautiful northern Michigan settings. Rich earned a Bachelor of Arts from Alma College in 1970, and with the support of his church was subsequently enrolled in the Presbyterian Seminary, Louisville, Ky., until the death of his sister, Barbara, led him to return home as comfort to his parents. For the remainder of his life, he lived his faith in caring for loved ones and responding to the needs of others, especially children. Rich began a career in special education on the childcare staff at Hawthorn Center (Northville) before earning a Master of Arts in the College of Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1977. While employed at Hawthorn Center, Rich worked alongside and subsequently married Cheryl Ann Eldridge at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Detroit on April 9, 1977. They relocated to Leelanau County the following fall when Rich accepted a teaching position in the Northport Schools. Aside from missing family and friends downstate, Rich never regretted trading the pace of urban life for the more manageable rhythms up north. Richard continued his career in special education as a teacher and teacher consultant for TBAISD from 1981 until his retirement in August this year. During that time the network of persons with whom he served expanded to include school staff, families and children in the Kalkaska, Buckley and Leelanau County Public and Parochial Schools. As in his camp licensing position, he valued and was valued by those in all positions within the school systems. While a teacher in the TBAISD New Campus program, the Michigan Assn. of Teachers of Emotionally Disturbed Children recognized Rich as Teacher of the Year. Rich and Cheryl built a home and life together in Bingham Township, a life forever blessed by the birth of their daughter, Leslie, and son, Brett. As a father, Rich was a loving presence in every aspect of his children’s lives, providing discipline and support, coaching them, applauding them and holding them close to him. In recent years he was honored to see his children choose careers in human service upon completion of their university educations. Rich expressed in every contact with family his love for each of us and received ours in full measure.He is survived by loving family members; wife, Cheryl Cain of Suttons Bay; children, Leslie Cain of Portage and Brett Cain of Fort Collins, Colo.; brother, Robert (Mary Ellen) Cain of Ann Arbor; sister, Mary Ann (Patrick) Herek of Brighton; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Karen and Norman Peters of Brighton; special cousins, D. Jeffrey (Teena) Cain of Parker, Colo., and Barry Cain and his partner, Pete Owens of Virginia Beach, Va.; together with the nieces, nephews and additional cousins with whom he shared mutual affection across time and distance.In addition to his parents and sister, Rich was preceded in death by loving parents-in-law, Don and Lucille Eldridge.

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Rev. Dr. Allan J. Weenink

Rev. Dr. Allan J. Weenink of Holland, born in Kalamazoo MI July 6, 1921 entered the church triumphant on February 4, 2006. He was preceded in death by his son, James B. Weenink. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Virginia. His children, John A. Weenink and Mary Ann Stygstra of Holland, Judith and Scott Schoonover of VA. and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey D. and Jeanne Weenink of Bay City, his grandchildren, Scott A.and Sara J. Schoonover, Jenneke E., Justyne J., and Jaime B. Weenink, his brother and sister-in-law, Phillip J. and Margaret Weenink of FL. Sisters-in-law Phyllis Huff, and Delores Heidanus, and nephews and nieces. A life-long scholar, Dr. Weenink received his A. B. Degree from Hope College and his Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He attended Teachers College, Columbia University, New York where he obtained an M.A. in Counseling and Guidance. He did additional graduate study at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. Dr. Weenink received a D.D. from Alma College and an L.H.D. from Angeles University (Philippines). Ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in 1946, through his 60 years of ministry he served as Pastor for Christ Reformed Church in Newark, NJ, Associate Minister of Westminster Church, Detroit, the Director of Camp Westminster, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Battle Creek, MI for 24 years, the Associate Executive for Stewardship/Mission for Lake Michigan Presbytery, and Interim Pastorates in Grand Haven, Holt, Jackson, Marshall, Hastings, Spring Lake, MI. He was the initiating minister for Parkwood Presbyterian Church of Jenison, MI and the visionary behind many new church developments. He served the Presbyterian Church at the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly levels. Dr. Weenink was the author of 5 books as well as numerous sermons and articles. Passionate about mission, he and his wife traveled extensively and involved themselves in God’s work throughout the world. As a civic-minded individual, he was past President of the Battle Creek Rotary Club, a Director for the “Y” Center, Trustee for Community Hospital, a Trustee for Kellogg Community College and Alma College. Weenink treasured the beauty of human life and reveled in the wonders of God’s creation on the bluffs of his haven “Pinecrest” above Lake Michigan. Ever the ardent and faithful steward he served on the staff of Westminister Presbyterian Church of Grand Rapids until his death.

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William Richard Worthington

William Richard Worthington, 83, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2004, at his home, surrounded by his family. He lived a long, nurturing, and active life before a brief bout with cancer.Bill was born in Detroit on Feb. 11, 1920, the son of Ralph and Gladys Worthington, and the brother of Ralph II, who all preceded him in death. He graduated from Detroit Central High School and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wayne State University. On April 4, 1942, he married Ruth Miesel at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Detroit.During World War II, Bill served in the U.S. Army Air Force. Following his service, he took a job in the Detroit Public Schools as a physical education teacher and driver’s education instructor. He retired after 35 years of employment. For much of his life, Bill was involved with Camp Westminster in Roscommon, MI as a camper, counselor, program director, and business manager. Going to camp each summer became an important part of his family life. Westminster Presbyterian Church was his spiritual home where he worked with the camp and the youth groups and served both as Elder and Deacon. He was also active in the Detroit Area Red Cross. Later, Bill and Ruth purchased and ran the Pine View Resort in Lewiston, which they operated for 21 years. Favorite pastimes of the clientele were deer hikes, campfires, and volleyball games. Bill and Ruth retired to Traverse City in 1992, where he spent his time active in the Newcomers Club, the Presbyterian Church, Northwest Michigan Blood Program, Kiwanis Golden K, and as a Munson Hospital greeter and Interlochen volunteer. Bill’s greatest love and favorite times were with his family, and together they traveled, camped, sang and told stories for many happy years. He loved making fun jokes – his bright smile and twinkling eyes could brighten any gathering. He loved the out-of-doors and traveling to visit with friends and family scattered across the country. He was extremely supportive of events both great and small in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, and could always be counted upon to “be there.” He was a committed humanitarian and one of his most fervent wishes was for world peace. Bill was survived by his best friend and wife of 62 years, Ruth; daughters, Ruth Ann (children, Barry and Jamie Dehlin) and Nan (husband, Dan Tholen; children, Amalia, Elisabeth and Christopher); sons, Bill (wife Joan; daughter, Holly, who with her husband, Glenn Gilman, have one child), and Doug (wife, Cynthia Dopp; sons, Michael and Nicholas).Following his wishes, cremation took place and a Celebration of Bill’s Life was held at the Presbyterian Church in Traverse City on Feb. 14.