What Others Say About Dan
Daniel J. Reilly III
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Dan and I laugh about this now, but I put off earning my Environmental Science merit badge for several years because
I was actually afraid of him! But once I got there I wished I had come sooner and taken more badges from him. The
depth and breadth of his expertise of nature, Indian lore, etc., is just amazing. To this day I still cannot believe
he is colorblind. Dan is one heck of an amazing guy.
Steve Sarver “Tschitanitehen Apatschin” (Persevering One Who Returns) Camp Lowden Staff (1985-1986, 1989) I only spent one summer at camp with Dan [1980], but it was by far the best year I had there. I was lucky enough to be at camp in 2000 when Dan was there for the week, and spent an hour or so talking to him. The time flew by, but that was the highlight of the week. Dan is, without a doubt, one of the finest Scouters I have ever met. Dan Bestul Camp Lowden Staff (1974, 1976-1978, 1980) I was honored with Vigil membership in 1992. To this day I have not forgotten that experience. I remember being honored by some of the greatest role models in my life. What an honor it was to have Uncle Dan portray the Great Chief in my ceremony. Adding to that honor was the teamwork of Mark Wallace, Bruce Small, and Ron Weber. Who could possibly ask for a better ceremony? I remember humbly standing in front of the ceremony team in tears; the same tears that lasted through the night and into the next day. I remember everyone's voices through the night. I remember a long night, a welcome sunrise, a breakfast, and a sense of brotherhood that will last a lifetime. Uncle Dan exemplified Scouting and the Arrow to the utmost degree. I respect him beyond belief. David Samuelson "Wikhetschik" (Builder) Camp Lowden Staff (1990-1992, 1995-1997) I am just amazed both how smart Uncle Dan is and how many different subjects that he is an expert on. I thought it was cool that I knew the man who wrote the staff songs that we sang! I was awestruck by the number of stars and constellations that he was able to talk about on his star hikes. Dan was Allowat Sakima at my Vigil Honor induction. I was on leave from the Air Force Academy and a fellow former staffer and I were visiting the camp when Bruce surprised me about my Vigil. It was quite an honor to see Uncle Dan as Allowat Sakima. For every great memory of Uncle Dan that I mention, I know I have failed to list a hundred more. He was always willing to give time to me (a young kid who liked to ask lots of questions). He is such a friendly person and just an all around awesome Scout. He is an example for us all. Many thanks also go out to his family for sharing him with us for all those summers. He is still much appreciated! Kevin Templin "Wschimuin" (One Who Flies) Camp Lowden Staff (1990-1992) Dan Reilly is one of the best Scouters with whom I have had the privilege and pleasure to serve at Camp Lowden. Dan's knowledge of nature, Indian lore, and life in general is simply astounding. He truly has forgotten more is his lifetime than I will ever know in mine. My memories of our time together at camp would be too numerous to identify them all. Some of my most favorite and valued ones would include "Daniel Jacque," the voyageur, spinning his yarns at the opening campfires; seeing Dan dance around the dining hall - like no one else could - leading the song "Johnny Verbeck;" going to the movies one Saturday afternoon to see the then just-released "E. T." and both of us leaving the theater with teary eyes; and our occasional Saturday outings to Diamond Dave's in Sterling for a tasty taco or burrito while wearing one of Dan's jackets because I would always get cold and would never think to bring my own jacket along. Dan has always taken good care of me! I believe my most treasured memory is when Dan asked me if it would be all right for him to have "Uncle Dan" put on his nametag. I heartily agreed, and I knew that at that moment, Dan Reilly had become part of the Camp Lowden staff family forever! He is one of my most trusted, respected, and closest friends. Dan is the standard of excellence by which I measure myself, knowing that I will always be looking up to his example! Sincerely and with eternal love and gratitude, Bruce A. Small Camp Lowden Staff Staff Member (1979-1980) Camp Director (1981-1987, 1991-Present) Wisdom is best celebrated when it inspires others! I met Dan as a volunteer leader when I served on the staff at the Northwoods Scout Reservation in 1979. In returning to the Camp Lowden staff in 1982, I was delighted to work with Dan for many years thereafter. His ongoing encouragement and devoted friendship has meant an incredible amount to me. When I first introduced “The Unicorn Song,” remembering all the verses and gestures seemed overwhelming. Dan's repeated words of encouragement soon found me leading that song sometimes two and three times a week. My visits with him in Blue Island and at staff reunions have served to make the happy days of camp staff alive again. Of all the persons I have met in Scouting, in business, and socially, Dan counts among the most esteemed. Tim H. Gaston Camp Lowden Staff (1979, 1982-1983, 1985-1987, 1998-1999) Dan's knowledge of popular folksongs inspired me to spend hours at the music library looking for new tunes and lyrics for group singing. Dan encouraged me to also lead “MacNamara's Band,” which became a hit with campers for many years. Dan is one of best examples of what it means to live the Scouting ideals. His love of God is above reproach, his devotion to the American dream is admirable, and the heart of his being exemplifies the Scout Oath and Law. As a friend, Dan has been the remarkable encourager and supporter that most people only imagine. I am truly blessed to be counted among Dan's friends and hope that I can be that sort of friend to others. Ronald Weber Camp Lowden Staff (1980-1987, 1991-1993, 1995-1996) Dan set the standard to which others, including us, admired. We both enjoyed the energy and vigor that Dan displayed in leading songs in the dining hall and at campfires. His knowledge of folk songs, especially Irish tunes, served as popular foundations to his musical leadership and his staff marching songs. Dan encouraged us to be open to leading new and rediscovered songs. Dan's stories, both fictional and his personal experience, became a trademark of any encounter with him. His regaling of Scouting tales of his youth at times seemed archaic and dated, but as it gave reason to ponder, we realized that boys are the same from one generation to another. We found delight, and often laughed with Dan, over his use of once-popular phrases that for many had been buried away with history. Dan's clever wit abounded in his liberal use of puns and whimsical word play. Weekends and time away from camp with other staff members proved interesting, especially with Dan's color-blindness. On one occasion at a movie, the screen image was a bright pink wall which was meant to be funny. Dan leaned over and asked, “Why is everyone laughing?” Additionally, we would enlighten Dan on many popular phrases and expressions. It was in his nature (naturally!) to correct the grammar of such word combinations. Dan's color-blindness also enabled us to play pranks on him when sorting his laundry. Just imagine if the “laundry police” had witnessed him washing colors and whites together! When off the clock and out of camp, a cold beverage on a hot Saturday afternoon was refreshingly good. We would join Dan in relaxing as he would tell us what news his wife shared with him about the family in her weekly letters. Dan did not forget the art of letter-writing either. He wrote to Marion to share all the camp news and misadventures of Bruce and fellow staff members! Nothing is more inspiring than to see the joy and love of a man and his family and friends. Whether an anniversary or reunion, Dan's impact was evident in his personal demeanor and the affirmation by those around him. Dan's legacy continues to inspire others! Tim Gaston and Ron Weber Camp Lowden Staff I was Scoutmaster of Troop 158 in the 1980s while my son Craig was in school [note: Craig would later serve on the Camp Lowden staff with Dan in 1986 and 1992]. For several summers, I spent a week at Camp Lowden enjoying the week even more than the Scouts. A major reason for that enjoyment was Dan Reilly. Dan was always a major attraction for the Scouts in my troop during their first (and subsequent) summers of long-term camping. Dan may remember one of my Scouts, Kevin Roberts, who was quite bright but rather reserved and a bit shy. He was delighted to learn that Dan had personally known J.R.R. Tolkien during his World War II days in England. They consequently spent much of the week talking and writing in Elvish, which they both learned from Tolkien! Emmet Gonder Scoutmaster [retired] Troop 158 Crystal Lake, IL Thank you, Uncle Dan, for the wisdom, guidance, and influence that you have provided to the thousands of Scouts and leaders that have known you throughout your years in Scouting. |