Remembering Our Alumni

If you have a Camp Fire story in remembrance of a loved one, please contact the office at marketing@campfiresamish.org or (360) 733-5710

Joyce Brown | Camp Kirby Camper & Staff

Joyce Brown (2024) was a lifelong supporter of Camp Kirby, which was deer to her heart. She was a member of the Camp Fire Girls, a camper, a 1969 & 1970 CIT, and a cabin counselor at Camp Kirby.

Don & Ardelle Leach | Camp Kirby Supporter & Former Leader

Don (2023) & Ardelle Leach (2024) were supporters of Camp Fire, and Ardelle was a Camp Fire Leader. They were parents to our former Executive Director Erin Walker, and Grandparents to our Executive Camp Director, Kathryn Deshaies. 

Dr. Lisa McIntyre | Former Camp Director

Dr. Lisa McIntyre (2023) was a beloved, former Camp Director at Camp Kirby as well as aunt, friend, professor at WSU and talented musician. Lisa was a gift to many children and young adults while she served in different roles during her years at Kirby, starting as a cabin counselor and finishing her career as Camp Director.

Don Branham | Camp Kirby Supporter

Don Branham (2022) loved mentoring youth. He was a long time Boy Scout leader as well as supported his wife Zola during her many years of leadership here at Camp Fire Samish. 

Carolyn Keen Patterson | Camp Kirby Camper & Staff, Former CIT Director

Carolyn Patterson (2020) spent her college summers as a camp counselor at Camp Kirby. She had gone as a camper at age 10, later became a counselor, and then moved into the director of the Counselor-in-Training program – A time she enjoyed so very much.

Heidi Henken | Camp Kirby Camper, CIT, and Staff

Heidi Henken (2019) was born in 1953. She spent many childhood summers at Camp Kirby. “Miss Heidi” went through the CIT program and was on resident camp staff in 1972. She was a journalist and then a counselor working with the Nooksack tribe. In recent years Heidi was politically active as a member of the Order of the Phoenix and an advocate of LGBQT+ rights.

S. Kay Brown | Camp Kirby Staff

Kay Brown (2019) was born in 1949. Kay was prominent in her work for Camp Fire Samish and Camp Kirby as Assistant Director of programs for youth. She was a member of the Bahai Community of Anacortes for many years. Kay loved gardening, camping, fishing, canoeing, and was a master food preserver. She had a sincere appreciation for living in the San Juan Islands and all they have to offer.

Linda Maybee | Camp Fire & Camp Kirby Alumni

Linda Maybee (2019) was born in 1954. She was an active Camp Fire member and attended Camp Kirby each summer. She loved the water and was an excellent swimmer and lifeguard. She spent many hours at the Burlington roller rink where she competed in local competitions.

Eleanor Pilon | Camp Fire Volunteer

Eleanor Pilon (2018) was born in Bellingham in 1928. Eleanor was involved in many community organizations, including Camp Fire Samish. She was a Camp Fire leader, board member, Candy Sale Chairperson, and day camp volunteer. In 1982, she was awarded the Luther Halsey Gulick Award, the highest form of recognition given by a Camp Fire Council.

Laura Bennett | Camp Fire Leader, Wakumi Member

Laura Bennett (2018) was born in 1919 in Montreal, Quebec. She grew up in Bellingham where she raised her four daughters Brenda, Bonnie, Berinda, and Becky. She was a Camp Fire Leader for many years and earned the Blue Ribbon award for gifts of time and resources above and beyond the call of duty by Camp Fire Samish in 2004. She loved entertaining, cooking, canning, and setting a beautiful table.

Charles “Chuck” Davis | Camp Fire & Camp Kirby Supporter

Chuck Davis (2017) was born and raised in Sedro-Woolley with his brother Norm and sisters Marilyn, Margery and Marlene. He went to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and later to law school at the University of Washington to become a maritime attorney. Chuck practiced in Seattle but would often return to Skagit County to take his family camping on Samish Island. They moved there permanently in 2000. He was a long-time donor to Camp Fire Samish and Camp Kirby, and was a well-loved member of the Samish Island community.

Ursula Greenough | Camp Fire Staff

Ursula Greenough (2017) was born in Chicago, Illinois and passed away in Dayton, Ohio. Ursula was a generous, kind person of the utmost integrity. She was thoughtful, honest, hardworking and genuine. As Regional Membership Manager for Camp Fire Samish in Island County for many years, she participated with her clubs in Holland Happenings, the 4th of July Parade, and volunteering in the Oak Harbor community. Ursula had a heart of gold and was a true friend to many. She was dedicated and passionate about Camp Fire, dedicated to her leaders and worked tirelessly to share Samish Council with her community.

Helen Rudy | Camp Fire Leader, Wakumi Alumni Member

Helen Rudy (2017) was born in North Dakota in 1926 and in 1941 moved to Whatcom County. She graduated from Blaine High School in 1943, and in 1948 married Joseph Rudy to whom she was married for 54 years. Helen was involved in many community organizations, including Camp Fire Samish and Camp Kirby. Helen was a loving, caring mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. She always had a smile and great hugs for everyone; she was very happy and vibrant. She loved to garden, camp and spend time with her family. She was a long-time quilter, often donating her creations to community auctions as a fundraiser.

Marleen Holland | Bluebird and Camp Fire Leader, Wakumi Member

Marleen Holland (2017) was born in 1929 at St Luke’s Hospital. She operated the ABC Child Care Center in Bellingham and was a big part of the Alternative Humane Society. She was a Bluebird and Camp Fire leader for many years and was very involved with Camp Fire Samish and Camp Kirby. She delivered Meals on Wheels and was an aide at Columbia School. She devoted a lifetime of service to anyone in need.

Joanne Reed | Camp Fire Member, Day Camp Director, Lifelong Supporter

Joanne Reed (2016) always had room in her heart for the many children who came through her doors with their daughter Nancy and with their extended family. Joanne was a leader for her daughter’s Camp Fire Club and remained active with Camp Fire as a Wakumi Alumni member. She was the Day Camp Director for Whatcom Falls Camp Fire for ten years, where she shared her love and respect for the outdoors with many children and adults.

Marjorie Atterbury Nordby | Camp Fire Leader, Wakumi Alumni

Marjorie Atterbury Nordby (2016) was involved with Camp Fire Samish since the late 1950’s, first as a group leader and assistant leader, then as a group sponsor for many years. Margie assisted with many candy sales over the years, and was a supportive mentor of Camp Fire Samish activities. From Day Camp at Whatcom Falls Park and group weekends at Camp Kirby to long time Camp Fire connections, Margie’s positive attitude, kindness, and encouragement was a major support for many youth and adults during her many years in Camp Fire. She was one of the original founding members of Wakumi Alumni Association and worked faithfully at Wakumi’s many rummage sales to raise money to support Camp Kirby. Margie was an active volunteer in the Camp Fire Samish office in her retirement and she always had a smile and encouraging word for anyone supporting programs to nurture children and youth.

Fordena “Dena” G Weber | Camp Fire Samish Board Member

Dena Weber (2016) of Brush Prarie, was an talent piano & organ who loved to teach and give back to her community. Music was her passion and she was beloved by her students. 

Elinor Bailey | Camp Fire Leader, Wakumi Member, and Luther Halsey Gulick Award Recipient

Elinor Bailey (2016) was born in 1919 in Seattle and attended Western Washington College as a young adult. She married Loren in 1939 and after living in Mount Vernon for a brief time, they moved to Ferndale to their own dairy farm. Elinor quickly adapted to country life and balanced work with volunteer activities of Church, PTA, and Camp Fire. She was awarded the Luther Halsey Gulick Award, the highest form of recognition given by a Camp Fire Council.

Robert Jay Cloud | Former Camp Fire Samish President

Bob Cloud (2016) served his community in so many ways. He was president of the typographical union, president of the Samish Council of Camp Fire Girls, supporter of the Interfaith Coalition, League of Women Voters, and every organization or sports team his daughters were part of.  

Mary Jones Pennington | Founder of Sedro Woolley Camp Fire Girls Chapter

Mary Jones Pennington (2015)  Mary was born in Stockholm, Sweden and was proud to become a naturalized US citizen in her adulthood. She grew up in Portland and went on to receive her Master of Arts degree in Bacteriology in 1942 from the University of Oregon. Mary and moved to Sedro-Woolley WA in 1949. While raising four children, Mary was a member of the Medical Auxiliary, President of the Sedro-Woolley chapter of the American Association of University Women, and started the first Camp Fire Girls chapter in Sedro-Woolley.

Carolyn “CB” Brown |  Camp Fire Member, Volunteer, Lifelong Supporter

Carolyn Brown (2015), known to many of us as CB or Seabee, started in Camp Fire as a Bluebird and continued on through Horizon and was awarded the WoHeLo medallion. A long-time Kirby camper, Carolyn was a member of the CIT class of 1969/1970 and worked at Camp Kirby as a counselor in the summer of 1971. Carolyn returned to work at Camp Kirby as a volunteer with the Mua Mi Village and as a result of that experience took on the position of co-director from 1994 to 1998. She and her husband were also camp caretakers for several years. CB’s legacy at Camp Kirby continues through her daughters Regan Smith (aka Artemis) and Birney Smith (aka Voodoo).

Virginia (Ginna) M. Holt |  Camp Fire Leader, Lifelong Supporter

Virginia M. Holt (2015) was born in 1934 in Seattle and moved to Mount Vernon with her husband, Roy in 1958. They raised a family of four in Skagit Valley. Ginna was active in the community, participating in school, sporting and music events for the children and became a Camp Fire leader. After the loss of her husband, Roy, she went to work for Christina’s in Mount Vernon. Ginna was extremely social and made friends easily. Through Camp Fire, she met her lifelong friend Bev and her husband Larry Alderman.

Dorothy Benner | Wakumi Member

Dorothy Benner (2015) Dorothy was born in 1932 in Wisconsin. She married Ted in 1949. Dorothy loved her family and she loved music. She played the piano and organ.

Dorothy Jolley | Wakumi Member, Volunteer, and Supporter

Dorothy Jolley (2014) was born in 1933 in Mount Vernon. She graduated from St Joseph School of Nursing in 1954. Dorothy was well known as “Nurse Jolley” at the Lummi Indian Health Clinic where she worked for 25 years. She was member of the Church of Assumption, Bellingham Golf & Country Club, Bellingham Yacht Club, and was a volunteer and supporter of Camp Fire Samish.

Linda (McIntyre) Dowe | Lifelong Supporter

Linda McIntyre Dowe (2014) had energy and enthusiasm in all her activities. Her family believes her motto was “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing.” Linda was incredibly passionate about Camp Kirby. She attended Camp Kirby for 10 summers, and earned renown as ‘the most enthusiastic (and filthy dirty) camper.’ Linda’s sister, Lisa McIntyre, who was the director of Camp Kirby for several years, says that “whenever we needed something in a hurry, she was there.” Among many other things, Linda volunteered weekly deliveries of bread and milk to the camp.

Williamina Martin “Bunty” Elder | Wakumi Member and Supporter

“Bunty” Martin Elder (2013) Bunty, as she was called all her life, was born in Victoria, BC. She served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WWII and married Glenn in 1945. She later became a US citizen and lived in Bellingham where she raised her two daughters, Carolyn and Linda.

Irene Gladys May Kasson | Camp Fire Leader, Lifelong Supporter 

Irene Kasson (2013) settled in Bellingham, WA in 1958 with her family. In addition to travel and gardening, Irene also loved camping. She was involved as a Camp Fire club leader for many years. She had a special place for Camp Kirby and the Camp Fire organization, and was a founding member of the Wakumi Alumni. Irene was remembered fondly by members of the Camp Fire Samish community as a determined volunteer. With her tenacity and heart, Irene procured many additional items from donors for the Council’s Annual Birthday Dinner and Auction.

John Henken | Camp Fire Samish Past President, Camp Fire National Committee Member

John Henken (2012) was born in Waupin, WI and moved to the Pacific Northwest when he was six months old. His presence within Camp Fire was held in high regard and his was a powerful presence within our community. John was involved in many service groups in the Skagit Valley, and his love for the Northwest community he was a part of was evident with the leadership and support he provided to these many groups over the years. He served as President of the Camp Fire Samish Council during the time his daughter, Heidi, was a Camp Fire girl. John went on to serve on the National Camp Fire Council’s Finance Committee, and he received the Guilck Award, the highest award given in this organization.

Vi Jewell | Camp Kirby Director & Camp Fire Leader

Vi Jewell (2012) was a fondly remembered Camp Fire Leader in Whatcom County and was involved with Camp Kirby throughout her youth and adulthood. She was the Camp Kirby Director from 1960-1964. A memorial stone bench was donated to Camp Kirby in her honor.

Earlene Uquhart | Wakumi Member, Bluebird Leader, Day Camp Director

Earlene Urquhart (2012) wore many hats. She was a Bluebird leader and Day Camp Director and earned the Blue Ribbon award for gifts of time and recourses above and beyond the call of duty by Camp Fire Samish in 1997. She volunteered as PTA president and recess lady at North Bellingham Elementary. She was also active at the Assistance League and the Senior Center.

Julianne A. Johnson-Macdonald | Camp Fire Samish Board Member

Julie Johnson-Macdonald (2012) of Oak Harbor, sat on Camp Fire Samish’s Board of Directors for several years. She was a gifted carpenter and had a life long love of construction and refused to cut corners. 

Audree Kajfas | Camp Fire Member, Former Camp Fire Samish Executive Director

Audree Kajfas (2009) Born 1912 in a lumber camp in Karraston, WA Audree grew up in Seattle. She and her husband John lived in Bellingham for many years. Audree was an active volunteer and served as Executive Director for the Samish Council of Camp Fire from 1961 to 1977. To those who knew her best, she was a gentle soul, soft-spoken and hospitable, but with a dry sense of humor and a pun for every occasion. Audree loved talking to people, and people loved her back.

Martha Ann McIntyre | Camp Fire Girl, Camp Kirby Camper & Staff, Volunteer

Martha McIntyre (2006) of Deming, was an enthusiastic Camp Fire Girl, Camp Kirby camper and later Staff member. As an adult she dedicated hours to volunteer for Camp Fire Samish Council. 

Elouise Paul | Camp Fire Leader

Elouise Paul (2006) was a beloved Camp Leader and active in many other local community organizations. 

Susie Depew Tiplin | First Whatcom County Camp Fire Leader

Susie Depew Tiplin (1976) was the first Camp Fire leader in Whatcom County. Born in 1891, she and her family lived at Toad Lake in Bellingham. While teaching high school in Blaine she started the first Camp Fire group. Once a month she would ride her horse back to Bellingham to visit her parents. In 1916 she married Schyler Balmer Tiplin. Susie’s daughter, Mavis Elise Tiplin (Taylor), was born in 1919.  Susie became her Camp Fire leader. Mavis’ younger sister, Shirley Ann, usually joined the group.  Mavis also went through the ranks of Camp Fire and designed her own ceremonial gown.