|
Camp Wanake
A Tribute to Merl Savage
I feel fortunate that I began working at Wanake when Merl
Savage was still caretaker. I don't recall meeting Merl in my first
year of volunteering, but my memories of Merl begin my first year on
staff in 1986. I spent 3 years counseling as I passed Merl and Betty
Lou's house, saw Merl in the office or kitchen, or talked before a hay
ride or a barn riot. I was even fortunate to spend a couple of weeks
on maintenance during Merl's final summer in 1988. This is the time
I cherish most that I was able to spend with Merl. Working on a daily
basis with him made me understand his humor and his passion for Wanake.
He was the kind of person that one had no choice but to look up to and
desire to pattern one's work ethic after. I even picked up a little
on his humor. Flying luggage everywhere! It is hard to walk around camp
and not see Merl's hand in the rows of trees he planted, the barns he
helped renovate and all the buildings and grounds he worked on and maintained
for a lifetime. Everyone who has been changed by Wanake has been changed
by Merl's hand.
How How
Merl,
Dave Kennat
Below is Merl's obituary published in the
New Philadelphia Times Reporter:
Merl W. Savage, 77, formerly of Beach City, died Wednesday, July 16,
2003, in Fort Myers, Fla.
He was born in Justus, O., to Emrys and Grace (Yoder) Savage on Aug.
3, 1925. He graduated from the former Beach City High School and served
four years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked for the East
Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church as maintenance and grounds
keeper at Camp Wanake for 38 years. He was a member of Grace United
Methodist Church in Cape Coral, Fla.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou (Numbers) Savage; a daughter,
Susan Switzer of Huntsville, Ala.; a son, Mark Savage of South Haven,
Mich., and a son, Jeffrey Savage of Smithville, Va.; and seven grandchildren.
Also surviving are a sister, Janet Grimm of Stone Creek, O., and brothers,
Bryan Savage of Brewster and George Savage of Beach City.
A memorial service will be held in Florida at the convenience of the
family. The family requests that memorial gifts be sent to the Grace
United Methodist Church, 135 E. 21st Place, Cape Coral, Fla. 33990.
Below is the email that was sent by Dave
Schar:
From: David Schar <dsschar@msn.com>
Date: Friday, July 18, 2003 12:30 AM
Subject: Merl Savage has died
>Dear Wanake friends,
>
>Betty Lou called today that Merl died Wednesday July 16.
>
>Merl has been struggling with breathing for the last 4 or 5 years.
He is
>finally free of the Oxygen tank and tube that has limited his normal
>activity.
>
>Their children, Mark and Jeff and Susie are arriving and there will
be a
>worship celebration of Merl's life Saturday 2:00pm at their church
...
>Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Coral, Florida.
>
>The family is considering a memorial service at either Justice or
Beach
City
>United Methodist Churches in Ohio. Both Merl and Betty Lou grew
up in the
>neighborhood of the camp.
>
>If you know Wanake staff who worked with Merl during his 38 years
at
Wanake,
>please make them aware of his death. If you know any who live in
Florida,
>they may be able to attend the service.
>
>You can write or call Betty Lou Savage
> 112 Doubloon Dr.
> North Fort Myers, Florida 33917
Return to:
| Top
of the page | Home Page |
|