“There is nothing quite as special as a friend of summer days”

Ashley Garrod

May 30,1985 to September 11,2007

In the 83 year history of Camp Tanamakoon few people have left their mark at Camp as Ashley Garrod did. Ashley came to camp in 1992 as a young Ojibway. She completed her 16^th summer at Tanamakoon last month. Along the way Ashley was a loving, energetic camper who loved all parts of camp. As a camper she became skilled in many areas.

Ashley was a ten-year camper and a five-year counselor. She had worked in all of our programs, from work camp in the early spring to Outdoor Education, Kindercamp and of course her first love-wearing her green shirt in July and August as a Tanamakoon Counselor. All her years were spent with the Sioux tribe, the campers and staff she adored. Ashley loved Tanamakoon and made a difference in the lives of a multitude of campers and staff. As a Senior Staff member, her quiet firm leadership, her sound decision making, her ability to complete any task happily and her constant positive approach to all she did made Ashley one of the most extraordinary people ever to be part of Tanamakoon.

Suddenly and tragically, early on September 11^th on Hwy 401 near London, Ashley and her mother
B. J. Thom died in a car accident.

As all of you know, Ashley was Patti’s niece. Ashley, like so many, loved and idolized her Aunt. Patti loved Ashley dearly and they shared a special bond - their love and devotion to Tanamakoon.

Many of you will also know Ashley’s brother Tyler who worked on maintenance at camp for three summers. Tyler’s loss is enormous. Both his mother and sister are gone. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Tyler and to Jeff Garrod (Ashley’s father) and the Garrod family.

Patti would like to hear from you and your thoughts at: p_thom@softhome.net

We are at camp and we are all trying to cope and make sense of this terrible tragedy.

Kim Smith