The Passing of a True Scouter; "Swabby" Glenn Simmons of Ojai, CA

[skeptic]

I just received the word this morning of the loss of a great friend and fellow scouter, Swabby Simmons in Ventura County Council. Swabby had over 60 years of service to scouting, having served in almost every area of the district, and his unit, as well as O.A. where he was a long time Vigil. He began his scouting briefly as a cub scout, then came back in the old explorer program, attending Philmont in 1952. He served in the Navy and Air Force at different periods in the 50's and spent almost 40 years as an orderly in Ventura County Hospital in Ventura, from where he was retired. He was Scoutmaster of troop 508 in Ojai for 46 years, while wearing many other hats, including RT staff, RT commissioner, district camping, OA , and most recently, beside RT, chairing Matilija District's Eagle boards for the past few years. He recently passed the 300th Eagle board for his tenure, something he was very proud of.

 

Scouting WAS Swabby's life, as he never had children of his own. He was extremely proud of his having had over 20 Eagle Scouts in his troop, and knew where each one was, and what they were doing. He was a gruff, sometimes scary looking individual that literally gave his life to Scouting, and he will be sorely missed by our district and council.

 

Rest in Peace friend. Enjoy meeting some of the other giants of Scouting; you certainly were one here.

[Sentinel947]

God Bless. Is there any information on what arrangements are in place for him?

[skeptic]

God Bless. Is there any information on what arrangements are in place for him?

Other than he will be cremated, not yet. I would think we will likely have a memorial of some sort. Swabby attended a number of NOAC's, so he may have been met by a few out there. He was a fixture at our annual trade-o-ree. Will update when I know.

[skeptic]

At last nights RT we invited people to attend and give respects to Swabby's memory. We had the largest RT attendance in years, easily in excess of 50, with one large group from a local community food share where he volunteered for years. I have to wonder if Swabby had any idea how appreciated he really was, and how much his quiet service to Scouting and the community at large meant to others. While his appearance initially frightened some, once they made the effort they came to see he was a teddy bear with a heart of softest gold. His patience with scouts was amazing, and his effect on those from his unit is obvious by how many have already posted on their troops FB page and how many have asked when the official memorial is. We had a small slide show while short comments were made and a few moist eyes were seen. Seemed right that we should be honoring him during this season of giving and good will.

[skeptic]

So, just came home a bit ago from the official memorial service for Swabby. He must be smiling as he chats with BP, Uncle Dan, and Greenbar Bill. The church was filled with people standings anywhere they could, and a few even just outside. A large percentage of his troop members were in attendance dating to the sixties, as well as scouters from local and other councils. The saying about friends and funerals really fit. His sister, his only remaining family, was overwhelmed by the turnout. RIP Swabby.