Remembering Bryce Gillies -- June 22, 2010

Post date: Jun 24, 2010 3:29:47 PM

Mr. Gillies gave us a presentation about Brcye during the troop meeting.    It was a heartwarming presentation, and it was very kind of Mr. Gillies to share Bryce's memories with us. 

Bryce was an Eagle Scout from Troop 1130.   He graduated from Mclean High School in 2007.  He was an engineering student at Northern Arizona University and was very active in the Engineers without Borders Program.

Last year, Bryce wanted to celebrate his 20th birthday, with a hike through the Grand Canyon.   "Rangers believe Bryce deviated from his intended path and hiked along a dry creek bed that offered no shade.  The path he had read about was several yards away.  It was  that path that led to the spectacular natural spring. It was that path that would have led him through a loop back out of the Canyon and allowed him to continue his life."   In the end, elements of nature was too much for Bryce, an experienced hiker and backpacker, to overcome (read more here). 

Months after his death, Gillies' family received Bryce's cellphone he had with him.  It did not receive a signal in the Canyon, but Bryce used it to tap out two memos to friends and family.

"Life is good whether it is long or short," Bryce wrote. "I was fortunate enough to do and see much more than most, and for that good fortune, I am most thankful."    

Troop 1130 Philmont group the day they climbed Mount Baldy.  It was the same day as Bryce's memorial service in Falls Church.  Bryce had been the last one to lead a group to the top of Mount Baldy, so it was appropriate that we could honor him that day. 

Bryce is survived by his parents, Randy and Warna Gillies of McLean and a brother, Neal.