Gone Home: Joyce B. Harris
Joyce B. Harris
August 30, 1948 – February 22, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce Harris, lovingly known as the “Fishing Lady” at Monticello District Cub Scout Day Camps. She was a dedicated Scouter with over 32 years of service to Pack 21 and Troop 21 in Scottsville. Joyce enjoyed teaching outdoor skills, from knot tying and fire building to fishing and cooking. She assisted with many District and Council events over the years. She was recognized with the District Award of Merit and was also a Silver Beaver Award recipient. Joyce’s life was defined by her commitment to caring for and guiding young people, leaving a lasting legacy in the lives she touched.
In the Scouting community, we honor, grieve, and share the news of the passing of a valued member in the tradition of founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell by using the trail symbol for “Gone Home.” Baden-Powell’s grave in Kenya bears this circle with a dot symbol and its use is considered a respectful and traditional way to honor the memory of a fellow Scouter.
Gone Home: Neil Showalter
Dr. Charles Thomas Carter
April 12, 1922 – February 15, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Neil Showalter at the age of 103. Neil became an active Scouter in the mid-1950s when his son joined the program. Over the years, he was involved in numerous district and council committees and programs and was the longtime Scoutmaster of Troop 42 at Harrisonburg Baptist Church. During his tenure, he mentored and guided many young men to the rank of Eagle Scout, including his son, Steven. Neil was a Silver Beaver Award recipient and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. We extend our deepest condolences to the Showalter family as we remember and honor a lifetime of dedicated service.
In the Scouting community, we honor, grieve, and share the news of the passing of a valued member in the tradition of founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell by using the trail symbol for “Gone Home.” Baden-Powell’s grave in Kenya bears this circle with a dot symbol and its use is considered a respectful and traditional way to honor the memory of a fellow Scouter.
Gone Home: Dr. Tom Carter
Dr. Charles Thomas Carter
March 24, 1960 – December 22, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family as we mourn the passing of former Council Commissioner Dr. Tom Carter. A graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Utah School of Medicine, Dr. Carter dedicated his career to caring for others as an Emergency Room physician with Augusta Health and as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia. He faithfully served the LDS Church as a Bishop, Stake President, and Mission President and was deeply committed to Scouting, serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Wood Badge staff member, and Camp Shenandoah Physician. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Jennie, and their six children, three of whom are Eagle Scouts.
In the Scouting community, we honor, grieve, and share the news of the passing of a valued member in the tradition of founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell by using the trail symbol for “Gone Home.” Baden-Powell’s grave in Kenya bears this circle with a dot symbol and its use is considered a respectful and traditional way to honor the memory of a fellow Scouter.
Gone Home: Neil McLaughlin
Ward McNeil McLaughlin Jr.
April 19, 1935 – September 10, 2025
An outstanding and caring Scout leader who served the Council, Monticello District, and Troop 37 faithfully for many years, Neil McLaughlin has passed away. Neil started volunteering with Boy Scout Troop 37 in Charlottesville, VA in 1973, the beginning of his life long service to Scouting. In addition to his tenure as Scoutmaster of Troop 37, Neil started and organized the Apple Harvest Camporee for 30 years. Neil was a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, Woodbadger, and Silver Beaver Award recipient. His favorite part of Scouting was working with Scouts and serving as an Eagle Scout mentor. Our deepest condolences to the McLaughlin family.
In the Scouting community, we honor, grieve, and share the news of the passing of a valued member in the tradition of founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell by using the trail symbol for “Gone Home.” Baden-Powell’s grave in Kenya bears this circle with a dot symbol and its use is considered a respectful and traditional way to honor the memory of a fellow Scouter.
Terry Hope Dedication Ceremony
You are invited to join us for a special dedication ceremony honoring former Scoutmaster, past Council President, and namesake of Hope Lake Terrill C. Hope at the Camp Shenandoah lakefront.
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Lakefront at Camp Shenandoah
Terry’s passing earlier this year makes this dedication a special opportunity to honor his memory and the lasting impact he made on our Scouting community. We hope you will join us in paying tribute and sharing in this moment of recognition. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sue Hart.
Gone Home: David Pratt
David J. Pratt
October 27, 1956 – June 19, 2025
Our deepest condolences to the Pratt family on the passing of David J. Pratt. David previously served as the Scoutmaster of Troop 114 in Ivy, Virginia and loved camping with them every summer at Camp Shenandoah. David was a proud member of Shenandoah Lodge 258, serving as Ceremonies Advisor where he led the lodge to several National Honor medal achievements at the National Order of the Arrow Conference. David wished to be remembered by his Order of the Arrow Vigil name Aspennumen Nimat, translated from the Lenni Lenape as “He Who Lifts Up Brothers.”
In the Scouting community, we honor, grieve, and share the news of the passing of a valued member in the tradition of founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell by using the trail symbol for “Gone Home.” Baden-Powell’s grave in Kenya bears this circle with a dot symbol and its use is considered a respectful and traditional way to honor the memory of a fellow Scouter.
Gone Home: Terry Hope
COL Terrill C. Hope, USA
July 18, 1939 – May 22, 2025
We are profoundly saddened by the death of former Council President Terry Hope. During his tenure as President in the early 2000s, a capital campaign for Camp Shenandoah was conducted resulting in the addition of two campsites, a new shower house, dining hall expansion, and the acquisition of 159 acres known today as the Wallenborn Conservation Reserve. Terry and his family were major contributors to this campaign and the council endowment fund and are the namesake of Hope Lake at camp. Our deepest condolences to the Hope family.
