first met Bob Cagle when I was a 17-year-old member of the Glisson Leadership Team in 1969. I was a scared teenager, facing my first year of college in the fall, trying to figure out what to do with my life. Bob held an intense training week for staff. In just seven days, I learned more than I thought possible. Bob didn't know it then, but he opened up a whole new world for me. At the age of 46, I continue to hike, backpack, ride horses, and enjoy the out-of-doors. . . . The friends I made that long-ago summer are still my friends today, and all of us have retained our interest in camping-because of Bob's leadership. Thank you, Bob, for what you have given to so many. Thank you for showing a scared 17-year-old the right trail."

Jennifer Richardson
North Georgia Conference

ob came up to me at the first national gathering of UM camp/retreat leaders I ever attended. He did not know me at all. The whole experience was new to me. His friendliness, genuine interest in my life, and ease in sharing himself felt so supportive. Later, I learned that he was the former National Director, and it meant a great deal to me that he took the time to care for an utter neophyte. My encounter with Bob and others that week confirmed my sense that I belonged in this community of loving leaders. With renewed energy, I pursued a call to full-time camp/retreat ministry which has led to a very meaningful life and wonderful relationships. I consider it a great honor to follow in his footsteps. I thank God for Bob and for his gentle yet powerful influence which touched so many."

Kevin Witt
National Director,
UM Camp/Retreat Ministry

ost of us, upon hearing the news of Bob Cagle's death, were shocked. Bob was special to us. He was an innovator, an artist, a spouse and father, a writer, an outdoorsman, a camper, a leader, a teacher; but most of all, he was a good friend and listener to those fortunate enough to be touched by him. Bob was the National Camp Staff person working with the General Board of Discipleship to offer leadership training to camp staffs nationally and in the jurisdictions. He wrote one of the most comprehensive books on camping, Youth Ministry Camping: A Guide for Helping Teenagers Experience the Greatness of God's Creation. Bob taught the new directors course at our National Camp Leader's Events because we on the National Committee thought he had the most to offer to our newest leaders.

"But with all his talents, he was mostly a listener. He listened to the novice and seasoned camp leader with the same level of interest. He helped, through his enthusiastic listening, to make each of us believe that our ideas and hopes were important and had possibilities. He was able to direct those ideas into more innovative and practical ones, making each of us believe we were creating something new. He was focused on each of us in dialogue. Bob was always cheerful and upbeat. He had a sparkle in his eyes. He was full of energy. Bob was a friend."

Chuck Kishpaugh
Cal-Pac Conference Director,
Camp/Retreat Operations
Former National Director

ob Cagle was first a friend. He was the kind of friend who made you feel welcome and like you were his best friend no matter how long it had been since you had seen each other. He brought out the best in a person. If he had to disagree with you, it was in a manner that left your self-respect in place and made you feel that your opinion or idea was important even though he did not agree. Bob was just a plain nice guy that you were proud to say, 'He's my friend.'

"We shared ideas, resources, and tips on staffing, training, and programs. I still find myself reaching for the telephone to call Bob and ask or tell him something. I can still hear in my mind his southern drawl responding to my question or information, 'Well, now . . .' He was the kind of friend you liked to talk with, who always left you lifted up and feeling good about yourself, your family, your work, and the world in general. He was kind and gracious to everyone.

"Bob was also a competent, effective camp director who had the best interests of his staff first in his heart. He would say, 'Let me run an idea by you that we are trying (or thinking of trying).' Usually, it was something to help and enhance relationships with the staff persons with whom he worked. He planned carefully, setting realistic goals, but aiming high, making all those around him stretch to reach goals and dreams. I never will forget an SEJ Camp Leaders Planning Committee session when we were trying to think of a big name to draw people--he suggested former President Jimmy Carter! We thought the idea was crazy, but Bob said we should dream big.

"As we know, Bob Cagle was a pastor, camp director, author, national leader, and teacher, but I will always remember him as my friend."

Jack Porter
Camp Director, Tekoa,
Western North Carolina Conference