A Tribute: Long Beach Scout Leader Eric Hayhurst

When we are saddened by the passing of someone close to us, we may choose to handle our grief in so many ways.  Yes, we will cry, both inside and out.  We will spend our hours thinking of the many occasions for happiness.  We will scrapbook, gather or buy flowers to leave at accident or crime sites.  We will have their names inscribed on walls and on bricks.  We will create non profit memorials.  Some of us create online memories.

The Long Beach Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA LBAC) on Friday lost a dear friend, Eric Hayhurst.

This post celebrates the life of Eric Hayhurst.  Please leave a fond memory or a photograph to share with others.  When you are saddened by the death of our friend, please visit this post.  Add a note to Eric.  A simple "I thought of you today" to share your grief will make you, and everyone, feel better.

Eric Hayhurst, Scouter

Eric has been involved in scouting in one way or another for most of his life. 

Eric began his scouting experience as a youth in Troop 1283 in Fullerton, CA.  He went on to earn his Eagle Scout rank in 1985 as a member of Troop 464, followed by his Bronze and Gold Palms, ranks achieved by just a few Eagle Scouts.

There is much to be said about Eric's roles as a scout leader. His dedication to giving back to the youth in his community through scouting is an overall theme in his life.  I have chosen just a few of his roles to highlight here today.

As Cubmaster of Pack 117 then Scoutmaster of Troop 117 at Newcomb Academy, Eric lent an enthusiasm for scouting that is best shown through his sons' progress towards Eagle Scout.  Son Cameron will receive his Eagle Scout award this month.  Son Jacob is a Life Scout, currently working on his Eagle Scout project.

As a trainer knowledgeable in the National policies and procedures of scouting, Eric worked to deliver and improve training courses in Long Beach, and to share his knowledge at Tri-Council Pow-Wows.

As a unit commissioner in Long Beach, Eric helped the units with which he worked to succeed.

Although he received many awards for his ongoing service to scouting, Eric always kept this perspective:

“I do it all for the boys; the boy’s deserve the glory and recognition, not me.”

"Big Man" Eric Hayhurst died around 3:00 AM on Friday, March 9th.  He suffered for many years with a physical condition that led to severe water retention.  He leaves behind him wife Sandra and sons Cameron and Jacob.

Have a fond memory or comment about Eric? Share it in comments here, please.

Trish Tsoiasue cries at funerals and remembers her father at http://www.happytomato.com.