“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” —Shannon L. Alder
Through his years leading Pine Tree Camp and then Pine Tree Society, Greg Ouellette made a transformational impact on the lives of thousands of individuals. His impact was felt, not only by the campers who attended Pine Tree Camp or individuals who benefitted from the services at Pine Tree Society, but also by the staff who worked under his leadership.
The Pine Tree Society family was saddened to hear of Greg’s passing on March 20. We know that Greg left a strong legacy with everyone he met. We are working to keep that legacy alive. We are seeking stories and photos from those who knew and were impacted by Greg. We will compile stories in a book to be shared in print and online. Please submit your story and/or photo here no later than July 10.
If you should have any questions, please contact Stevie Bonnevie at 207-386-5976 or sbonnevie@pinetreesociety.org.
We going to miss you
Greg was the director at Pine Tree Camp when I attended there in early 1970’s. I was really homesick when I first started going and he was so helpful. I couldn’t wait to go back after that.
Thank you for your story. We are so glad Greg helped you become comfortable at Camp. We are happy to include this story in our Remembrance Book.
Greg hired me in 1993 to work at PTC. I met him at a big gathering in the Netherlands where camps from the US were recruiting people for all their fun summer camps. Most camps were promoting how much fun they were for the kids but when Greg told me about Pine Tree Camp he convinced me to come to PTC by simple saying: I promise you won’t regret it.
I never did, in fact I’m forever grateful for the experience of having worked there. Went back in 1995 and PTC has always been a huge part of me and my life. Opened my eyes in many ways and I’ve always said that this experience made a huge impact on my life. I moved to Canada 4 years ago, and only because of my experience in Maine, thanks to Greg and the PTC people.
Strangely enough I happen to go back to Maine in two weeks, for the first time since 1995… that is meant to be I guess. I’ll hold my moment of silence for Greg when I’m there.
Thank you Greg and Rest In Peace
Martijn
(Formerly The Netherlands, now Canada)
Greg taught me a lot about myself with a mere glance. Thank you Greg for giving a young guy a chance to work at PTC… and to meet iconic Patrons and staff.. May the Holy Spirit be with you… Kenneth.. Xxxx
So many stories….. The first year Greg became Pine Tree Camp Director, he took a major chance on a 17 year old kid who was not invited back to PTC for a second year because of “maturity issues” according to the previous director. This was an accurate assessment of my first year at camp. After meeting with Greg, and receiving 45 minutes of threats and encouragement in equal measure, he agreed to a trial period for my return to camp. This in turn led to 8 more years as a counselor, Music Director, and Fall resident at PTC. We worked hard, and played harder. Greg always allowed me to walk right up to The Line (of inappropriate behavior), while insisting I was “this close” to going “up the road”. He would dress me down royally, then laugh and say “Super Nozzle, (his nickname for me, he had one for everybody), you’re giving me grey hair!”
The story less know is that after compiling a terrible high school transcript, my prospects for college were poor to non-existent. Greg took me to The University of Maine, Farmington to advocate for me to the Admissions Office. They were not convinced… He then took me to see the Dean of Sudents and after making an impassioned plea for my entrance into the relatively new field of special education, the Dean reluctantly agreed to my admission, but with the caveat that I would be on Probation upon my entry. I now know that this was the pivotal moment of my life. Greg’s unfailing support and assistance changed my life, just as he helped so many others.
The stories titled “ For Whom the Bell Tolls”, “Up on the Roof”, “The Cannonball”, “That ‘Rocket’ looks like Something more Intimate”, “Just Going for the French Fries”, and just under 100 other tales are not appropriate for this forum. Like so many others, Pine Tree Camp defined who I was to become and laid a foundation for my career that I am profoundly grateful for everyday. Without Greg Ouellette, my story would be very different, and probably not for the better.
I met Greg on a grey miserable day in Edinburgh having travelled from Newcastle upon Tyne. I met with lots of Camp Directors that day but felt instantly at ease with Greg. He was warm, playful and encouraging and planted a seed that I would be eternally grateful for. I took a leap of faith and traveled for the first time on my own overseas the Summer of 1993. I worked in the Camp Kitchen that year with some wonderful people from the USA and the Netherlands. I was apprehensive at first but Greg quickly put me at ease, always had an open door and when he said I would have a Summer to remember he sure was right. I look back with great fondness at that Summer 25 years ago always with a smile on my face. From the embarrassment of doing the Can Can at the end of each group, to working long hours, to dancing at Champions in town I have never felt I belonged anywhere more. Once day I hope to return to visit and when I do, I will remember, I will remember my Summer of “93 and I will remember Greg. Always.
I was an employee of PTS for a few years some 40 years ago and had a few opportunities to meet Greg while he worked at PTC. Greg’s enthusiasm for the camp and his dedication, joy and expertise in directing it for many years was quite evident. I’m sorry to learn of Greg’s passing. Pine Tree Society and those whose lives were touched by Greg have lost a great friend.
Greg was a VR counselor when I first met him in 1969! Great memories of our times working on Maine Rehabilitation Association projects and conferences. We learned a lot, played fierce games of softball, many hands of poker and shared our experiences with our clients.
How lovely that this terrific person is so well remembered.