Scott Gaipa, a West Orange TreasureBy
Lyle Lauterbach and Family Readers may have missed an obituary, that announced the sudden passing of Ernest "Scott" Gaipa at the all too young age of 56. In the obituary, they stated that Scott was a fine husband, great dad and talented electrician.
They also noted his sixteen years as scoutmaster.
He was not just a scoutmaster for Troop 6; he, with others, resurrected the troop so that his son could have the same scouting experience Scott had had as a young man. I understood that feeling, having been a scout in Troop 11 in Pleasantdale in the late 50's and early 60's.
While Scott was a scoutmaster for the ages; he was especially for this age. He saw the need for scouting for boys of this era. He
was just the leader they needed, firm, but flexible. He saw the need to
get these boys out in nature and thinking about others, not just
themselves or their video games. He also encouraged their other
activities, be it academics, athletics, marching band or theater. He emphasized the Boy Scout motto of "Be Prepared". He emboldened young men to become leaders, he encouraged those to strive where they didn't think they could. I saw more than a few young men who became troop leaders find their "voice" literally and figuratively, having to plan meetings, make speeches and presentations before the troop.
Two of my sons were part of the troop; they too became part of Scott's legacy. One of them attained the highest rank in Scouting, the Eagle, under the guidance and direction of Scott.
He knew how to reach them, keep them focused on their Eagle project, making sure it was the scout's project and goal, not his parents. When things got a little hairy in the project, he helped find suitable alternatives, which made the project even more successful.
Under Scott's leadership & guidance, over 30 young men achieved the rank of Eagle in his 16 years. This was a tremendous accomplishment, one that Scott was very proud of.
Besides the regular troop meetings, Scott led the various camp outs, the summer camp at Ockanickon, the Pot Luck dinner, the fundraisers and especially the end of year "Awards" Dinner. Scott was at his best, exhibiting his unique sense of humor, giving out genuine awards for troop activities, but best of all his gag awards. Those "tongue - in - cheek" awards added levity and in a wry way, noted everyone's efforts to keep the troop going strong.
He always saved the best for the Eagle Ceremonies, events that were simply awe-inspiring. |
If Scott ever had a doubt of his impact, the crowd of Scouting leaders and parents and the scores of young men who attended his funeral belied that fact. Among the mourners were not only the boys from town; they came from Colorado, Virginia and Pennsylvania; from colleges and active duty in the Marine Corps, from far and wide to honor their fallen leader.
Many echoed the same sentiment, that they would not be who they are or where they are, without the influence of Scott.
These were boys who became men under the leadership of Scott Gaipa. He lived by the Scout Oath, always thinking of others before himself.
We will never forget this lost treasure of West Orange.
Version appeared in the West Orange Chronicle, December 2, 2010 |
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