Fred Jay Ellsmore

My most vivid memory with Fred (and Jay,) was surviving the Boy Scout training hike for Isle Royale at Yellow River in the spring/summer of 1998. We were warned there was a tornado watch in the area, but if course we stayed anyway. Hot and humid! After dark, we went to bed in our tent, set up below a hill. Halfway through the night we heard wind coming down the hill. It hit, and the tent started shaking - we grabbed the poles behind our heads and hung on! Later on, I felt Fred tapping me on the back. "Mark, we´re taking on water!" We unzipped the fly and rain water rushed in, totally soaking us and our gear. We were rescued by a ranger around 3:00 A.M. The entrance road had been washed out in 3 places!. Not my favorite state park, but I´ll never forget the experience - I really enjoyed knowing Fred!

Judy and family, Randy and I send our heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of Fred. May God grant you strength and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.