A tribute to Jack Weiner - Brief Article

Camping Magazine, March, 2002 by Ariel Weiner

Jack Weiner, a revered camp leader and executive director of the American Camping Association (ACA) Wisconsin Section, passed away on January 26, 2002. In a moving tribute to his memory, Ariel Weiner, Jack's granddaughter, writes the following poem:

A Day in the Life of my Zaidee

He wakes up before the sun and begins his morning stretches. Small quiet noises of true effort as he loosens, bends, and stretches.

Into the bathroom he shuffles in slippers - clink, clank the ice cubes fall. Water fills the basin and the invigorating rinse begins. Refreshing water on his sweet face and chest. Droplets cling to his tanned skin.

The black robe is tied shut, short steps to the kitchen. Zaidee and the sun have breakfast together, one slice of tomato, one slice of cucumber, one slice of onion, and the final delicacy of hard salami all on half a bagel. Pure delight. A little black coffee, some newspaper, and he's ready for the walk.

Whatever the season or weather, his loyalty lies in the Arboretum walk and the delight in choosing the perfect walking stick. Never too tall, always sturdy and strong. He and the sun follow the winding path, breathe in the beautiful air and appreciate and absorb the flowers, the trees, and the sound of his strong feet walking the ground.

Back at home, he returns calls to camps and directors - discussion, chuckles, and decisions being made. The camping world was his kingdom, each child he considered his own, and his message was that of fairness. Respected, admired, and trusted - too numerous to count or know.

Sun setting, midday snooze in an over-stuffed chair. A small easy smile lies across his open lips. Snores that usually accompany a deep sleep fall out of this little man the moment he shuts his blue eyes. He dreams of tennis and releases a strong backhand in his sleep. He scores and both fisted hands rise in victory.

My Zaidee - victorious in all he has accomplished, victorious in touching the lives of his family, his friends, his campers, and generations of campers to come. Victorious in living his life to the absolute fullest and teaching us to always appreciate the simplest things in life. Soaking up his friend the sun, listening to classical music, skiing down powdery slopes, watching the sunset.

Our love for Zaidee is deeply ingrained and everlasting, as his love for life was that of 10,000 men.

Zaidee - my teacher, my hero, my heart. I thank you for believing in me and knowing me. Thank goodness you are so little, for I can put you in my heart, and there you will stay forever, as I am your "arco" forever.

"Arco" was a childhood name Jack Weiner called his granddaughter.