The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner
Fred Cargill would be proud of his family, but not surprised. Fred, an active Henderson County citizen and community minded family man died of stomach cancer on May 19, 2000. His family classified him as a "true American".
He loved all kinds of sports, loved his community, his county and his country, and he especially was proud of his boys and their families.
He had served on the county board, the village board, and the Hend-Co Country Club aiding in the improvements of the back nine golf course with Wendell Fisher. Fred also loved to repair clocks.
When cancer hit Fred, it was a blow to the family. It was easy for his boys to make the decision to join the county's Relay For Life endeavor to raise money to fight cancer. It was a way they could honor their dad and support many others whose lives have been affected by the life-threatening disease.
In honor of their dad, the Cargills set up "Camp Cargill" and planned selling one of their dad's "fish fry feasts' to all who came into their camp to raise money. They also had baskets that were raffled off and games for kids.
Using their dad's love for repairing clocks and love of patriotism, they used the theme "It's Time To Be Patriotic" and had shirts and hats made for the entire family to wear.
As J.R., second oldest, was busy breading the fish, his brother Chuck helped in frying.
They talked how their dad had always purchased catfish fillets from the same fish market and how he had a secret recipe for breading the fish. The last two years of his life, he carefully gave J.R. the secret and watched over him to make sure all was done properly.
"This is the first time I have fried fish for this many people," J.R. said. "Usually I just do it for our families and I am finished by now."
Around 40 lbs. of the 60 lbs. of catfish were fried and eaten Friday night, and everyone agreed it was delicious! It was served with baked beans, cole slaw, bread and butter.
The Cargill Camp raised $440 with their family salute to Fred.
Thirty-four of the Cargills took part in the game, almost everyone. The farthest to come was granddaughter Debbie and children who flew from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Those who took part in the Relay did it out of compassion for others and out of hate for the disease and what it has done to family members and friends. A strong abhorrence for a cancer that has threatened or taken loved ones can fuel a drive in a positive way to eliminate it.
The final results of the Henderson County Relay For Life will be given in Sandy Lefler's final report after all funds have been turned in and calculated.
Sandy, who chaired the event for three years and saw that Henderson County had their own relay, will be stepping down as chairman after three great years, committee members said.
Peg Ingles and Nancy Hull, on behalf of the Relay for Life committee, presented Sandy with an Isabel Bloom "Hugs" statuary in recognition of her hard work and all her support.
Many others were given special recognition and thanks throughout the evening. For those who made it through the night, emotions ran high by closing ceremonies at 10 a.m. The final lap concluded with Mike Cole playing Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA."
Family Honors Dad With "Camp Cargill" at Relay For Life
The children of Eileen Cargill and her late husband, Fred of Stronghurst are pictured above with their mother. From left is Steve, J.R., Eileen, Chuck and Lonnie. The group and their families have united annually at the Henderson County Relay For Life event to raise money for cancer research in honor of their father Fred who died of cancer May 19, 2000.
Relay For Life Chair Sandy Lefler (center) is surprised with a thank you gift from her committee. Presenting an Isabel Bloom "Hugs" is Peg Ingles (right) and Nancy Hull.
438 Luminaries circled the track