The Springfield (Ore.) Pathfinders gave the first Wimpy Stebbeds Award for donating the most community service hours to Samara Simpson, who completed 191 hours.
The award, which is intended to be given out annually, honors the late Wilburt "Wimpy" Stebbeds, who passed away in 2003 after leading the Springfield club for 30 years with his wife, Frankie.
Wimpy Stebbeds participated in the 2003 Pathfinder Fair in Salem, Ore., and drove a busload of Pathfinders from the event, even though he did not feel well, when the regular bus driver had other obligations.
His heart failed fatally three days later while he was doing yard work. The Pathfinders, their families and the entire church are thankful that God allowed him that one last chance to serve his beloved Pathfinder club safely and fully.
Stebbeds collected hundreds of pies to sell at the Pathfinder Fair each year, as well as performing all the diverse duties of a successful Pathfinder co-director. His ability to keep everything positive with a joke or story whatever the situation was a vital characteristic in keeping the club running smoothly. Frankie continues to serve as a Pathfinder counselor.
Despite the loss of this pillar of their club, the Springfield Pathfinders are moving forward. Serena Lui culminated a successful first year as director in March 2004 by guiding the annual Pathfinder Sabbath activities, which included a sermonette, an awards ceremony and a potluck. Alicia Wyatt was awarded Pathfinder of the Year for her enthusiasm and positive outlook. Mary Jo Hough and Melissa Deveney were awarded teen Pathfinders of the Year.
The Springfield drill team, led by Hough and Steve Liu, won the fancy drill competition at this year's Oregon Pathfinder Fair, earning them the honor of performing as the Oregon Conference color guard through the next fair.
Samara Simpson, second from right, received the first Wimpy Stebbeds Award for the most hours of community service in Springfield, Ore.
Pathfinder Sabbath 2004 was the culmination of the Springfield Pathfinder club's first full year under new leadership
The late Wilburt "Wimpy" Stebbeds (shown here with his wife, Frankie, in 2003) was honored posthumously during the 2004 Pathfinder Sabbath program.
