Today the Camp ASCCA family is saddened to learn about the passing of former Camp Mac Director, Bob Gene McBride.
Bob Gene will be remembered by many through the adventures of the summer camp started in 1948 by his family, Camp Mac, and the impact his family had on the successes of camps across the state. Over the past 40 years, Bob Gene has been a huge part of Camp ASCCA where he served as a board member, acted as a mentor for years of ASCCA administration, and was an unforgettable friend to many.
When the ASCCA family heard the news, many people took to social media to share their memories and give their condolences to the Camp Mac family. Many people who knew Bob Gene personally and others who were impacted by his legacy share their thoughts.
Phillip Crain, a Camp ASCCA alumnus, shares, “Sad. While I never personally knew Bob Gene, the impact Camp Mac had on my family is unquestioned. Almost half my family and extended family spent multiple summers “Among the Pines” enjoying the seemingly endless activities that Camp Mac (It’s a palindrome by the way) offered. However, Camp Mac wasn’t the only camp that Bob Gene impacted. Camp ASCCA also felt his touch with Camp Mac providing the resources for some of our favorite activities over the years. I’m sure Matt Rickman can clarify my vague details but that’s beside the point. Bob Gene was a great man who impacted the lives of thousands. He will be missed.”
Matt Rickman, Camp ASCCA Director, writes, “Bob Gene has had such a positive effect on Camp ASCCA Easter Seals. He has been a mentor to our past and present administration, personally and professionally. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Camp Mac family.”
Robert French, a former staff member at ASCCA and now an Auburn University professor, recalls Bob Gene’s kindness and leadership, “Rest in Peace Bob Gene McBride. You certainly left a lasting positive impression upon so many people’s lives. Camp Mac is legendary in the hearts and minds of so many children and adults. Your influence is also strongly felt at Camp ASCCA Easter Seals where you served as a board member, mentor and friend for all of ASCCA’s 40 years. The world is better for having been graced by your kindness.”
The visitation service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Talladega on Thursday, September 1st, from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Visitation will be followed by a Celebration of Life service.
Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of traditional recreational and educational activities with a unique design for accessibility.
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