From left to right: Dick, Geoff, Jenny, Cindy, Mike, Henry, Jack, Paul, and DerekWhen long-term Capitol Land Trust supporter, John Hough, died unexpectedly this summer, friends in the hiking group, THEM, wanted to honor their colleague in a special way. John loved the outdoors and had a deep appreciation for protected lands. He was an active volunteer as well, participating in projects on CLT lands with his friends from THEM.
One of the group’s members, Cleve Pinnix, suggested that an appropriate way to honor John’s memory might be to put some “sweat equity” into CLT lands. “John was all about creating community capital,” said Pinnix. “He was not shy about reminding those of us who care about the natural world that we had an obligation, if we were able, to support organizations like Capitol Land Trust and Washington Trails Association with both our time and money.”
Almost 20 members of THEM responded on three separate occasions. Two of those days of service involved removing invasive plants and taking down an old shed that was collapsing on the beautiful CLT Stephens Preserve in northeast Olympia.
John’s wife, Cindy, served both groups a homemade soup lunch and joined in the blackberry removal effort. She commented that . . .”our daughter, Jenny, and I were pleased to join John’s hiking buddies at these work parties. John so enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie he had with these men, and their shared value of being out in nature. I can’t think of a more fitting way for them to show their love and respect for him. Jenny and I are very grateful to these friends who donated their time and energy, as well as to those who made financial contributions, to Capitol Land Trust in honor of John. He would be humbled if he were still here with us.”
-Skip McGinty, Cleve Pinnix, and Cindy Hough