SAN JUAN ISLAND BOY SCOUTS

The Gossoms soar with Double Eagles

Story and photos by Sharon Kivisto

Tim Pope watches as John and Jim Gossom recite the Eagles Obligation.

posted 07/05/05

Corwin Waldron recited the Boy Scout Law as Michael Guard lit the candles.

The Beaver Patrol escorted Jim and John into the ceremony.

Assistant Scoutmaster John Jull explained how a scout reaches becomes an Eagle Scount.

Cooky Gossom pins the awards on her sons.

Scoutmaster Burk Gossom gave eagles statues to his sons.

Friday Harbor High School wrestling coach Gordy Banry congratulaed the young men.

The new Eagle Scouts were escorted out by their grandparents, Lorraine Larson, and Dr. and Mrs. John N. Gossom.

Friends congratulated John and Jim.

posted 07/15/05
Family and friends gathered at the Mullis Center Saturday, July 9, 2005 to watch John and Jim Gossom receive Boy Scout's highest honor - The Eagle Award. Cooky Gossom pinned the awards on her sons, John and Jim Gossom as their father Scoutmaster Burk Gossom looked on. "We couldn't have accomplished this without the help of the community," John said. Dr. John Gossom, the boys' grandfather, said, "This community of Friday Harbor has been absolutely wonderful to my kids."

David Waldron drew laughs with his reminiscences. The family is remarkably close, he said. "When you get one Gossom, you get them all," The best word to describe the parents was "unflappable," he said. Burk was known for his "ridiculous optimism regarding any outdoor endeavor."

John and Jim participated in numerous scout trips off-island including one to the desert in Utah last year. Winter camping brought out John's talent for making "palatial" snow caves, Waldron said. Jim obtained the highly coveted stinky sock contest during a week-long stay at Camp Bogardus.

After Assistant Scoutmaster John Jull explained the work involved in becoming an Eagle Scout, the young men explained their Eagle Scout projects. Jim refinished the kitchen cabinets at St. David's Episcopal Church. He thanked Gary Boothman for letting him use his cabinet shop.

John built a bridge at Westcott Bay Sculpture Park. He thanked several people including the Brownes, Richard Lawson and Kay Kammerzell.

Friday Harbor High School Wrestling Coach Gordy Banry has been coaching for 12 years. Last year another wrestler, George Myers, became an Eagle Scout. Banry said, "I thank them for being part of my life. What special young men they are." He noted the contributions of the parents. "I've reaped the benefits," he said. "The wrestlers call Cooky, Girl Scout Cooky."

Cooky pinned the Eagle Award on her sons' sashes. Burk tied the Eagle kerchiefs around their necks.

At the end of the ceremony, Cooky recited "This Uniformed Little Boy" by Mike Wood. It ends with: "Now with an eagle upon his chest, he soars where once he ran, No longer that uniformed little boy; our Son....An Eagle....A Man."

Scoutmaster Burk Gossom tied the Eagle kerchief on Jim.

The new Eagle Scouts were congratulated and then everyone dug into the refreshments.

David Waldron (center) entertained the audience with stories about the scouts and their "unflappable" parents, Cooky and Burk Gossom.

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