Skip Wilke the WILLING Servant

For those reading this blog who have no idea who Skip Wilke is, let me just say that he is a dear friend who recently went home to his heavenly Father and who was an amazing example of the Father’s love to me.

Even as I am typing these memories of Skip, I was expressing frustration over the age and slowness of my mac computer. If Skip could have overheard my need for a computer, I would have seen one in a box, at my doorstep within the week. During my 12 years as executive director at Camp du Nord, Skip was always by my side and ready to do whatever it took to help me be successful. If he heard even the hint of a need he would do whatever was in his power to meet that need. I am sure there were times when he was unable or unwilling to meet the need, but somehow, he made me feel as if he was always ready and willing to jump into action.

My first memory of Skip must have been at the mid America camp conference (MACC) at the Saint Benidict conference center near Madison, Wisconsin. We drove up from Camp Tecumseh (Indiana) every January and that tradition continued, even as I bounced from camp to camp. Years later, chairing this conference was especially fun because I knew that Skip would be on the committee and all would be well. From my early days in the YMCA, Skip was a true friend. His big smile and warm handshake were something akin to coming into the presence of the Almighty. Not because Skip was God, but somehow, God was always with Skip, so you knew that when you were in Skip’s presence, you were in the Father’s presence. Skip was not all that vocal about His faith, but he did not need to be, his life spoke much louder than his words.

In the mid 90’s we were in the process of expanding Camp du Nord with the purchase of a large piece of adjoining property. There was plenty of associated politics and controversy over the project, but when Skip jumped in with a gift of $40,000 toward the property purchase, I heard the Father whisper in my ear. "Skip Wilke just gave you a gift and you can take this as a sign that I am “WILLING” to provide for this project."

Many other Skip stories could be told by myself and countless others but for now it is enough to say that Skip’s willingness to be present, to provide and to encourage are the attributes of our heavenly Father and are also, the attributes to embrace in our own lives. Though Skip has crossed over, his memory and his example will stick with those that knew him forever.