Mike Deneault
Harold J. "Mike" Deneault '36 - '79
Throughout the decades of Birch Rock, there is one familiar face that has reappeared from decade to decade helping to maintain continuity, stability and most of all, an endless supply of energy...that is Mike Deneault.
Mike's camp story begins in 1936 when he was caddying at a country club in Burlington, VT. He received a call from his high school coach, Buck Hard. Buck was a senior counselor and Trip Leader at BRC. He called Mike to come to East Waterford that summer as a counselor because the camp was short-handed. Mike packed his things and away he went for what would be the next five summers.
Immediately nickname "Mike" for no apparent reason by then Head Counselor Charlie Downs(??), Mike has been his calling card ever since. Mike's early summers were fond times for him. He graduated from Burlington H.S. in 1937 and, at the urging of his mentor Buck Hard, continued his education at Kimball Union Academy for two more years. He was active in the daily camp program but also lead wilderness trips far north and on the rivers of Maine. During this period, Mike went to New York City to work at (??) the Bilks Athletic Training School until his call for active duty led him to the United States Army. However, these were not the only significant changes in his life.
While serving at Fort Devens in Ayer, MA in 1941, Mike encountered a beautiful young woman on a train in White River Junction, VT. Although their first encounter was brief and he didn't get her name, Mike was smitten. Months later on base at a USO dance his lifelong friend and fellow Birch Rocker Bill Everts '30s reintroduced Mike to "the lady on the train." Her name was Phyllis.
Mike and Phyllis were married on April 17, 1944 at the Fort Devens chapel. For the next few years, Mike was transferred overseas while Phyllis remained with her family until his discharge in February, 1946.
Upon return to the States, Mike and Phyllis reunited to work together at Kimball Union Academy where Chief and Onie Brewster were serving as the heads of the school. Mike worked in athletics while his consort helped out with athletic events. They were a devoted and dedicated team for the academy and for the Brewsters. As was the case for many who worked with the Brewsters, the Deneaults came to McWain Pond in 1946. They had their first child, a son named Micheal. Eighteen months later their second son Jason was born.
The Deneaults continued their tenure at KUA and had a third child named Ann in 1953. Being committed to the values of nurturing and taking care of their own immediate and extended families, Mike and Phyllis decided they needed to leave school life in order to help Phyllis's dad with the daily operation of his automobile sales business. For the next Decade the Deneault Dynamic Duo returned to Ayer, MA and worked tirelessly for the family until the business was sold in 1966.
Having always enjoyed the passion for mentoring and teaching young students, Mike heard of a new opening for an experienced athletic trainer and educator at Milton Academy. Another new chapter had begun for the Deneaults as they returned to academy life for the next eighteen years in Milton, MA.
Upon hearing the news that the Deneaults were at Milton Academy, the Brewsters were anxious for them to return to Birch Rock and McWain Pond. Mike returned to assist Chief Brewster with the daily operation of the camp, while Phyllis took charge of the menu planning, food purchasing, flower gardens, and assisting Onie Brewster.
In 1973, loss and change would come to BRC. Chief Brewster suddenly passed away during the early camp season. Forever loyal and devoted, Mike and Phyllis lead the camp forward to a new generation. With David Weeks and a veteran crew under their helm, Mike and Phyllis directed the camp community for the next five seasons.
After 18 years at Milton Academy and decades at BRC, Mike was ready to retire from school/camp life and travel with his beloved Phyllis. So the Deneaults move to Leominister, MA near Phyllis' aging mom. Forever energized, Mike began a part-time job working for the local hardware store while taking time to travel in their camper named ROCKY.
Feeling the need to be closer to family, Mike and Phyllis moved to the Berkshires in 1999. The Deneaults built their dream home next to their daughter Ann. Mike did the landscaping and Phyllis designed the home. As time ensued, Phyllis was diagnosed with cataplexy and along with that narcolepsy. The next two years were a time of much health strain for Phyllis. She passed away in March 2002.
Sharing in his family's grief, Mike came back to BRC later that summer. The camp paid tribute to Phyllis and dedicated a garden in her memory.
The camp rallied three generations of Birch Rockers in 2005 for a special day in honor of Mike Deneault. Over a hundred alumni and family friends came to BRC to share in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Deneault's Den. Mike cut the ribbon and testimonials from former students, his children and fellow Birch Rockers were hailed.
Mike passed away exactly one year after his last night at BRC.
