This is a story about our grandfather, Harry Morgan - it was written by a guest who still visited the resort for over 35 years. He was a minister from Ohio who wrote a commentary in his local newspaper every week.

This was one of his stories. It was an article that was written in 1986.

Harry Morgan is a Canadian. More than 40 years ago he purchased a modest lodge with a few cabins on Deer Bay in the Kawartha Lakes region of Central Ontario north of Toronto. I have been Harry's guest for almost every summer for the past 20 years - The skies are usually blue
at Beachwood. The water is fresh and most of the time the fish are biting. Years ago when I first met Harry he said to me: "I'll enjoy shaking your hand when you arrive, and when you get ready to leave, but I'm not much for shaking hands every time we meet in the boat-well or around the
fish cleaning table." His words were offered in a good spirit and I have always felt were expressive of a rather typical and even attractive Canadian reserve.

I visited with Harry Morgan a few days ago. He is now 86. Beachwood has grown, and is now operated by his son Fred. This has been a difficult year for Harry. His brother Jack died during the year, and many of his early fishing guests from 40 years back have either passed on, or are otherwise unable to make their annual pilgrimage to the Lake. Harry was in a reflective mood as we talked together. He said: "You remember what I used to tell you about not shaking hands too offen? I was wrong. I wish I could shake my bother's hand again. And all the fellows who used to come up here when we were getting started: Ralph Thompson, Willard Harper, Harold Snyder - I'd like to shake their hands too, but they're all gone now - There was a soft wistfulness in Harry's voice as he spoke, and at least a hint of the morning mist seemed to have gathered in the corners of his eyes. I think Harry Morgan was trying to tell me what we all know: - Friendship is special. It can last in our hearts forever, but not always in our circumstances. Changes come - "The seasons pass. The years will roll." So we will do well to take kindly care of our friends, old and new, and those yet to be known while we can.
I look forward to seeing you in church. It will be nice to shake your hand.

Sincerely, Gene Frazer, Minister
Trinity United Methodist Church
Columbus, Ohio