The four horses that call the barn home are “over the hill” but each day they continue to amble into their stalls for their day’s ration of grain.

Like everything else in life, Fox Crest Stable has changed. Sometimes I wish I could make time stand still or at least go back in time for just one day at the barn. But we all know that would be impossible. For almost 20 years and summer after summer the barn was filled with the excitement of hundreds of children who attended the Fox Crest Summer Camps.

It is late afternoon and the July sun is beaming down on the barn’s tin roof. Despite the heat, I have come to the barn today to sit on the bench and ponder and reminisce. I savor the smell of hay, grain and horses as I recall one special little camper and friend, Cody Coates.

I close my eyes and for a moment I can see the youngster leading a horse through the back gate with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. His smile was infectious. His older sister, Curry, in her shy manner, was always nearby keeping a watchful eye on her little brother. My daughter said she was akin to a “mother hen.”

Cody first came to Fox Crest at the age of four. He did not attend the usual one session. He came to every single camp that summer. There was not a task he did not willingly perform.

He quickly made friends with the other campers and counselors. He never met a stranger. During storytelling hour, he enthralled the campers with his hunting and fishing tales. Quickly, “Cody Man” became a key and popular figure at Fox Crest. He even organized a secret club.

At the end of his first summer camp, Cody announced that he would “be back next summer and work as a counselor.” And this he did. It was never questioned or discussed even though he was only 5-years-old.

The youngest counselor arrived for his second camp dressed in complete cowboy regalia…Wranglers, belt buckle, ten gallon hat and Justin boots. Apart from camp he attended rodeos, horse shows and 4-H shows with the “Fox Crest crew”. On these adventures and once again he never met a stranger and somehow managed to meet the bull and bronc riders, clowns and performers. He was always smiling and shaking hands. He simply had a unique way of meeting people and making friends.

While at camp, Cody led the expedition each day to the creek. Along the way he pointed out and taught campers how to identify deer, raccoon, turkey and other wild animal tracks. He also taught them how to catch tadpoles and minnows from the creek.

A senior gentleman visited the barn often and it was Cody, who without being asked or prompted, ran to his car, shook the visitor’s hand and then escorted him to the barn to sit on the bench.

Cody’s mother purchased a fat bay pony “Emma” for the little cowboy. Two months later, Emma presented Cody with a paint colt. One can only imagine his excitement when he arrived at the barn very early in the morning to find the surprise that shocked everyone. Cody rode his pony and graciously shared her with his friends and campers. Emma continued to live at Fox Crest until two years ago when she succumbed to old age and went to greener pastures. Her remains were laid to rest just outside the barn’s back gate.

The summers came and went, far too quickly, and after five or six years “Cody Man,” like most other campers had outgrown Fox Crest camp and left it to the younger boys and girls.

As Cody grew older, he pursued hunting and fishing and became known as an avid and outstanding outdoorsman. He also turned his attention to basketball. Through these pursuits, he continued to make friends and excel.

I was fortunate to have known Cody from the minute he was born and watched him grow into a fine young man. He was adored by his parents, grandparents, sister, aunt, uncle and cousin and a host of other family members and friends.

He was also loved by the members of Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church. It was common on Sunday morning to watch as Cody, unassuming and without being asked, escort a senior citizen into the sanctuary or take a restless child outside during service. For many years, he assisted the elders during the offertory part of the worship service.

Cody’s life came to a tragic end in a vehicle accident sadly on graduation night. Even though he is no longer with us, he has left memories that make us smile and remember days of old and good times. After all these years his name, now a bit faded, is still painted on the barn wall alongside his camper friends. For as long as the Fox Crest Barn stand, Cody will remain a vital part of it.

Cody Coates did not discriminate. He chose his friends from all walks of life. He loved the young and old, rich and poor, black and white and even the handicapped. This he practiced as a child and continued to do so as a teenager. He left a legacy for all to follow.

Cody is no longer with us but he will always be in our hearts and often on our minds. Good bye “Cody Man”. Your winning smile, generosity and pleasant personality will forever be remembered.