(Intro written by Ryan Wilensky)
Maurice “Moe” Williams came to camp as an 8 year old in 1995. He had a hard time at first as a camper, but became a loveable favorite of the staff. In 2001, his Gottlieb year, Moe received a Staff Award, which goes to a camper that the staff absolutely adores. He was a High Senior on the White War, which easily won Color War. Moe was a counselor from 2002 to 2008. He got to coach Color War Volleyball, in 2006, for the white team, on the United. He not only wore his United shirt often, it turned out that he made a few more and gave some to his friends at home.
Each summer the camp has elections for camper positions such as President, Postmaster and Sergeant at Arms. Moe always seemed to go after, and receive, the Sergeant at Arms position. The duties are unclear (and silly), but were described in the Spirit as “Raise and lower the flag, defend camp and provide tactical military expertise if needed.” Therefore, going forward, we thought it would be appropriate to rename this position the Maurice Williams Sergeant at Arms, in memory of Moe. There was no more dedicated defender of West End House Camp than Maurice Williams.
Moe passed away on November 23, 2023. Therefore, this month’s Becoming one of the Boys are anecdotes and stories from several West Enders that knew Moe best. Also, Elizabeth Cady, Moe’s life partner, wrote about how much camp meant to Moe. It seems appropriate for her message to begin this article.
Elizabeth Cady (Moe’s life partner) – West End House Camp gave so much to Maurice but above all, it gave him a sense of security. Summer camp to Maurice provided him with an escape where he could simply just be a kid. Growing up in Boston, looking both ways to cross the street, that was the least of a parent’s concern when their kids went outside to play. At camp though, he was able to be carefree and explore nature, make friends, and run around doing activities that he wouldn’t dream of doing at home (such as archery, which he still did as an adult). He learned responsibilities and skills that would stay with him for the rest of his life. His time in the waterfront showed him how great of a swimmer he was and he later joined his school’s swim team, having counselors he respected taught him authority and discipline, and making friends from all different backgrounds taught him how to interact and socialize with anyone. Even as an adult returning to camp for “old timers’ week” you would often see Maurice interacting with everyone, whether they were 20 years old or 50 years old, he was a friend to all.
Camp wasn’t just a fun way for Maurice to pass time during summer break. It became a vital part of who he was and he formed relationships with his camp brothers that lasted a lifetime. Not a holiday would go by where he didn’t text a handful of West End friends to give them well wishes or even just randomly check in to see how someone was doing. West End House Camp gave Maurice a brotherhood, a group of trusted friends he knew he could always count on.
Ryan Wilensky (Camp Director) – I remember Moe’s first year in 1995, when he was 8 years old and I was a Junior Counselor. He was lovable but was prone to a tantrum as many kids are at that age. I can remember one vividly. He came into my cabin (4A), which was a veteran group, as I think someone promised him snacks or something, but they changed their mind. Moe got very angry and stormed out of the bunk bumping into Davey Hahn (13 years old), who was very strong. Moe plowed right through Davey, without realizing it and Davey flew to the ground. Davey got up, looked at me, and pretended not to be hurt. We both were shocked with how powerful young 8 year old Moe was.
Moe was loved by everyone immediately. “Pizza Sub,” was one of his many memorable “Moe-isms.” Moe wasn’t just loved at camp, my dad loved Moe too. Moe was a student at the Umana Barnes Middle School in East Boston and my dad was a veteran math teacher there until his retirement in 2001. He was always talking to Moe and loved seeing him on Visiting Day. At Moe’s funeral, his giggle was brought up, that is what I will remember most about Moe, that infectious giggle. He was always in a good mood and he cared deeply about everyone at camp. He will be sadly missed. Just a beautiful camp story of how dedicated our staff was for not giving up on him and Moe showing his endless appreciation to everyone that helped him along the way. Moe was and always will be “One of the Boys.”
Bill Margolin (Executive Director) – I recall when his father contacted me and visited me at the Club to sign Moe up. He was a very large man who was called “Big John” and years afterwards when I drove Moe home after Old Timers’ Week I would always stop in to say hello to Big John. Moe and I had a nice conversation last summer…the longest one I had had with him in years. I’m glad our last meeting was a pleasant and friendly one.
Josh Daigle (Assistant Camp Director) – Moe genuinely loved and cared about every single West Ender. As a camper and counselor with Moe, I remember one of his favorite places being the benches near the entrance of camp. I’m not sure if it was because he was that serious about his position as Sr. Sergeant at Arms, but he would sit and eagerly welcome visitors to camp and check in with campers and staff as they passed by. Since we became Old Timers together in 2010, Moe was the face of our crew in 2A. There was never a question about who would be the first person to show up for our cabin. It was Moe. There was never a question about who the senior counselor bed was saved for. That was for Moe. Nevertheless, it was always nice to spend time catching up with him, especially during the early, quieter part of OTW. He remembered my entire family by name, and was always excited to hear how they were doing. I will miss all of this, and so much more about Moe.
Steve Dancey (Business Operations Director) – A warm smile, a unique chuckle, a mischievous yet endearing nature: this is how I will remember Moe. A friend to all West Enders. WEHC brought out the best in Moe, and Moe exemplified the potential that West End has to positively change lives and create lifelong bonds. He will be missed.
Steve Lepler (former Camp Director) – I remember Maurice as a fun camper, an enthusiastic counselor, and a committed old timer. My favorite memories of Moe was his dominance in the pie eating contests as a counselor. I also remember sitting with him on the porch of the Kezar during this past summer’s OTW coming up with creative starts for the upcoming Color Wars. He is an unforgettable character who we will greatly miss!
Caleb Englander – I was Moe’s Junior Counselor in 1995, which was his first year in camp. I remember him best as an 8 year old with a smile, as everyone says, that lights up the room. It wasn’t an easy first summer with Moe, to be honest. He was energetic, constantly testing the patience of the staff and Bill with his behavior. But it was very difficult – at least for me – to be angry with him for very long because he was so loveable, and clearly loved being at camp so much. At one point in Moe’s first summer, we were considering sending him home early because of his behavior. Billy Faria and I felt so committed and devoted to keeping him at camp – not just because he loved it, but also because we enjoyed having him in the bunk, and saw how much he offered camp. I don’t recall the exact conversation with Bill, but I think he basically felt like, ‘well if you guys can handle it, then let’s keep him’. I’m so glad we did, as he offered so much spirit to camp for many years to come.
One of the things I remember best from Moe’s first summer was how much he loved the water. He’d play in the water, and then saunter back up to the cabin with his quintessential Moe swagger, that he had even at 8.
I will miss Moe a lot, and feel very lucky that I got to see him and take a picture with him this past summer at OTW. He insisted on taking a photo with Billy Faria, Geoff Dancey, and me this past summer, and was very enthusiastic about marking his 30th anniversary of being in 5A soon. Sadly, we won’t get to celebrate Moe’s 30 years coming up to camp, but I think and hope he knew what a positive impact he had on camp and on me, personally, and I know what a positive impact camp had on his life as well. RIP, Moe.
Billy Faria – Maurice arrived at West End House Camp as an 8 year old with a big smile and a bigger personality, transforming quickly from Lyonel’s little brother to big Moe. He made us laugh every day, highlighted by his daily demands of the cooks for Pizzasubs for lunch. We never knew what a pizzasub was – was it a pizza, a calzone? We never figured it out. Every morning he would demand something different than what the cooks were serving, and when we told him he couldn’t have it he would frown and say “I hate you” then do his deep Moe laugh. He was impossible to discipline without laughing.
I was one of Moe’s many counselors and friends at camp. His memory will carry on as we tell old stories of Moe for years to come and laugh.
Jared Wilk – We’ve all heard about a contagious laugh, but Moe had more than that. He had an infectious smile… and of course that Moe giggle as well. In his first summer at camp, it was like Moe was shot out of a cannon off the bus, as he took over West End within days. He was a star and a legend from the get-go, as an honorary counselor and sidekick to Steve Cohn during the Counselor Hunt, the one who got to go in the first pool for rest period, the kid known for being the protector of camp, as the perpetual Sergeant at Arms. Moe had a special way with people, and I mean with all people. I remember on Visiting Day seeing Moe befriend the parents of his friends – really any parents he came across, whether he knew their kid well or not – like he was a politician. By the time he was a veteran at camp, Moe had multiple sets of parents bringing him different foods that they knew he loved, because people enjoyed making Moe happy, as they loved to see his big smile. Fast forward about 20 years, and Moe was more than a staple at Old Timers’ Week, but a true West End Legend! I honestly am not sure if I can think of anyone, other than the truest of titans, who had as many genuine relationships with other West Enders spanning the generations and different crews. He could walk into any cabin at old timers’ week and, not only be welcomed, but connect on a personal level. West End meant so much to him, but he also represented so much to and for us.
Mo was one of my favorite West Enders of my 30 years there. I hope many of you will smile today as you hear his infectious giggle in your head…
Justin Kesner – The summer of 2000, I was selected to coach the 13 & Under Baseball team for a single game against Camp Winaukee. I felt we fielded a competitive team, which Moe tried out for, but unfortunately did not make. Moe wasn’t bothered he didn’t make the team. He showed up to our practices as if he was David Ortiz, with leadership qualities that were felt by our players and coaches.
On game day, Winaukee arrived and you would’ve thought we were playing the Portland Sea Dogs. Their uniforms, equipment, and pregame warm-up was the sign of a highly talented team. The game went as expected with West End getting crushed in the first two innings. The opposing coach and I quickly decided it would be best to limit the game to five innings. When the final inning rolled around our players were beat down and sulking, but Moe was so excited to be sitting on the bench, the score didn’t faze him. I made a quick decision to let Moe pinch hit. We found the largest player on the team to give Moe his jersey (a snug uniform wasn’t going to take this opportunity away). Moe grabbed a bat and strutted to the plate as if he were Mo Vaughn…absolutely no fear and filled with confidence. Somehow, he drew a walk and sprinted to first base. Wanting the full experience it didn’t take more than two seconds for Moe to whisper “can I steal?” Given that the game was out of hand, I had no intention of killing his full experience. After the second pitch I gave Moe the signal (sliding my right hand from my left shoulder down my left arm). The grin across his face was priceless. The third pitch was delivered and Moe took off for second base…and to say he was “thrown out by a mile” would be an understatement. Both teams and Moe burst out laughing. We knew at that point we had no shot, but it was heartwarming to see Moe so happy.
This memory is indicative of how he continued to live his life. No matter the circumstances you could count on Moe to show up, bring a loving and caring attitude, deliver some laughs, and playfully insult everyone he speaks to. His larger than life presence and West End status will be missed by generations of alumni; however, we all should be grateful to have called him a brother.
Justin Avergon – Moe loved spending his days at WEHC, especially on the H dock. It was truly amazing to see how fast he was in the water, and would spend as much time as he could enjoying Long Pond.
Dave Kaplan – From what I can remember, Moe really liked swim-racing kids in the third pool, and he would make everybody look foolish. He was probably the fastest swimmer in camp at one point. I had him as a counselor one year, I forget when, but I vividly remember he would always end up with extra cake and milk. We all laughed it off as classic Moe.
Michael Kirsten – Moe was my senior counselor when I was a camper in 4B, and in those years, I was softer than a peeled grape, and still getting homesick. On top of that, my parents told me earlier in the summer that they were getting divorced, so it was a pretty rough time overall. One night in particular, Moe could tell that I was feeling down in the Mess Hall, and pulled me back to the cabin. We sat on the porch steps of our cabin and he pulled out a bunch of soft drinks; Moe’s personal stash of canteen goodies. He was the first and only person I ever let call me Mikey, and he immediately cheered me up. I still think about that night all the time; heart of gold.”
Brandon Avergon – During this past OTW, we were excited to watch some camp video from almost 20 years ago that someone had found. One of the tapes was of a large event where all the counselors put on an epic pro wrestling show for all the campers to cheer on their favorite staff members in the ring.
It turns out Moe was the surprise guest wrestler that year. When Moe came running out of that tunnel like he was shot out of a cannon, every single person in that auditorium leapt to their feet and started cheering as loudly as they could.
There have been very few moments where I’ve felt that kind of energy and heard that much noise in the Rec Hall. Part of what made Moe so special was his natural ability to create moments like that. When I think about that memory, I hope Moe knew that West End House Camp loved him as much as he loved camp.
Thank you everyone for contributing to this fitting tribute for our dear friend, Maurice Williams. Moe will always be “One of the Boys” in our memories and our hearts.