Scout who lost his life and longtime volunteer recognized by Kennebec Valley District

PHOTO: Luanne Chesley with Troop 479 leaders Sam Boynton, and Christian Hunter and Troop 479 Scouts Isaac Audette, Tad Dow, Kameron Rossignol, Mike Choate, Nathan Choate and Brady Newell as the Spirit of the Eagle Award was presented posthumously to Remy Pettengill. (Submitted photo)

WINSLOW – An Eagle Scout who lost his life too soon and a longtime Scouting volunteer were recipients of major awards at the Kennebec Valley District Scout Leaders Recognition Dinner March 11.
Remy Pettengill, 17, of China, was awarded the Spirit of the Eagle Award, a posthumous recognition of a registered youth member who has lost his or her life in an accident. Pettengill died Jan. 7 of injuries sustained in a Dec. 30 car accident.
Garth Smith, of Waterville, a leader in Scouting programs in Winslow, was awarded the District Award of Merit, the highest award a Scouting volunteer can achieve.
The dinner was held at at Winslow VFW MacCrillis-Rouseau Post 8835.
District Advancement Chair Luanne Chesley, of Vassalboro, said, of Smith, “Garth has served in large ways and some small ways in the Kennebec Valley region. In smaller ways, Garth has helped out at various events sometimes in the background or making sure things run smoothly logistically. Some examples include delivering firewood for the Klondike Derby, running stations at the camporee, or simply moving things from Point A to Point B at Camp Bomazeen. On the larger scale, Garth has volunteered at the District Pinewood Derby. The derby has a lot of kids and a lot of chaos, but Garth has helped many years to ensure that the event goes off without a hitch.”
He was nominated for the award by Millard Davis, of Winslow Troop 433, and was unanimously approved by the District Award of Merit Selection committee. Smith works at the Maine Center for Disease Control and is committee chair for Troop 433 Boys and Troop 433 Girls in Winslow. He has served in several BSA volunteer roles since he became active in Scouting in 2011.
Pettengill’s award was bestowed by the National Court of Honor. It recognizes the joy, happiness, and life-fulfilling experiences the Scouting program made in his life. It is also intended to help heal and comfort the youth member’s family and other loved ones.
The award was accepted by members of Troop 479. “He was their leader,” said Kennebec Valley District and Troop 479 Committee member Ron Emery. “He was the person each of the Scouts in the troop looked to help guide the way. It is appropriate that they should receive the award honoring their Senior Patrol Leader and friend.”
Pettengill was Troop 479 senior patrol leader, American Red Cross Lifeguard and a BSA Lifeguard, assistant coach of his brother’s middle school track team, worked at Camp Bomazeen, and volunteered with China Masonic Lodge 45. He was a student at Erskine Academy.
He earned Eagle rank August 2019. His two brothers, Bryson and Aiden, are also Eagles.
The Pettengill family shared a message with those at the dinner: “Each day Rémy walked this Earth, he greeted friends and strangers with a smile. He was a voice for those who could not find their own, he protected the weak, he championed the underdog, and he helped those in need. Please remember him with joy. Help Rémy continue his legacy – be kind to one another, hold the door open, smile, and care for those you know and even those you don’t. Love, laugh, live life to its fullest, and wear crazy socks!”