Dear Chesley,
   After reading all the other messages, I realized that I didn't get a chance to know you as well as the others, but wanted you to know that you DID leave a lasting impression at the last manager's meeting in Atlanta.
   We had a "hat contest" and, after awarding prizes in the various categories, you awarded a "special" prize for my Fort Macon hat. That was lovely, but what impressed me most was the notation "loved the hat" you wrote at the bottom of my next extra compensation award letter. Just the fact that you remembered someone you had only met once and made mention of a silly little hat made me feel part of Eastern National. Thank You.

In Memorium

 I was just remembering the first time I met Chesley. She was still in college (or maybe graduated that year) and had come to help with the 1981 Bicentennial of the Surrender at Yorktown. Chesley was brimming with energy and enthusiasm. I was a new business manager at Colonial national Historical Park. I remember in the years that followed how proud her father Chet Harris was when we spoke about her. A few years later, Chesley and I were pregnant at the same time. She was this amazing woman that never missed a day of work during her pregnancy, while I was having intravenous feeding and missed many days of work. Her resolve was strong then and all through her battle with cancer.

She dedicated her life's work in support The National Park Service through her efforts at Eastern National Park and Monument Association.

Thank you to Fran and katy for sharing Chesley with Eastern National and all of us. She was a wonderful human being.

You were an inspiration to me, Chesley. You left us too soon but I am sure that you are with the Angels now. Prayers to the Moroz and Eastern National Families.

Working with Chesley at Eastern National was a unique and fun experience. I still keep a "to do" list in the same way she did, minus the wite out. What a tireless and amazing leader!

My Sincere Condolences to Fran,Katy and of course Chet,

When I think of Ches, I think of a managers trip she and I took in the mid 90's to go white water rafting in WV. She was always up for any new challenge! Like that river she was a Force of Nature!

Ches, it was a short trip, but you packed in 10 Life times. I'm glad I got to meet you in one.

Peace.

Edited by author 07-31-2008 06:58 AM
I never physically met Chesley, but after speaking to her on the phone on many, many occasions, I could feel not only her sense of humor, but her compassion and love of life. One could tell, after a simple, short conversation, that Chesley was a wonderful person- - she is and will always be greatly missed.

Tawana Armstead
Rock Creek National Park

Fran and Katie,

You are in our thoughts and our hearts. I will always remember meeting Chesley when we both became new moms. We were lucky enough to see our daughters grow and become the beautiful young women we knew they'd be.

I'm thankful Chesley was a part of our lives.