Ed Dayton's Community Spirit Inspires Mowat Construction
Whenever there was something that needed to get done for the community you’d find Ed Dayton there. It’s no surprise then that Ed spearheaded Mowat Construction’s effort to build a universally-accessible ramp for the rope course at Camp Korey.
For its philanthropic efforts and in particular for its work on behalf of Camp Korey at Carnation Farms Mowat Construction received the 2011 AGC/Moss Adams Service to the Community Award. The award was presented as part of AGC’s Build Washington Awards celebration May 19.
“It is part of our mission to be a positive influence in the communities in which we work” said Mowat President John Sandstrom. “It was a tremendous opportunity for our team to have a real impact on our community by using our skills and talents as builders.”
Camp Korey serves children with serious and life-threatening illnesses and their families at no cost. It provides year-round recreation programs specially designed to support the medical needs of campers while letting them just be kids and have fun. The camp has an elevated rope course high in the trees for children to climb and to improve their balance strength and confidence. However children who could not climb the ladder attached to one of the trees could not participate.
Ed Dayton Mowat’s General Superintendent approached Camp Korey and asked how the company could help. Ed then oversaw the creation of a universally-accessible ramp to access their ropes course.
The project had “Ed” written all over it. “Ed was always the first person to offer a helping hand to those in need regardless of if he knew your name” said Ashley Davis Construction Manager for Mowat. “He did whatever it took to get the job done right. He would do anything to help his colleagues and he had the same commitment to the community. He generously aided Camp Parsons Boy Scout Camp the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation – Ride for Kids Camp Korey and several other causes.”
Under Ed’s leadership Mowat along with its industry partners Gray Lumber Rasmussen Wire Rope and Rigging Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping and Stoneway Concrete constructed a universally-accessible ramp. Mowat dug and built the footings foundations pier blocks and columns. Mowat’s crew of exceptional craftsman built the ramp supports and substructure and placed columns bents joists and stringers to hold the decking of the ramp. The Mowat team assembled and attached the railing and handrails for safety and a draw bridge to connect it to the existing ropes course platforms.
“Camp Korey is about smiles joy confidence and inclusiveness and with this ramp more children have the opportunity to experience walking rolling and flying in the tree tops up in the air” said Elaine Ervin Construction Industry Group leader for Moss Adams who presented the award. “The ramp creates accessibility for all campers to enjoy the world from up to forty feet in the air and to let loose and forget about medical issues.”
Tragically shortly after helping to improve the lives of sick kids Ed passed away at the age of 44.
“Through his own example Ed inspired us to become better people to get involved with our passions to strive and reach our fullest potential” said Davis. “He was very smart had a great wit and he would be your best friend. He was a man’s man who could build anything. Ed just fit construction in every aspect. His morals work ethic and sense of right and wrong are a guiding light as we move forward as he would have wanted us to.”