September 5, 1947 -  April 27, 1974

This information about our classmate, Julia Ann Wilson, appeared on a Facebook Post on May 18, 2021.  Julie's Funeral Service was held at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta on May 17, 1974.  She was perhaps one of our first classmates to pass away at the age of 26.  I had no idea that "Julie Wilson Falls" exists. But it does, and for 50 years our Classmate has been reminding those who pass by of values that we all can respect.  I hope many of your who were close to Julie will add to the story. The Grave Marker at the falls states:

                                                          JULIE ANN WILSON 

                                                                    (JULIE)

                                                 September 5, 1947 - April 27, 1974

    "A VERY WARM AND SINCERE PERSON WHO LOVED PEOPLE AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS"

"Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to hike into Julie Wilson Falls with some very special people. (Julie Wilson tragically drown in 1974 while on a kayak trip with Walt Blackadar.) It all came about because of Charlie Frair. Charlie and Julie were once fellow adventurers, lovers and friends.

When Julie died, Charlie wrote, "I was overcome with grief, completely devastated, and feeling powerless, I shut her out of my life and never said good-bye. Recently, however, I have found myself thinking about her and I've been inspired to learn the whole story of what happened and finally visit her grave. What I've discovered so far is an amazing story."

Last winter, during the depth of the pandemic, Charlie wrote to Devon Barker-Hicks and myself, and we both offered to hike with Charlie into the West Fork of the Bruneau where Julie Wilson Falls - and Julie's grave - is located. Our party consisted of pathfinder Jon Barker (of Barker River Expeditions); Devon and her husband and river guide Mike Hicks; Charlie and his adventurous travel companion Megan Devlin; myself and, of course, my adventurous travel companion Kathy Daly.

In the evening, at our camp, Charlie organized a ceremony beside Julie's grave. Charlie told us stories of Julie and their times together, and how special it was for him to finally find Julie's resting place. Devon had created a special chai medallion to be left at the grave and gave each of us smaller versions as a remembrance of Julie.

It was a wonderful, moving experience and I'm grateful to have been a part of it. Thank you Charlie, Devon, Jon, Mike, Megan and Kathy for your companionship"