Bryce Gillies was a Northern Arizona University engineering student and Eagle Scout that took and ill fated trip in July 2009 into the Grand Canyon. I had forgotten about his tragic story until I saw it was the feature article of Sunday’s Arizona Republic , Arizona  Living section.  I strongly encourage anyone thinking of hiking the Grand Canyon to read this article because unfortunately Bryce made a series of mistakes that are common in canyon fatalities whether the hiker is experienced or not.  The purpose of this post is not to focus on Gillies’ death but to focus on what one organization is doing to make something positive out of this.

Bryce Gillies was a member of the organization Engineers Without Borders and spent part of last year using his engineering knowledge to help build a medical clinic in Ghana. In honor of Bryce, The Northern Arizona University chapter of Engineers Without Borders has started a memorial fund in his name.  If you wish to donate to this worthy cause, please them to: Aaron Denham, Department of Anthropology, NAU, P.O. Box 15200, Flagstaff, AZ 86011.  Checks should be made out to “NAU Foundation- Engineers Without Borders”  and in the memo line of the check, please write Fund 5125, Bryce Gillies Memorial.

My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Bryce Gillies.