The Lone Tree Spirit Foundation Inc.

05/16/2026

The members of the Lone Tree Spirit Foundation executive committee are saddened to share the passing of one of our founding members, Richard Preble.

Dick was a Lone Tree original. He was a fresh new Scout the year that Lone Tree Scout Reservation was turned into a Scout camp and was among its first campers in 1946. His troop frequently camped in the Ticonderoga campsite, which years later became the site of Fort Preble, named in Dick’s honor.

A lifelong resident of West Newbury, Massachusetts, Dick devoted his life to Scouting and to the young people it shaped. He was an Eagle Scout, a recipient of the Vigil Honor, and was recognized with Scouting’s Distinguished Service Award, the Silver Beaver. For 30 years, Dick served as Scoutmaster of Troop 26 in West Newbury, where he guided and inspired hundreds of Scouts, leaving a lasting mark on generations of young people and their families.

Dick was a member of both the Lone Tree and Yankee Clipper Council executive boards. For 20 years he served as council camping chairman where he led the camping program for 52 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and was the volunteer leader of the program and facilities at three Scout camps: Camp Onway, Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation, and his beloved Lone Tree Scout Reservation. Through that work, he helped create meaningful outdoor experiences for thousands of young people – experiences that remain cherished memories and continue to be passed down through stories, traditions, and service.

When it came to Scout camps, Dick Preble was a tireless leader, dedicated steward, and passionate advocate for outdoor program. It is only right that we celebrate his leadership in service. Thanks, Dick - for everything.

In 2018, Dick participated in the Foundation’s Oral History Project and shared his story of Scouting and scout camp experiences. We are grateful to share that with you again today.

Dick Preble served for 30 years as the Scoutmaster of Troop 26, West Newbury, MA and 20 years as Camping Chairman of Lone Tree and Yankee Clipper Councils. ...

02/08/2025

Flashback to 1966.

03/03/2024

The original post has been replaced with Mrs. Preble's obituary.

Leona E. (Briton) Preble, age, 89, longtime resident of West Newbury, passed at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of 67 years to Richard F. Preble, the love of her life.

Born in Plymouth, NH, August 8, 1934, she was one of three daughters of the late Leon and Josephine (Evans) Breton.

Leona had worked 26 years at the Page School in West Newbury, where she was the Food Service Director for the school cafeteria.

A dedicated wife, mother, very proud grandmother and great-grandmother, she was also a longtime parishioner of St. Ann’s Church of West Newbury, always ready to lend a hand with anything that was needed.

She leaves behind her dearest husband, Richard; her children, Robert Preble and wife Mary, Timothy Preble, Brenda Muraca and companion Mario Lucca, and Dwayne Preble and wife Lisa; her six grandchildren who loved her so much, Christine, Elizabeth, Tiffany, Samantha, Alexander, Angela and Emily; 6 great-grandchildren; her sister, Shirley Mowrey, along with countless nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her sister, Madeline.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 4 to 7 PM at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Ann’s Church, 300 Main Street, West Newbury. A private burial will take place at Bridge Street Cemetery, West Newbury, where Leona will be laid to eternal rest. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to The Emmaus House Family Shelter,127 How Street, Haverhill, MA 01830.

11/01/2023

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Mrs. Doreen Ciarletta. She was well known to Troop 5 scouts as her father, Calvin Cranton, was a long time scoutmaster.

The Lone Tree Spirit Foundation Inc. extends its deepest condolences to the Ciarletta family in this difficult time.

Arrangements and obituary below.

Haverhill Doreen A. Cranton Ciarletta, 66, a native and lifelong resident of Haverhill, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 28, at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. The daughter of Virginia Stanley Cranton and the late Calvin Cranton, Doreen attended local schools and was a member of the Hav...

10/12/2023

Long time LTSF executive committee member Dick Sanders passed away earlier this week. Dick was a long time leader in Troop 95 Atkinson, NH, and on the district commissioner staff for Lone Tree and Yankee Clipper Councils. He was a long serving member of the district activities committee, planning many camporees and klondikes. Dick also served on the staff at Lone Tree Scout Reservation, Woodbadge, and the National Jamboree. Dick was a recipient of the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver, and the Vigil Honor - the highest awards for service given by the district, council, and OA lodge. He was a true Scouter through and through impacting the lives of hundreds of youth and will be greatly missed by his many friends at LTSF. His obituary with services is below.

https://www.brooksidechapelfh.com/obituary/richard-sanders?fbclid=IwAR0FOsTk-6YviUUk1h_8IG9qoFuaOi2NlZzuyP9Pp3g6ovDDrCgnY6cibvg

Atkinson, NH Richard Webster Sanders, 93, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA, following a brief illness. Born August 8, 1930, and raised in Rutland, VT, he was the son of the late Cloyd and Kathleen Kay Roach Sanders. Richard

03/28/2023

We are excited to partner with two Granite State institutions – Fullers Sugarhouse and Polly’s Pancake Parlor.

01/31/2023

USA Archery's Level 2 Archery Instructor Certification Course prepares individuals to serve as the lead instructor for long-term archery programs such as Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD), Adult Archery Program and Collegiate Archery Program clubs, as well as the Explore Archery Program.

01/25/2023

Join us at the New England Fishing Expo this weekend! Stop by our booth to renew your licenses and ask us your fishing and hunting questions.

01/17/2023

Just one of the many ways scouting benefits college-bound scouts

To be eligible, NCCS Scholarship applications must be postmarked by March 1st, 2023. Ten scholarships totaling $27,000 are being awarded this year by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) and are based on the applicant's service to the Catholic Church, their Community, School and Scouting. Catholic BSA Scouts, Sea Scouts and Venturers, who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Applicants only need to fill out one application to be considered for any of the awards and must use the current 2023 application form. Learn more about the individual scholarships, the eligibility requirements and the 2023 application on the NCCS website at https://nccs-bsa.org/college-scholarships/

01/10/2023

great option for scouts without access to power tools.