Phil Cotton

[memaquay]

Sad news today...for anyone who has been a member of the Wabakimi project, Phil Cotton passed on the weekend. I knew Phil fairly well, met with him a few times in Thunder Bay as we attempted to mitigate the impact of forest management plans on canoe routes. Phil was a leading figure in this process, and had a strong grasp of the double speak routinely used by MNR when advancing forest cutting plans. Phil's influence will be greatly missed, especially with the recent upsurge in forest activity.

 

[red langford]

Sad news

 

[yellowcanoe]

Memories:
Bushing a campsite out on Sassenach
Finding a forest fire visible from Tew Lake and MNR didn't do much about it until it was huge..Breathing in smoke on Kenoji
Jesus Rocks.
The first trip in 2005 two participants had a Jack Russell Terrier.. Last time anybody brought a dog.. Phil and I picked it up and deposited it on a rock on the Ogoki and the two owners had to maneuver to pick it up (which was funny..They were sort of new to canoeing)
Reading the proposed Forest Management plans for St Raphael on a canoe work trip. (yep we portaged them on top of a barrel)
Calling over the Global Star satellite phone. This was inevitably long process punctuated by lots of peppery language.
Fishing and me catching walleye. Phil taught me some about fishing. I still stink at it.

Spudding logs.
Stacking a split log a certain way. bark side up always.

Tarpology.
and much more

Phil you will be missed and condolences to Trish his daughter.

 

[red langford]

I learned so much from one of his trips. He certainly had a passion for his project and the canoeing world has lost a true champion. Any word on when the service is?

 

[yellowcanoe]

Nothing yet in the Thunder Bay Chronicle,Robs..

 

[yellowcanoe]

Celebration of Life July 7 in Thunder Bay.. Will be lots of music for sure.. More to come