Sault Naturalists We Have Known

Carl Linhart, February 6, 2018

Carl (front, right) at Naomikong Swamp

Published in Sault Ste. Marie Evening News on Feb. 13, 2018.

Marie Linhart, July 7, 2017

(Published in Sault Ste. Marie Evening News on July 11, 2017)

Marie Nel Linhart, 69, of Sault Ste. Marie passed away on Friday, July 7, 2017, peacefully, with family by her side in Sudbury, Ontario. She suffered a catastrophic stroke two days previously.

She was born at home in Chicago to the late Arnold and Reca Weidenaar, and is survived by her husband, Carl Linhart; children: Todd Linhart (Danielle), Becky Nemeth (Jason), Sara Hill (Shane); seven grandchildren; siblings: Edith Veldman, Bill Weidenaar (Janet), Cal Weidenaar, and Virginia Snyder; brother-in-law, John Moes.

Sisters: Helen Stob and Claire Moes; brothers-in-law: Rick Veldman and Bill Stob; and sister-in-law, Grace Weidenaar, preceded her in death.

Marie worked for a number of years at Hines V.A. Hospital in Maywood, IL and later for the U.S. Census Bureau. She retired as an officer with Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Entry of Sault Ste. Marie.

Marie was a member of the Sault Naturalists Club of Ontario and Michigan. She enjoyed reading, being outdoors and was most devoted to her children and grandchildren.

A celebration of life services is planned on Sunday, July 16 from 3-5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on 1111 E. Portage Ave. in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. A light lunch will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marie's name to the Bayliss Public Library in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. 

Cliff Wallwork, d. 2014

It is with sadness we announce the passing ofour friend, Cliff Wallwork, this week. Gladys has invited all those in the Sault Naturalists Club who knew Cliff to join in a celebration of Cliff’s life,on Monday, March 31^st at the Arthur Funeral Home. Visitation is 12:00 to 1:00, service at Arthur's starting at 1:00. Gather after the service at the home of Gladys' nephew, Jim, and his wife Ann. Directions will be given at the service to Jim and Ann’s home. (From Val Walker, March 29, 2014)

Obituary from the Sault Star: WALLWORK, Clifford - Passed away at Maple View Extendicare on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 in his 92nd year. Beloved husband and best friend of Gladys Wallwork. Veteran of World War II. Loved and respected by nieces, nephews and friends. A private Funeral Service was held at the ARTHUR FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE on Monday, March 31, 2014. Interment West Korah Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.bartonkiteleyfuneralhome.com.

Noreen Towers, d. 2013

Noreen grew up on Manitoulin Island. As a young girl, she was very busy helping her parents who owned Watson's Camp on beautiful Lake Manitou. When, many years later she moved to Sault Ste Marie and married William Towers, she worked as a proofreaders manager 

for the Sault Daily Star. Her husband was the Commercial Printing Manager for that paper. 

     Noreen joined the Sault Naturalists in l96l. She became the Programme Reporter to the Star, and many of her articles are preserved in our Archive. She also served on the Refreshment Committee. Anyone who can recall the pot-lucks of yesteryear will still exclaim at the thought of her delicious Cherry Cheesecakes. 

     She loved Nature, the birds and the flowers, and was concerned about Environmental issues. As well as our own Naturalist Field Trips, the enjoyed many excursions through Nature Travel Service led by the very knowledgeable Gus Yaki. 

     An avid swimmer, Noreen held a pool membership and swam regularly. In the evenings she might have been seen walking her dog in Bellevue Park, several blocks away from her home. Or, in Spring, she might have been tending the new bulbs in her beautiful front garden beneath a tall flowering crab tree, or perhaps admiring gorgeous roses in a back lawn plot.

     In early years, she owned a lot in Echo Bay, where she invited the Naturalists to see the white and multi-shaded forms of the Purple Fringed orchid. On a memorable weekend at Watson's Camp in 1968, Naturalists were introduced to interesting spots on Manitoulin Island, and especially to its many Orchid species. 

     Noreen gave her time freely to many organizations, canvassing for charities, leading Girl  Guides (as 'Tawny Owl'), volunteering at the Art Gallery, teaching Salvation Army Sunday  School, and with her husband, delivering Meals on Wheels to shut-ins. 

     An enthusiastic Photographer, she shared her slide pictures with the club on several occasions. She was also a talented artist and studied under John Keast for many years. Although she was far too modest to hold an Art Show, it was a privilege to be invited to see her many stunning interpretations of our scenic surroundings. 

     Noreen will always remain in our memories as a very special person. 

     G. C. Wallwork

(Obituary from the Sault Star)

Noreen Towers passed away peacefully at the F.J. Davey Home on Thursday, January, 3, 2013 at the age of 93. Beloved wife of the late Bill Towers. Dear sister of Lucy Dufrain of Manitoulin Island. Dear aunt of Elizabeth, Patricia and Margaret Elliot. Noreen will always be remembered by her Sault Ste. Marie family; Pattie and Terry Brodie, Tom Pratt and Brenda Ramsey. At Noreen's request there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place with interment at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society. Special thanks to the caring staff at the FJ Davey Home on Cedar Grove 3.

Jarl K. Hiltunen, 1933–2012

Life Member Jarl K. Hiltunen

     Although Jarl Hiltunen, who passed away last February at the age of 78, was a longstanding life member of the Sault Naturalists Club, few in the club even knew he existed, from all appearances.  This is unfortunate, for the three botanical articles of local interest he authored bespeak his skill as a botanist and his interest and experience in discovering rare plants in our area:
   Hiltunen, J. K. 1962. Rediscovery of the Wall-Rue in Michigan.  Brittonia 14: 120.
    Hiltunen, Jarl K. 1961. Some records of Michigan ferns and fern allies. Am. Fern J. 51: 40-42.
    Hiltunen, Jarl K. 1962. Notes on the flora of Chippewa County, Michigan.  Mich. Bot. 1(1): 23-26.
     The Brittonia article describes Hiltunen’s adventures in following in the footsteps of Douglass Houghton, who in 1839 documented a rare fern, Asplenium ruta-muraria, on Drummond Island, still the only known occurrence of the species in Michigan.  This is such an interesting narrative of discovery that the entire short article is included here as a link (Brittonia).
     The American Fern Journal article documents Hiltunen’s discovery of several significant plants in the genera Lycopodium and Botrychium, as well as notable vascular plants, in an area near Hulbert, Michigan, about 15 miles west of Newberry.  
     The Michigan Botanist article documents occurrences of the afore-mentioned Drummond Island ferns, plants of the limestone pavement (Maxton Plains area) on Drummond Island, and plants on Sugar Island.  Most significant was his discovery of the water awlwort, Subularia aquatica (cited in Ed Voss’ Michigan Flora, Part II, p. 307) and the riverbank quillwort, Isoetes riparia, off the shore of Little Lake George near his home on the north shore of Sugar Island.  Prior to his discoveries, the awlwort was only known in Michigan on Isle Royale and this quillwort species was unknown in Michigan.
     I suggest that it is appropriate for the Sault Naturalists to feel honored to have had Mr. Hiltunen as even a silent member of our club and that we might rue the passing of yet another of our talented field botanists.  
Carl Linhart, June 6, 2012

(Obituary from the Sault Evening News, Feb. 12, 2012)

Jarl K. Hiltunen of Sugar Island, Michigan passed away at War Memorial Hospital on February 6, 2012. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on April 14, 1933 to Karl and Hilja (Lahdeniemi) Hiltunen. 
Jarl graduated from Wayne State University in 1959 with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Biology. As a student, he was most interested in botany and it remained a passion throughout his life. His plant specimens from Sugar Island were the start of the botanical teaching and research collection at Wayne State University. 
Jarl worked his entire career (1962-1985) as a research biologist for the U.S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He worked on Great Lakes research boats on all five of the Great Lakes and also Lake St. Clair. He was recognized as a specialist in aquatic worms as indicators of water quality. He had many biological technicians who worked for him on research boats and in his laboratory over the years and is fondly remembered as a mentor and a friend. Upon retirement he moved back to his family homestead on Sugar Island. 
Jarl was author of many aquatic research publications, he was President of the North American Benthic Society (1977-1978), he was a former Sugar Island Township Trustee, life member of the Sugar Island Historical Preservation Society, a member of the Sugar Island Lion’s Club, and former member of the Sugar Island Ambulance Corps and Sugar Island Ambulance Association.
 Surviving Mr. Hiltunen are his cousins in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario: Melba Hyyrylainen, Alice Nenonen, and Silvia Alanen. Also surviving are numerous relatives in Finland. Jarl also leaves behind many wonderful friends and associates.
By Jarl’s request, no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorials may be left to the Sugar Island Historical Preservation Society, c/o Margie Snider, 2686 Townhall Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Arrangements are in the care of Hovie Funeral Home.

Graham Campbell McHattie, d. 2012

Photo from Don Hall

(Obituary from Sootoday, Thursday, March 08, 2012)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Graham on Monday, March 5, 2012 at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH). He was 89. Husband of the late “Pat” MacHattie (nee Agnes Collver) his love and soul mate for more than 60 years. Throughout his recent illness, he has had the constant companionship, love and support of his four children, two surviving brothers and many, many friends and relatives. Graham is survived by sons Robb (Lorraine Webber) of Trail, BC, Keith of Salt Spring Island, BC, John (Kashalya Milon) of Victoria, BC and daughter Christine (Vance Boulet) of Sault Ste. Marie. His seven grandchildren will greatly miss their “Grandpa”. They are Robb’s children: Timothy, Emily, Libby and Charlotte; Keith’s son Fields; and Christine’s children Mario and Elisa. Graham’s brothers Leslie (with his wife Vicki Brooks) and Lorne were able to travel to the Sault recently to spend time with him, for which we are all grateful. Graham is predeceased by his brothers Harvey (1944) and Lloyd (2000). He is survived by sisters-in-law Ruth Marshall (nee Collver, late Bill Marshall) of Cleveland, Judy Morris (Lorne’s wife) of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Betty MacHattie (late Lloyd) and Shirley MacHattie of Toronto. His life was enriched by the many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends throughout Canada and the United States. His residence for the last two years has been Collegiate Heights where he shared life with many dear friends. We wish to thank the many dedicated, hardworking and skilled doctors, nurses and health care professionals who attended to Dad’s health problems while he was at Sault Area Hospital. We would also like to thank the wonderful care staff and volunteers who helped Dad and the family through the difficult transition of his last month of life at ARCH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to Algoma Residential Community Hospice, Sault Area Hospital, St. Andrew’s United Church, the Bushplane Heritage Museum, Northland Barbershop Chorus or a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life at St. Andrew's United Church will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 705-759-2522. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.

Chuck Bosley, 1935-2010

Photo by Christopher Young (Linda M. Young)

Long-time Sault Naturalists member Charles (Chuck) Bosley died suddenly at his home on Dec. 6 from complications related to his back surgery. Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the World Wildlife Federation in his name would be appreciated.

He laughed often and much;
He won the respect of intelligent people;
He appreciated beauty;
He found the best in others;
He left the world a bit better by his life.
Goodbye Chuck, we will miss your gracious presence on the trail.

(David Euler for the Sault Naturalists, in the 2010 Annual Report)

The Chuck Bosley I Knew

Chuck Bosley trained himself to become an excellent botanist and his knowledge of plants commanded immense respect.  His familiarity with the natural environs of Chippewa and Mackinac Counties in this part of Michigan was difficult to equal.   Acquiring the knowledge Chuck had took many years, intense interest, and the fine mind that he possessed.  He was a core member of the Sault Naturalists Club of Michigan and Ontario, a past president and longtime executive board member of the club.  Over 25 years Chuck led Sault Naturalists on an uncountable number of field trips to interesting locations and participated in many of the outings led by others.  He was a world traveler with Evelyn Simon.  
I’m not sure I ever saw Chuck appearing to be angry about something, unless politicians were under discussion.  He was without fail of upbeat mood.  He was as tough as they come and rarely complained. His wry sense of humor was always delightful.  More than once during Chuck’s last several physically trying years, I heard him say: “If it ain’t ants, it’s fleas!” when commenting upon an unfortunate situation.  Well, what we have are fleas indeed with his loss.  
Chuck was emblematic of one of the outstanding characteristics and abilities of the Sault Naturalists over the last 25 years and probably the 25 years prior to those.    Chuck and other amateur botanists such as Gary Rahn and Neil Taylor, who predeceased Chuck, have been past backbones of the club.  These were people with detailed knowledge of local botany and natural history, people whose overwhelming passion was to get out in the field as often as was possible to enjoy, explore, and learn from the magnificent natural environment with which we are blessed on this part of the planet.  We yet have some of our good botanists alive but their numbers are precipitously waning.   None of us “younger” active members seem to be coming up in the ranks with enough knowledge to assume the role served by these past greats of the club.  
(Carl Linhart, Dec. 25, 2010)

Chuck Bosley Brimley Botanist and Birder Extraordinaire

Circumstances brought young Chuck into the Army.  Having no training program in Botany or Biology, Chuck was trained in Electronics.  His desire to move further from the hustle bustle of the big city life to a simpler, back to the earth living was the impetus for Chuck to move to the UP which is as close to Canada as an American can get.  He secured a job with the Edison Power Company where Chuck worked as a trouble shooter on transformers and other electrical installations but Chuck’s heart was never filled with the electrons of commerce and industry but filled with the love of being in touch with the earth and all that it brings to the soul.  Chuck built his home in the boonies of Brimley Michigan which was the ideal location for our self styled salt of the earth big city country boy to raise a family.  Raising chickens, goats, ducks and pigs were a challenge for Chuck.  He often shared his farming menagerie with the local foxes and other wild life.  It was the life that Chuck enjoyed.  The single life allowed Chuck to venture further afield and lead him into the wilds of Canada.  In his attempt to assimilate into Canadian bilingualism Chuck bought the Le Car which he drove up Le highway to Le Lake Miji loaded with his 17 foot aluminum Le canoe. In an effort to allow Chuck to penetrate the rougher terrain he turned to the four by four, Ford Explorer, which he quickly found out that his muscle SUV gas guzzler was anything but an explorer and not meant for the bouncing back roads.  Multiple tires later and having to be towed out of several sloppy situations, Chuck accepted its limitations.  After all with his typical ingenuity he had fashioned a canoe loading system that allowed Chuck to load his heavy canoe single handily.  The Explorer eventually earned its keep by catching Chuck as he slid off his second storey roof and landed on its hood one day.  It was a Cirque de Soleil moment.

Chuck was our go to guy.  If we needed to name a flower, a bird, a fern, a fungi, Chuck usually had the name and the Latin name at that.  Not bad for an electrician.  Although no Fred Astaire on the wooden dance floor in the fields of the Upper Peninsula no grouse could out dance Chuck…lots of love affairs where put on hold when Chuck did his pas de deux in the spring. Always ready for a laugh and a smile, ready to joke, ready to climb the next hill, ready to hike or ski, always ready to look for those elusive morels, to search out the skunk cabbage in spring and always ready to take the next boat or plane or hike to see the world. Always positive, always ready to laugh at himself and always ready to lend a hand….a gentle man and a scholar.  Chuck will be missed.

(Ron Prickett, Dec. 8, 2010)

Obituary from The Evening News, December 8, 2010

Charles F. Bosley of Sault Ste.Marie, Mich. passed away Monday December 6, 2010 at his home. He was born Jun 8, 1935 in Birmingham, Mich. 

He was a member of the North American Mycological Association and the Audubon Society.

Charles is survived by his fiance Evelyn M. Simon; sons Michael (Missy) Bosley and Scott Bosley; daughters Judy (Brian) Smith; brothers John Bosley, Terry Bosley and Tom Bosley; grandchildren Morgan Gibson, Lauren Bosley, Conner Bosley, Sean Conroy, Anastasia Smith, Katherine Smith, Christine Smith, Julieanna Smith, Mary Angela Smith, Stephen Smith, Andrew Smith, Theresa Smith, Laura Smith, Jason Smith, Gregary Smith, Sarah Smith and Monica Smith.

He is predeceased by his father Albert J. Bosley and mother Mary Margaret Bosley; brother Walter Bosley.

Visitation will be held 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday December 9, 2010 at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the World Wildlife Federation would be appreciated. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Betty Nassoiy 1922-2009

We received the following message from Paulette Attie, a neighbor of Betty Nassoiy from Birch Point.

 Just wanted you to know that Batty Nassoiy passed away on Wednesday, September 2, at 2:00 a.m..  Her daughter Aimee was at her side.  I know she was an active member of your organization and your membership would like to know of her passing.  We will miss her dearly on Birch Point Beach.  Paulette, a neighbor.

There was no funeral. Instead, a small group of her relatives and neighbours had a memorial for her Sunday, Sept 6, on the beach by her home.

Val Walker writes "Many have been touched by Betty over the years and we will never forget this elegant lady."

Remembering Betty Nassoiy

The Sault Naturalists’ lost a good friend, outings leader and, advocate for mother nature with Betty’s death on September 2nd 2009. Betty’s “joie de vivre”, spontaneity, and sense of humour endeared her to everyone she met.

Her generous nature was evident in every aspect of her life, in her listening skills, in her non-judgmental communications and, in her willingness to share. When asked the secret of her positive nature and, skillful aging process, Betty replied that she never associated with “old” people meaning, those having a negative outlook on life.

            At the beach celebration of Betty’s life family, friends, and neighbors shared their memories of her. Those who spoke, remarked on Betty’s skill in relating to all ages, being open to new ideas and, exploring alternatives instead of offering opinions.

            We remember (and miss) Betty’s favorite expressions especially on any Sault Naturalists’ outings. Her “rats’ ass” was very expletive and, although I had never used this before meeting Betty in 1986, her “oh sh—“!  was  an eye opener. I figured if someone my mother’s age could use this, so could I. Chuck stated that he would call at short notice and, Betty would be willing and able to explore or share in any adventure.

            We miss you Betty!  

                        Chuck & Evelyn

(Dec. 7, 2009)

Memories of Betty Nassoiy

Our earliest memory of Betty is from a camping trip to Wilderness State Park in January, 1979. The nights were very cold, perhaps -35°. Betty warmed our hearts with a little lullaby for our 4-month old daughter...

“See-saw, Marjorie Daw...”

In sharp contrast to the soothing nursery rhyme, we wondered if the old cabin would hold together as Betty‟s husband Duke sawed logs all night long.

Betty embodied happiness, vitality and joie de vivre like no one else we‟ve known. She was, and still is, a wonderful role model for our family. She will be missed.

Don and Vivian

(Posted Feb. 15, 2010)

Obituary from Sault Evening News

Elizabeth “Betty” Rae Finlayson Nassoiy

Betty Rae Nassoiy, of Birch Point Beach, MI died on September 2, 2009 in Sault Ste. Marie,  MI.  She was born in the Sault June 20th 1922, to Donald and Margaret (Raeburn) Finlayson.

     Betty grew up in the Sault, and achieved her undergraduate degree at University of MI. Betty lived in many other places throughout her life.  She earned a master’s degree in social work in Colorado. 

     She met her husband Duke, in the bay area of California, where she was working with amputee soldiers from the war.  Married in California, Duke and Betty were stationed in many places during Duke’s career in the US Air Force.  They lived in Mississippi, Oklahoma, England, Missouri, New Jersey, Alaska, Washington DC, and New York State.  Betty explored each place she lived with adventurous enthusiasm, and volunteered in different ways. 

Betty and Duke volunteered as ski patrol in Alaska. Returning to Birch Point Beach, Michigan in the early 1970’s, they built their retirement home here, and actively traveled throughout the northwoods, canoeing, hiking, skiing and backpacking.

     Widowed in 1983, Betty continued to adventure with friends and relatives, traveling in Europe, Central America, Canada, and the US southwest, by foot, boat, skis, and bike. 

     Betty volunteered with the Lake State Elder program, and with the Voyageur Trail Association.  Betty’s love of life, and sense of humor was contagious, inspiring people who knew her. 

     Betty is survived by her son Edward of Birch Point Beach, Michigan, and her daughter Aimee of Lopez Island, Washington; as well as her sister and brother-in-law Gene “Bubs” and Harry Regenstreif of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and sister-in-law Fran Finlayson of the Sault.  Her grandson Robyn N. Minkler lives in Portland, Oregon. 

     There are numerous other friends and relations who will miss Betty’s smile, laughter, sense of human justice, and love of life. She is preceded in death, by her husband Duke Nassoiy, her brothers Jack and Don Finlayson, and her sister in law Katie Finlayson.

     Betty’s life will be celebrated in a small private ceremony, on her beloved beach, today, Sunday, September 6th.  She is cremated and will be scattered in the wild places she loved.  We invite you to do something you love on today, and remember Betty.

     Memorial contributions can be made to Amnesty International, Chippewa County Hospice, or the organization of your choice. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

(September 7, 2009)

Bertha Rollo, 1910-2007

Bertha Rollo, a long time member of the Sault Naturalists, died at the age of 97 on September 28, 2007. Bertha was a dedicated birder and often spoke at local schools about ornithology and environmental awareness. She was the granddaughter of the keeper of the Whitefish Point Light Station, and she lived at the lighthouse for her first 21 years. During the 1980s she worked with Tom Farnquist to restore the lighthouse, contributing much of the furniture and artwork that originally belonged to her grandfather. A series of her short stories about life at Whitefish Point was published on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

(From The Wake Robin, Dec. 2007)

Obituary from Sault Evening News, October 2, 2007

Bertha Rollo

Bertha Matilda Endress Rollo, age 97, of Sault Ste. Marie went to be with her Lord on Friday, September 28, 2007, at Tendercare Nursing Home.

     She was born June 13, 1910 in Sault Ste. Marie and raised at the Whitefish Point Lighthouse where she remained until 1931. Also living at the Lighthouse were her mother Cecelia, brother Robert, and her grandparents. Her grandfather, Lightkeeper of the Whitefish Station (1903-1931), was Robert Carlson.

     She married William Rollo, who preceded her in death, and they had one son, Carl, who resides in Maryland where he works as a rock geologist and computer analyst.

     Bertha graduated from Sault High School with the class of 1928. She briefly attended the University of Michigan but was forced to depart that avenue of education when she contracted rheumatic fever and was bedridden for three years.

     She worked at several stores in Sault Ste. Marie, such as Scott's and Montgomery Ward's, as a clerk and cashier. During WWII she worked as an Executive Secretary at Fort Brady.

     In 1980 she worked with Tom Farnquist to restore the Whitefish Point Lighthouse. Bertha provided furniture, pictures, and artwork she had retained when her grandfather retired as Lighthouse Keeper. She was very instrumental in establishing the Lighthouse quarters, offices, and museum.

     On the occasion of her 90th birthday, longtime friend Paul D. Freedman published a series of her short stories in a book entitled "Beneath the Shining Light." The stories tell of the adventures of the sailors and her family while residing at Whitefish Point.

     Bertha was a lifelong member of the Central United Methodist Church where for many years she taught Sunday School. She was baptized by Reverend Easterday, in the Sault, when she was four months old.

     Bertha Endress Rollo was an avid gardener who shared plants and vegetables with her friends and neighbors. She was a member of the Audubon Society and the Michigan Naturalists [Sault Naturalists?]. During her years of retirement she was an "in-demand" speaker around the Chippewa County Schools with topics ranging from lighthouse living to ornithology to environmental awareness. Bertha was Grand Marshal of the Paradise Blueberry Festival in 2000. She considered Paradise her second home, and in her book wrote: "What a real paradise! You are all to be envied. You have today what many people would give their all to have. May God give his blessings on you." With the assistance of friends, Bertha visited the Whitefish Point Lighthouse and Museum frequently. "We lived a life in service to the sailors, the travelers on ships, and the shipping companies. That's why my family was at Whitefish Point."

     Bertha is survived by her son Carl, niece Cynthia (Karl) Skinner and their children Guy Skinner and Tanya Burnley. Bertha is also survived by many, many friends.

(Feb. 23, 2010)

Jim Miller, d. 2007

Remembering our friend, Jim Miller, who died on Aug. 10, 2007.

Jim Miller’s death, in his sleep, in a solo tent at the Agawa Falls, although ideal in concept, was all too soon in time. We will miss his boundless spirit, his many generous contributions to our club as a trip leader, Hub advocate, program speaker, outdoor enthusiast, and above all, his friendship.

A good, kind man.

(From The Wake Robin,  Sept 2007)

James S. Miller Trailhead

(Written prior to Sault Ste. Marie City Council naming a proposed trailhead shelter on the Finn Hill section of the Hub Trail after Jim.)

James (Jim) Stuart Miller was a tireless advocate for trail development in Sault Ste. Marie.

Prior to his passing, Jim eagerly participated on the Sault Trails Action Committee, both as a member and as chair.

As one of the founding members of the STAC, Jim offered both the committee and City Council sound and informative advice to support the development of trails in the community and encouraged the promotion of active transportation to reduce the community's carbon footprint.

In addition to his participation on the STAC committee, Jim was an instrumental voice in the formulation of the City's Hub Trail concept and design study, and the cycling master plan.

Jim devoted countless volunteer hours working with City staff and consultants in the field to research and assess the best opportunities for trails and cycling routes throughout the community.

Personally, Jim was a well-known forester, outdoor enthusiast and community volunteer.

He had recently retired from Clergue Forest Management in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where he served as general manager.

This was Jim's second retirement, as he previously he enjoyed a long and rewarding career with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Among Jim's passions was making time for young people to share his experience and listen to their ideas.

In this role he was co-chair of Algoma Envirothon, part of a popular international environmental youth program and he was a judge of oral presentations given by Envirothon teams at the annual Algoma Envirothon competition.

Jim was raised in Toronto, Ontario and received his bachelors in forestry from the University of Toronto.

Jim went on to enjoy a prosperous career with the Ontario Public Service, which took Jim and his family to a number of different cities throughout Northern Ontario.

In 1995, Jim and his family located to Sault Ste. Marie, working for the regional Ministry of Natural Resources office.

Jim immediately began taking an active role in the community.

Jim passed away doing what he loved best, being amongst nature while backpacking along Lake Superior's north shore.

Jim is fondly missed by all who knew and worked with him, particularly among the STAC committee where Jim served as a voice of reason among many contentious issues and presented many problem-solving solutions to the committee over the years.

In 2009, the James S. Miller Memorial Scholarship was announced, developed by a group of Jim's friends and colleagues in partnership with the Ontario Forestry

Association (OFA).

The scholarship is awarded annually to a Northern Ontario

secondary school student who intends to pursue post-secondary education in natural resources or a related field - a pursuit that Jim saw as vitally important to present and future generations.

The trailhead structure will be a prominent feature sitting at the top of the Finn Hill area and will provide residents and tourists using the Hub Trail a beautiful vista of the Canadian Shield.

It is with great honour that we submit a formal request to name this structure the James S. Miller Trailhead.

(Donna Hilsinger, Chair, Sault Trails Action Committee, from SooToday.com)

Rosa Grout 1909-2004

Longtime member Rosa Grout passed away on March 16, 2004, at the age of 95 at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She held fond and proud

memories of having served, in past years, as Sault Naturalists’ secretary under President R.G. Campbell. Rosa was a mathematics teacher, teaching in Minnesota for 15 years and in the Saultarea for 27 years. She received a Bachelor of Education. degree from Winona State University in Minnesota and a Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota. She was fond of students and funded an academic scholarship at Lake Superior State University. Even though Rosa was no longer able to attend meetings or field trips, she made an effort to continue her membership and to make additional contributions to the club.

(From The Wake Robin,  May 2004)

Obituary from Sault Evening News, March 18, 2004

Rosa Grout

Rosa Grout, age 95, died on March 16, 2004, at Long Term Care, Chippewa County War Memorial Hospital.

     She received her Bachelor of Education Degree from Winona State University in Minnesota and her Masters Degree from the University of Minnnesota. Additional graduate work was completed at the University of Minnesota, Purdue University, Central Michigan University, and Northern Michigan University.

     She taught in various schools in Minnesota for fifteen years and in the Sault Ste. Marie Public Schools for twenty-seven years. She was a member of The Sault Naturalists, People-to-People International, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, St. Paul Luthern Church of Kinross, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society.

     She was predeceased by two sisters, a sister-in-law, and three brothers-in-law. Surviving are four sisters, two brothers, a sister-in-law, and two brothers-in-law. Also surviving are special friends Mr. and Mrs. David Freeborn.

     Cremation has taken place and the remains are to be interred in the Glencoe Lutheran Cemetery in Glencoe, Minnesota.

(Feb. 23, 2010)

Florence Lawrence 1925-2003

Remembering Florence Lawrence

Reminiscences by Chuck and Ev

The Sault Naturalists are saddened by the loss of yet another long-time member.

Florence was born on Sept 10, 1925, the second of three girls. Her spirit was that of a

pioneer woman; no task seemed too daunting for her. Her house was heated with wood

which she cut, split and stacked. Flo also caused quite a stir when she insisted on wiring

her house, especially after being told that women can’t perform such tasks.

Flo, as she is fondly remembered, was very active within her community and her church.

During her career as executive secretary to LSSU President Shouldice , she kept the

administrative office running smoothly. Her organization skills were called into play for

the Naturalists in many capacities. For years, her Mackintosh computer spewed out the

newsletter while Flo did the compiling, editing, and mailing the results. Flo was the

main contact person on the Michigan side for any rare bird sightings (before the hotline

was born), for memberships, and for any pertinent information concerning club

activities.

Flo loved nature and was easily spotted on any field trip (she rarely missed any), wearing

her red brimmed hat. She was happy doing everything and anything with Neil Taylor,

her close friend, and was his caregiver during his illness. As a caretaker, Flo worked

toward the betterment of the environment and, of her friends. She could always be

counted on to help in any emergency. Chuck remembers calling Neil to ask if he wanted

to look at some “Hookers”(orchids) and Flo could be heard in the background saying,

“You guys aren’t going to look for any hookers without me!”. An avid hockey fan, Flo’s

staunch support for the Lakers was legendary and her schedule revolved around their

games.

Our memories involve Flo’s carrot cakes which she hauled everywhere. When it was a

birthday time, no matter where we were, out came a cake , the icing of which was often

performed on the spot. Flo was very concerned about fat and cholesterol and, her carrot

cake recipe was revised so often that very little fat was used. After the demise of the

carrot cake, an ice cream stop was often made on the return home, and Flo would have a

two-scooper!

Flo died on November 24th, 2003.

“As the flowers are made sweeter by the sunshine and the dew,

so this world is made brighter by the lives of people like you”

(From The Wake Robin,  Jan. 2004)     

Obituary from Sault Evening News, November 25, 2003

Florence Lawrence

Florence Teresa Lawrence, of Lizzie Street in Sault Ste. Marie, died on Monday, November 24, 2003 at War Memorial Hospital. She was born on September 10, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the secretary for and a member of the Soo Naturalist Club and a Rare Bird Contact for the Audubon Society. She was a Soo Blueliner as well as an avid Laker fan and also a member of the American Cancer Society. Florence retired from Lake Superior State University as an Administrative Assistant after 29 years of service.

     She is survived by Marion Desrochers of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; Patricia Carroll of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; and Johnette Kominske of Traverse City, Michigan.

     Florence was predeceased by her dear friend Neil Taylor and parents Michal Robert and Lucy Rose (Fehner) Krol.

     FInal Resting Place [was] at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens.

(Feb. 23, 2010)