The other day I received an early morning phone call and the follwing is a result of this conversation. What follows
I received in the mail this morning from Mr. Garth L Wallbridge
Attention: Greg Loftus
Dear Sir:
Re: Donation in memory of a Paddler.
My Friend, Kenneth V. Fisher:Jr: Attorney, of Brattleboro, Vermont was a paddler. He passed on from a heart attack
two years ago.
Many years ago I met Ken at a canoeing symposium in Toronto oganized by one of Canadas greatest promoters of paddling,
George Luste. Regrettably Ken and I never got to paddle together but we became friends and our families visited both here
and in Vermont.
Ken had paddled many rivers in the NWT. He owned over a dozen canoes. He eventually stored two canoes with me in Yellowknife
to allow him to fly here, rather than drive, to go on trips.Those canoes are still with me.
In honour of Kens passing and to "pay it forward" for the canoes that his wife of many years Virignia, has gifted
to me please find enclosed a cheque in the amount of 500.00 dollars to assit in your organizations work.
Sincerely, Garth L Wallbridge.
I have never met the Virginia Fisher and I am sory for her loss. Virginias generosity through Mr. G L Wallbridge
is greatly appreciated. The world of canoeing has suffered some big hits lately losing the likes of Verlin Kruger and other
famous, long distance paddlers, the list is unfortunately longer than I like to think about.
Instead I chose to see it in this light. Kenneth Fisher crossed Le Grand Portage two years ago and on the other side
all the others were waiting for him. I am sure that they have build a canoe that has no and knows no bounds and there is always
room in this canoe for a paddler coming off the portage. They paddle now on endless clear skies and clean waterways with
perfect weather and have all that they loved about paddling. When you cross this portage and you will, they will be waiting
and there is room for one more. The stories you will here and tell here will amaze even yourself. Sincerely, Greg Loftus
