Twine Loft – July 2016

Passed On: David Stewart – Pennfield, N.B. Fish Plant Operator

Born in Pennfield, N.B. on February 19, 1937, Stewart was a son of the late David and Elsie (Baxter) Stewart. Prior to his retirement, he worked in management for Connors Brothers. He then became a business owner and operated both D.A. Stewart Building Contractors and J.D. Stewart Fisheries Ltd.

Passed On: Hazen Mitchell – Lord’s Cove, N.B. Fisherman

Mitchell passed away at the Charlotte County Hospital, St. Stephen, N.B. on May 28, 2016. He was born in Lambert’s Cove, N.B. on October 22, 1927, the son of the late Frank and Myrtle (Stuart) Mitchell. Prior to retirement, he spent his days on the water as a fisherman. He loved to be tending weirs and was the past president of the Fundy Weir Fishermen’s Association.

Passed On: Freebert Atkinson – Clark’s Harbour, N.S. Boat Builder

Atkinson, 87, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016 at the Roseway Hospital, Shelburne. Born on August 22, 1928 in Clark’s Harbour, he was a son of the late Herbert and Evelyn (Freeman) Atkinson. He was a boat builder who took great pride in carrying on his grandfather Ephraim’s Cape Islander boat design. When he retired from boat building he found a second career building houses for his nieces and numerous others in the community.

Passed On: Linda Cooke – Back Bay, N.B. Fish Plant Worker

Cooke was born in Back Bay, N.B. on March 16, 1942 to the late Sherby W. and Lillian A. (Cooke) French. She was the wife of the late Lawrence E. Cooke of Back Bay. After a lengthy illness, she passed away on April 15, 2016 in St. Stephen, N.B. She worked as a fish packer at Connors Bros. Ltd. plants in Back Bay and Blacks Harbour all her life.

Passed On: Bert Ralph – St. John’s, N.L. Former Coast Guard Employee

Ralph passed peacefully away in the presence of his daughters Maureen and Kelly on Friday, May 20, 2016, after a long and spirited journey with cancer. Predeceased by his loving wife Laura (June 2012). He will be remembered for his love of cod fishing, berry picking, walking and gardening. He was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge — Lodge West Moreland and the Coast Guard Alumni Association.

Passed On: Wayne Munroe – Whitehead, N.S. Fisherman

Munroe, 69, passed away May 16, 2016, in Guysborough Memorial Hospital. Born in Antigonish, he was a son of the late Arklo and Katherine (Munro) Munroe. He was a fisherman for most of his life.

Passed On: R. John Gibson – St. John’s, N.L. Fisheries Scientist

Gibson died at home on Saturday morning, May 7, 2016. He loved fish and fishing and made the study of salmonids his profession, following education at St. Peter’s School, York, England; Trinity College, Dublin University; Dalhousie, Western and Waterloo in Canada (he was awarded his Ph.D. in 1973). John’s interest in nature was the force that drove him; he cared deeply about pristine rivers and lakes, tree cover and natural debris for fish cover, no development along riverbanks, natural streams left above ground, biodiversity and sustainability, honesty in science and politics and preservation of habitat amongst many other issues. He was a 24-hour-a-day scientist to the end, recording his observations with cameras and copious notes in which were published in news media and scientific journals. He was unafraid of confronting the agents of destruction wherever he found them, but always calmly, with the factual data which impressed accompanied by passion and courtesy. His advice and expertise were sought in all the positions which he held, from his time as a graduate student in New Brunswick and Ontario and his work in Manitoba, Massachusetts, and Newfoundland. His interests continued and he was an active environmental advocate in Dublin after his retirement in 1997. But he returned to St. John’s because he loved the province and was unable to persuade wife Judy to leave it. He published over 90 papers; the most recent one was accepted the week of his death.

Awarded: Bill Ensor – 2015 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation

The 2015 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation was recently presented to Bill Ensor at a ceremony in Fredericton, N.B. The award was granted to him based on his extensive knowledge of the river systems, his successful efforts to curtail commercial fisheries, and his promotion of the hook and release program. Ensor is a past president of the New Brunswick Salmon Council, which created the award in 2000. In addition, he is a past president of Fredericton Branch of the Saint John River Salmon Anglers Association. The award is given each year to someone who exemplifies commitment to salmon conservation. The recipient is selected by a committee appointed by the salmon council.