Depression, hypothermia robbed her of her feet

By Jessica Smith

Atikokan’s Kaleen Torbiak has been overwhelmed by the support she has received since speaking out about a lifetime of hiding her struggle with depression, a struggle that drove her to the brink of suicide, and left her stranded for two days in the Charleson Area wilderness.

She was rescued November 29 in time to save her life, but despite three surgeries to save her feet, both were amputated below the knee, December 8, due to the irreversible toll of severe frost bite.

A campaign to help with medical costs was launched two weeks ago by Suzanne Gaudette (www.gofundme.com/99e3geb9) includes Torbiak’s personal account, and coincided with Bell’s ‘Let’s Talk’ national campaign to raise awareness of mental illness. While still in the hospital, Torbiak began writing down the details she could recall in hopes of jogging more memories lost to hypothermia-induced hallucinations and unconsciousness.

Gaudette suggested she share her story with others, and after consideration Torbiak agreed. “If I could help one person, I’ll be happy.”

For Torbiak, who has struggled in secret with depression her entire life and with suicidal thoughts for several months preceding that day, the wilderness area was going to be her place to die. On November 27, after meeting up with friends the previous night to play darts, and saying goodbye to her new husband Marc who was leaving for work, Torbiak headed out to Charleson. She was carrying a backpack containing a 15-foot rope, razor blades, sleeping pills and a bottle of rum – and a plan to die.

“No one [would] ever finding my body.”

It was a beautiful sunny winter day, and after taking a wrong path that led her away from the Pal Lake Lookout, she sat down on a rock to rest. While watching the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, Torbiak had an epiphany: “I realized my life is pretty good, and I was wondering why I was being so stupid with these thoughts of suicide,” she recalled. “All of a sudden, the most amazing thing happened to me and I took it as a sign. Out of the blue… no more than a metre away, a baby moose [appeared] so tiny and peaceful and lonely, for some reason I decided to follow it.”

“I had my mind changed, to not want to die, as soon as I saw that moose. It was God telling me: Look how beautiful nature is.” She knew she had “a wonderful husband who loves me so much, and I have amazing family and friends that I didn’t ever want to lose.”

Unfortunately, after trailing the moose for a while, she couldn’t find the original trails, so sat down by the lake in a ravine. She fell asleep, and woke up much later to find it was night time. “I had on no jacket or boots, my socks and pants up to my knees were frozen stiff and my sweater was wet right up to my elbows. I couldn’t find my jacket or my boots.”

Still disoriented, she pulled some cedar boughs over her and continued to sleep. It wasn’t until the next morning she discovered she had hung up her coat on a tree and her boots, frozen solid, were sitting down by the shoreline.

She tried “over and over again” to start a fire but she couldn’t walk, and her hands were numb from the cold.

Her feet felt like “solid ice” but she knew that with hypothermia, it is important to keep the body’s core warm, so she removed her wet sweater, put her jacket back on, and continued to sleep.

Sometime into Saturday, she exerted all the physical energy she had to try to pull her body out of the ravine by grabbing hold of trees to try to find her way back to the trails.

“I could not feel, bend or stand on them,” she recalled. “My feet were black, you could actually see the blood in the veins was black, frozen. I was afraid if I tried using my feet I’d break them. I was having so much difficulty breathing and the more I pushed myself, the harder I’d cough. The more I tried to move, the more I couldn’t breathe.”

She decided to head back to the lake, in hopes she would be spotted by aircraft. She had not shown up for work Friday afternoon, so she knew family and friends would be searching for her by now. Torbiak returned to her earlier spot beneath the cedar tree. What ensued was worsening confusion, frequent loss of consciousness and hallucinations throughout a second long, harrowing night. Curled up in a ball she was no longer feeling the cold due to the advancing hypothermia.

Meanwhile, a search was underway, and news of her disappearance was spreading.

When Torbiak awoke to hear the voices of search and rescue officers Sunday morning, she thought she was hallucinating again.

Now two months later, Torbiak is still recovering from the frost bite, only recently regaining feeling in the backs of her upper legs as the nerves continue to heal.

Just as important, she is also addressing the root cause of the trauma.

Life-changing journey: Kaleen Torbiak fishing last summer, and recently while in Thunder Bay, recovering from her double amputation.

Depression

Because depression isolates its victims, and distorts reality negatively, often making the person affected feel unloved, and unworthy of love, it can be a vicious circle if not treated.

Torbiak said she excelled at hiding her symptoms: “I put a smile on my face, and pretended I was fine. Everybody seems to think [depression] isn’t something you talk about. And trust is a big issue in a small town,” she said, adding that the fear of gossip and rumours sometimes makes it more difficult to be open about mental illness.

At her lowest moments, Torbiak would call the crisis phone line to talk to a counsellor, because she was assured of anonymity. “I knew a lot of the people at the Faye Peterson Transition House by name from talking to them on the phone.”

Torbiak now says her “head is in a much better place,” thanks to treatment (anti-depressants and counselling), attending church regularly, and dealing with the previously unresolved strain of being estranged from her family for six years. (She has reconnected with her family members and now speaks daily to them, she said.)

After reflecting on the events leading up to her rescue, Torbiak decided honesty was the best route for at least two reasons: the reality was likely less damaging than some of the rumours circulating, and most important, she could help others suffering in silence – hopefully before things went as far as they had in her life.

Torbiak has been overwhelmed by the community’s support; both initially following her rescue, and now that she has shared the details of that event.

“I have never seen so many flowers in my whole life,” and the messages of support and gratitude for her bravery in sharing her personal account “mean more than anything.”

Encouragement and visits have meant a lot to her while recovering in the Thunder Bay (she’s now at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Centre), because there have been further hurdles for her since the amputations. As she struggles to adjust, she has fallen three times, including one bad fall which required surgery to repair the damage to her stumps.

However, “the wildest thing is the phantom pains [post-amputation symptom] – it’s like a cramp in your calf in the middle of the night, but I don’t have a calf.” She also has intense muscle spasms as “my nerves are trying to adjust to not having legs.”

The fundraising campaign, set up by Suzanne Gaudette, is focused on ongoing medical expenses, which include 25% of the cost of each of three sets of prosthetics (that’s six prosthetics at a cost of at least $10,000, each, with Torbiak’s cost being about $2,500 each or $5,000 per pair), a wheelchair, and renovations to her home to make it accessible, as Torbiak will be spending a lot of her time in a wheelchair. (The Ontario government covers up to 75% of the cost.)

Torbiak is being fitted with casts, and plans to be back in Atikokan by Easter, while continuing physiotherapy at Thunder Bay’s amputation clinic.

“I’m positive by this coming summer I’ll be back walking, dancing, swimming, camping, fishing and doing any little thing my heart desires.”

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Don McLeod

James Donald ‘Don’ McLeod, 77, passed away December 16, 2015, shortly after a diagnosis of cancer.

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty (nee Bromley), his children James McLeod (Rosanna), Tanis McLeod and Sheridawn Maloney (Tim), and grandchildren Liam, Olivia, Erin and Dakota; brother Cam (Mary Lou), sister Wella (Cleve); sister-in-law Dawn (Al); and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his parents Douglas and Adele McLeod and in-laws Orville and Viola Bromley, and his sister Jo-Ann.

Don was born January 13, 1938 in Rainy River, Ontario and moved to Atikokan as a teenager where he met his sweetie, Betty. He was extremely proud to have graduated as a mining engineer from Queen’s University, class of 1961, and worked his entire career (31 years) at INCO in Sudbury.

He was an avid gardener, with his flowerbeds being the envy of the neighbourhood. Don and Betty, often with friends and family members, traveled the world. In his retirement, Don volunteered at Science North tending the plants. Don was an active member of the Church of the Ascension for 50 years.

A memorial service was held at the Church of the Ascension, Sudbury, on December 22, 2015. Memorial donations can be made to the Church of the Ascension special projects fund or the charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.LougheedFuneralHomes.com

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Doug Hirschfeldt

It is with great sadness the family of Doug Hirschfeldt, 66, wishes to make known his passing on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 after his lengthy battle with Parkinson’s and ALS.

Doug was born and raised in Atikokan, Ontario where he attended local schools through high school. He went on to attend Cambrian College, after which he worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources in Sault Ste. Marie until his retirement.

He loved fishing, cross-country skiing, and golfing; anything outdoors you could find him doing. Doug moved to Thunder Bay to be with his brother Ken when his illness required him to have some extra assistance.

He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Kay, and his brother Ken. He is survived by his brother Dean (Marie); sister Pat (Jim) and nieces Christle and Janelle and their families.

As per Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A private family graveside will take place at a later date.

Doug was a kind, gentle soul who will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. If friends so desire, donations made in memory of Doug to the Parkinson Society of Canada or to the ALS Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated.

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Paul Goodman

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Paul Micheal Goodman, 47, at the Atikokan General Hospital February 6, 2016.

Paul was born September 13, 1969 at Port Arthur General Hospital. He was raised and attended school in Atikokan and loved to spend his free time in the outdoors. Although his ill health prevented him from his passion for fishing and hunting over the past few years, he filled his days playing his guitar, listening to music, playing games and always reading. He especially enjoyed online shopping and building model cars and trucks.

Paul is survived by his mother Sharon Veran, nieces Cassidy and Michaela Genik, sister Tana Troniak and half siblings Lindsay and Lindie Goodman. He is also survived by aunts and uncles, Alfred and Marie Veran, Deloris Veran, Beverly Veran, Sandy Sedor, Alverne Dickson, Joe Veran, Jack and Evelyn Veran, and Carol Goodman. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paul was pre-deceased by his father Louis Goodman Jr., sister Kelly Goodman, brother Ricky Goodman, grandparents Alfred and Mary Veran, Anna and Louis Goodman, and uncles Ray Veran, Russell Sedor, and Lonnie Goodman, cousins Lonnie Goodman Jr., Mark Goodman, Rachel Hanson, Patty Veran, Robert Veran, and Danny Veran.

At his request, there will be no service and internment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.

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Mike Ranta has started final preparations for another run at the Vancouver to Cape Breton paddle he came up just short on in 2014.

He is working toward two, rather contradictory, goals: getting into aerobic shape to be ready for higher altitudes in the Rockies, and gaining another twenty pounds.

Why the weight? In 2014, he lost 75 pounds during his 214 day paddle; in 2011, when he went from Rocky Mountain House to Montreal, he dropped 50 pounds. So experience has taught him that he needs weigh in at around 240 pounds when he dips his paddle in the Pacific Ocean on April 1.

He’ll head west on February 29, where (eventually) he’ll be staying with Brian DeGagne in B.C.’s Okanagen valley. He’ll use that as a base to do his altitude training.

His last weekend in Atikokan until July 1 will begin with a lasagne dinner fund-raiser this Friday at the Legion. The Legion Ladies Auxiliary are helping with the dinner (as are Foodland and Warren’s Lone Pine Market), but Ranta is the chief chef on this project.

“It takes me three days to put together good lasagne… I got the recipe from a friend’s Italian grandmother… it’s so good!”

Veterans and youth

This time, Ranta wants to take two groups of people with him, at least in spirit: the young people of Atikokan, and Canadian veterans.

“It will be my way – the most Canadian way – of saying thank you to the veterans,” he said.

He’s got a new canoe (another specially modified 18-foot Wilderness model from Souris River), this time in Canadian red and white. Atikokan’s veterans will be the first to get to sign it; next will be his brother Kevin (who served in Bosnia) and his comrades in Alberta, then the veterans he meets as he paddles across the country. He has already made arrangements to speak at several Legions, and is working to expand that list.

Thanks to a suggestion from Don Meany, he is planning to build a wreath with elements he comes across as he paddles, and to then place the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. (He may start on a second wreath to lay in Cape Breton when he leaves Ottawa.)

“Last time, a lot of things hit home with me about those who serve our country… We wouldn’t be what we are without them…”

It all crystalized one dreary day on Lake Manitoba. Ranta says it was probably the low point on his 2014 trip, personally. He’d been dealing with wind and rain, day after day, and was coming to realize he wasn’t going to get home to Atikokan for Canada Day. Then a Hercules circled overhead – turns out he had some followers and fans at 17 Wing Winnipeg, and they decided to test their mettle during a training run with a precision drop, of a care package (complete with treats for Spitzii) for the cross-country paddler.

“I could hardly believe what I was seeing… it really picked me up.”

Ranta is working now with Patricia Lambkin, Tim Thorburn, and Alan Poelman to put together an on-line support package for the trip. That will include a sponsorship site, where supporters can contribute $50 or more to the project; anything raised above the rather minimal expenses will be split between the youth centre and the Legion.

As before, he will post regularly to FaceBook and carry a Spot locator that will allow supporters to follow him across the country.

Lambkin has helped him to upgrade the camera he will carry on the trip. She will also follow him for at least a month to get additional footage, and start work on a trip documentary.

Howie Hawkes has built him another portage cart, this one even heavier-duty that his 2014 model.

This is very much “an Atikokan show,” said Ranta.

New route

Finally, Ranta is also working out what he hopes will be a somewhat faster route.

“If it works out, this will be something that will never be done faster,” said Ranta.

Never say never?

“Well, I truly believe in my heart that I am the best in the world at endurance travel in the canoe.”

That said, Ranta does emphasize he will be doing what he loves… what he was born to do.

“It’s going to be fun. I wouldn’t do it if it weren’t for the joy of paddling.”

We could be seeing a book from Mike Ranta’s 2014 trip.

Between his trip journal and his post-trip writings based on it, Ranta has put together some 600 pages (about a quarter million words) and turned it all over to Leo Hunnakko, who grew up near his father on Silver Island. He’s an author and entrepreneur, and has found some interest from publishers in turning the first-hand tale into a book.

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Mary Lenora Petkau

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Mary Petkau announces her passing on Saturday, January 16, 2016 in Cranbrook, B.C., at 68 years of age.

Mary was born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on April 18, 1947. She devoted her life to her family as a stay at home mom and had celebrated her 50^th wedding anniversary with Bob in October. She loved animals, enjoyed casino trips with her friends, volunteered for twenty years at the Royal Canadian Legion, always had a smile on her face, was happy and kind and enjoyed helping others. Her only grandchild John was the light of her life. Mary was a beautiful person inside and out.

Mary is survived by her husband Bob Petkau, son Sean (Cindy) Petkau, daughter Karri (Phil) Iddon, grandson John Iddon, sister Lorena (Don) Blair, sister Bonnie Snow, sister-in-law Barb Snow and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother Johnena Snow, father Stan Snow, nephew Darryl Snow, brother Bill Snow and great nephew Parker Peters.

A private family gathering to celebrate Mary’s life has taken place. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Mary may do so to the: Canadian Cancer Society (19 – 9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, B.C., V1C 2L9) or to the: BC Cancer Foundation POG Program (150, 686 – W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Z), or to the: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (#150, 6450 – Roberts Street, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 4E1).

Condolences for the family can be offered at www.McPhersonFH.com

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Ingeborg Roehrig

It is with great sadness that the family of Ingeborg Elfriede Roehrig, announce her passing February 3, 2016, in Quesnel, B.C.

Inge was born in Grone, Goettingen, Germany, July 10, 1929 to Karl and Emmi Ehrhardt.

In her early adult years she worked in retail, as a sales clerk. She then met and married her husband, Herbert Roehrig. They started their family in Goettingen, Germany, where Peter, the first of their five children was born.

They then immigrated to Canada in 1954, and through the course of their travels settled in Atikokan where Angelika, Herb Jr., Liz, and Andreas were born. Together with her husband, they owned and operated the Herb Roehrig Ski Shop from 1964 to 2000.

Our incredibly witty mother had many passions in life, including painting, gardening, playing the accordion, singing, sewing, knitting, swimming, cross country skiing, and in her early years, was an avid downhill skier.

Herb and Inge thoroughly enjoyed the countless hours they spent at their cottage at Factor Lake where Herb built his “Castle Rock” and Inge perfected her gardening talent by landscaping the cottage grounds and turning it into her version of the “Bavarian Forest”.

She loved being a part of the Pioneer Centre where she so looked forward to getting together with her friends to converse and line dance. She was also a member of the Catholic Women’s League.

After the passing of her husband she moved to Kelowna, B.C. to care for her mother. She then met and married Albin Stroniarz in Kelowna, where they lived until 2014, at which time they then moved to Quesnel, B.C.

Inge is survived by her husband, Albin Stroniarz, children Peter (Linda), Angelika, Herb (Sandra), Liz, Andy Sr. (Juanita); grandchildren Rick Doran (Carla), Lisa Doran-Campbell (Brody), Kristen Wiersema (Sean), Lindsey Roehrig (Steve), Jessica Aitken (Trevor), Brendan Roehrig, Andy Roehrig Jr. (Courtney), Kelsey Thompson (Dustin) and Alex Roehrig. She is also survived by six great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her father Karl Ehrhardt, in Goettingen, Germany (February, 1960), her mother Emmi Ehrhardt (March 3, 2008), in Kelowna, B.C., her husband, Herb Roehrig (August 17, 2000) in Atikokan, and her son-in-law, Abs George (June 17, 2015) in Atikokan.

The family will have a private graveside memorial at Lakeview Cemetary in Kelowna, B.C., at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Atikokan General Hospital or a charity of your choice.

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Mark Winters

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mark Robert Winters, 63, on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. Mark passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 26, 1952, in Vancouver, B.C.

Mark spent his early years working at Papa Joe’s. Taking a break from the pizza business, he moved forward working for Cav-Tal and found a passion for long-haul trucking. Mark enjoyed the time he spent on the road, seeing new places and meeting new people. Mark and Pat settled out at Whitefish Lake, spending many nights around a camp fire, fishing and welcoming company with open arms.

Opportunity knocked for Mark and Pat and they embraced a new adventure, taking on a business in Seminole, Florida. Together they spent many years enjoying the sunsets and warmth while making new friends. Upon their return to Ontario, Mark made a full circle journey back into the life of pizza. Pat and Mark purchased Papa Joe’s in Atikokan and ran it together as PJ’s Pizza & Pasta. Together they ran their business until Mark fell ill.

At the age of 52, Mark was diagnosed with Early Onset Rapidly Progressive Dementia. He remained at home, with Pat, for as long as possible, until he needed full-time care. Mark resided at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital for six years, where he received phenomenal care.

Mark had a manner about himself that we all loved. He was a good man; one that would stand behind you and support you in all you did. Mark was that guy wearing a handle-bar moustache and a mullet, affectionately known as ‘Bubba’. Underneath that gruff exterior, he was a teddy bear.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Pat, and children Rodney (Nicole), Kevin (Amanda), Crystal (Steve), Hollie (Craig), and BJ (Sarah); grandchildren Makaila, Reece, Ariana, Olivia, Seija, Keegan, Kianna, Alec, and Sole; brothers Jerry (Patty), Patrick (Geri), Tom, Donald, Robbie Else, sisters Helen, Mary Ellen (Jack), and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by parents Madeline and Frank (Pops) Winters, brothers John and Frankie Winters.

On Saturday, May 28, Mark’s family invite friends to join us in the Walk for Memories in Thunder Bay. A prayer service will be held following the Walk for Memories at 2:30 pm (1:30 pm Atikokan time) at St. Peter’s Church. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the Alzheimer Society.

Online condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com

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Yvette St. Pierre

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Yvette Marie St. Pierre (Pilon), 91, of Atikokan Hospital Extended Care.

Yvette was born March 14, 1924 in Timmins, Ontario where she attended St. Joseph’s School. She married Leo St. Pierre in November 1941 and in 1953 they moved to Atikokan, Ontario.

Yvette belonged to the Catholic Women’s League and the Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She loved cooking and sharing time with her family. She was an avid reader, loved knitting, playing cards and camping.

She worked at Red & White for 10 years and in 1963, started at the Rockton Hotel, where she worked for 15 years.

She is survived by her six children: Vivian MacQuarrie (Jim Vickery) of Thunder Bay, ON; Carol Anderson of Atikokan; Judy Erickson (Darrel) of Westlock, AB; Peter St. Pierre (Helen) of Atikokan; Donald St. Pierre (Nancy) of Atikokan; and Michael St. Pierre (Michelle) of Fort McMurray, AB. Yvette has 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by Annette (Harold) Johnson of North Bay, ON, Paulette (Hank) Burman of North Bay, Jack (Jeanne) Pilon of Gatineau, QC and Claudette (Emile) Groulx of Gatineau.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Leo on April 4, 1983 as well as her loving companion of 21 years, Mike Wodell, on April 22, 2003, her parents Leondre (Fidelia) Pilon, her brothers Fernand, Jean Guy, Geatan, Roger and sister Agathe, all from Quebec.

A celebration of Yvette’s life will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in June 2016 with internment following. Memorial donations can be made to the Atikokan General Hospital’s Extended Care Wing in Yvette’s memory.

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John White

John White, 80, of Niobe Lake, died peacefully on February 21, 2016 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

A memorial service will be held in the summer, with an obituary to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the AGH Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com

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Atikokan continues to host world record contenders, thanks to Clearwater and White Otter lakes, evidenced by the recent catch of two lake trout which weighed between 38 and 40 lbs.

Duluth’s Barry Larson was a guest of Browns’ Clearwater West Resort, Thursday, January 21, when he snagged a giant lake trout, which measured 45½ inches long, with a 28-inch girth. It was an exciting 10 minute battle, that involved Larson and his fishing buddies using a gaff to hoist it onto the ice.

The fish was caught at a 58 foot depth, using a 10 lb test line, with a spoon and minnow.

“We could see it circling through the ice. It looked like a monster,” Larson told the Duluth News Tribune.

Catching monsters like these while ice-fishing is “an annual occurrence,” says resort owner Barry Brown. Another client, Mark Anderson of Luck, Wisconsin, caught a 44¼ in long, 27 inch wide trout three days after Larson’s.

The tricky part is getting an accurate, certifiable weight: Larson’s weighed 39.8 lbs on the resort’s scales, but by the time the anglers got to Atikokan Foodland the next day, the weight on the store’s meat scales was 37 lbs. Considering that a gallon of water weighs over 9 lbs, Brown said the water lost in picking up and setting down the fish, let alone moisture loss over time, means that “two to four cups of water is a terrific loss.”

Anderson’s big fish was slightly smaller in size to Larson’s, but fared better in the final weighing in on the Foodland scales, weighing in at over 38 lbs.

Brown said because struggling to find a certifiably accurate weigh scales is always a scramble, he is purchasing a more reliable one for the resort (he currently has a digital scale), which should ensure better accuracy and convenience. Brown said he will ask the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wisconsin, to send someone up periodically to assess the scales to ensure continued accuracy.

Brown’s client Earl Palmquist of International Falls caught what remains the ice-fishing world record trout at Clearwater in 1987. His weighed in at 40lbs on the nose at the MNR office in Atikokan. It was 44 inches long. Brown estimates that given the moisture loss in transport and delay, that fish may have initially been 43-44 lbs.

Through the decades, the mount of Palmquist’s catch has been displayed at most of the hospitality businesses throughout International Falls.

This winter’s two big fish have once again stirred media attention. In 2013, when another Browns’ client, Bruce Soderberg of Duluth, snagged the Hall of Fame title for the largest catch-and-release-ice fishing record with a 46 incher (weight was not confirmed) caught on White Otter Lake.

Naturally all the buzz created in the fishing community by these type of catches doesn’t hurt Browns’ or Atikokan, notes Brown, who said Larson, who is a regular client, has re-booked for second trip this winter.

After nearly 40 years on the attached lakes of Clearwater West and White Otter, Brown (who spent a decade prior to that with the fisheries division of the MNR), said the fisheries are becoming more productive, with larger fish. In fact, he wouldn’t be surprised if a 100 pounder isn’t lurking in those waters: A trout of that weight was caught in Lake Superior and Brown said “there is no reason why there wouldn’t be some here.”

There are at least two reasons for that, he says. One is that more anglers are practicing catch and release, and that Clearwater (about 9.000 acres, to a depth of 471 feet), and White Otter (about 25,000 acres to a depth of about 33 feet) offer an extremely fertile food supply for trout. Brown recalls the University of Toronto testing the lakes 25 years ago, as part of research of lake trout fisheries across the province. Lake bottom sampling showed the waters hosted ten times the amount of food – particular bugs found in hatching areas which baby trout feed on – of any other lakes tested in Ontario, he said.

“Nothing has changed, only the numbers [of fish being caught] have actually improved,” since that study, said Brown, adding that conservation guidelines and the technology used to locate the fish, have also helped.

And it’s all the ‘big fish buzz’ is all good for the resort and the community, Brown adds. “It’s good for Atikokan and certainly Fort Frances” when anglers travel to this area on a quest to catch a monster. “It creates a lot of spin-off.”

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Town officials remain confident work on the arena-pool redevelopment will begin in April.

But all the pieces for the $6 million project are not yet firmly in place. Chief among them is the federal contribution to the project; the Town has applied for a million dollars through FedNor, and its application advanced through all the preliminary approval processes last year, but has since stalled.

Mayor Dennis Brown and community services manager Nicole Halasz spoke with FedNor director-general Aime Dimatteo February 18. He told them the agency won’t have funding until April 1, and won’t know how much funding it will have until the federal budget comes down on March 22.

He did tell them that the Town can start the project without jeopardizing its funding application; and FedNor officials had earlier advised the Town not to apply to the new Canada 150 program (another grant program, this one geared to recreation facilities) because it was capped at $500,000.

“I think this will come through for us,” said the mayor. “We’ve talked with MP Rusnak and MP Nault (Kenora), and they will do everything they can. They know how important this is to us.”

The province committed a million dollars for the project through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund last spring.

A fund-raising campaign, Strengthening the Heart of Our Community, is doing well in its bid to raise half a million dollars for the project; it’s expected to announce a number in late March or early April.

Council continues to discuss how the Town will cover its share of the project cost, about $3.5 million. (See separate story on Town debt.)

CBRE and town officials considered 15 firms for the project, and finally asked five to make proposals under a design-build format. The bidders – construction firms with a designer partner – were given the concept of what the Town wants and the budget ($5.5 million in this case), and have until March 17 to submit their proposals. Three firms are preparing proposals.

The Town, with CBRE support, will review the proposals and choose one. Council will make the final decision on when (if) the project will start.

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Sean and Amanda Held, who operated Norma Jean’s Restaurant in Thunder Bay for the past year, re-opened PJ’s Pizza & Pasta on the weekend.

“We’ll have all the PJ’s favourites – all the originals – and much more,” said Sean last week.

“We found the recipe book, and we’ve made it our little bible for the Caesar’s salad, the panzarottis, the pizza sauce…” said Amanda.

And while all the PJ’s favourites will be there, the Helds will also bring their own experience to the table with full breakfast and lunch menus. The breakfast menu, which will be available all day, includes everything from the bacon and eggs standards to Belgium Waffles, Eggs Benedict, and even a Breakfast Poutine.

Sean Held’s first job as a teenager was at Barney’s in his co-home town (with Thunder Bay) of Fort Erie, where he worked his way up to kitchen manager. He went on to become a licenced HVAC tech and gas fitter, but for years has wanted to get back into the food industry. He got his chance to do that in Thunder Bay, opening NJ’s Express, the home of the foot long hot dog, on May Street.

He then leased Norma Jean’s for a year, and started looking around for a place he could buy. Amanda was the Atikokan connection – she’s the daughter of Kim McInnis, grand-daughter of John and Marie.

“I did a couple of years of high school here, including Outers. And I’ve wanted to come back ever since,” she said.

The Helds started negotiating with the Lavergnes for the Iron Mine, a deal which ended up falling through. But their insurance agent knew Jeff Klimpton, who bought PJ’s last year, and was able to put the Helds in touch with him. They worked out a deal earlier this month.

Since then… “it’s been crazy busy; luckily, so many people have been willing to help,” said Sean.

He’s used to busy, though. He was running both restaurants in Thunder Bay at the same time as he was working close to full-time as an HVAC technician. (“After that, I know I can handle this,” said Sean, who has kept his trades licence, and will be willing to consider work here.)

At PJ’s, they’ve made some more alterations to the kitchen, recovered the tables, put a new wall in to separate the kitchen from the dining area, and back-dated the décor. (They are big time 1950s fans.)

“We kept some of the pictures… I recognize that one from when I was here in high school,” said Amanda.

She’s been working to build the restaurant’s on-line presence, first with a FaceBook page and then, last week, a full website (www.PJsPizzaPasta.com, no and!), complete with menu. (Amanda has some plans for April, when a sibling for Logan, 8, and Jonathan, 2, is due.)

The Helds have hired a dozen kitchen, wait, and delivery staff, with a good mix of experienced and new-to-the-business workers. They’ve set winter hours as 8 am to 9 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 am to 10 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (delivery will be available 4-10 pm, delivery staff will accept debit cards), and 9 am to 4 pm Sundays. PJ’s will be closed Mondays, at least for now. The phone number is still 597-1327.

“We plan to have a licence – the application takes some time – and we should have it by July,” said Amanda.

In the meantime, it’s a return of the good ‘ol days at PJ’s Pizza & Pasta.

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The Friends of White Otter Castle will hold an annual general meeting April 26, in hopes of attracting a new executive to launch another restoration of the almost century old, three-storey log structure on the shores of White Otter Lake.

The Friends held a public meeting in Atikokan February 23, spearheaded by some original members of the board (which has been dormant for several years) along with Atikokan Economic Development Corp. director Garry McKinnon and Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown. The meeting highlighted some key new developments that could help support restoration work, along with an update on the current condition of the castle from Scott Ellery, superintendent of the Turtle River-White Otter Waterway Park.

Long time Friends board members Dennis Fredrickson (Atikokan), Fred Stille (Thunder Bay), and Jackie Smyk (Ignace) participated.

A renewal of the organization – which oversaw a $1.2 million restoration of the three-storey log structure in 1994 – would be timely, given several factors: the Castle’s recent 100^th birthday, the enactment of a park management plan for Turtle River-White Otter, and the need for repairs.

“As years go by and things get left, it’s getting to the point where [my concern] from a liability perspective, is if the Castle can continue as a tourism attraction,” said Ellery. Safety concerns, especially with the tower, from which visitors can access the roof, are significant. “The MNR is responsible for liability in a regulated provincial park… the last thing I want to do is to have to put a chain around the castle and barricade it from the general public.”

To prevent that, Ellery said some structural repairs need to occur. Five years ago, the Friends received a quote for $258,000 to replace and repair some wall logs, ground-level decking, mortar and chinking, and front porch shingles; make adjustments to internal beams to compensate for settling, and apply a protective sealant to the entire building to prevent further rot and decay.

Over the past decade, Ellery has accessed some MNR funds and, through a partnership with Ontario Rangers, purchased and installed a new float plane dock, completed some minor repairs, and maintained the Castle grounds.

“The Friends have pretty much fallen apart in past five years,” said Dennis Fredrickson, one of the Friends founders.

The massive rebuild in 1994 meant “18-hour days” for him then, as board chair. Fredrickson began his association with the Castle shortly after it was originally repaired in 1955, and along with others from Atikokan and Ignace, founded the organization to preserve, maintain and promote the historic cultural landmark.

“It’s running a business, dealing with people, running finances, fundraising, knowing who’s who in government and [other stakeholders]. It’s no little chore,” said Fredrickson.

While inactive, the Friends group is in sound financial condition, with $3,700 in its bank account which would be enough to reprint 10,000 updated brochures. The organization has also maintained its status as a registered charity, noted Stille, Friends’ treasurer. He said members had considered turning the organization over to the MNR and de-regulating its charitable status, because “we are limited in how long we can file inactive registration forms [to the Canada Revenue Agency],” said Stille. “However, we currently still have something valuable in that we are a registered charity.”

There are some new opportunities. The park could be made operational and revenue-generating, which could be one source of funding for Castle maintenance. However, that idea got mixed reviews from former members and the public; Ellery said given usage levels now, the government “currently has no appetite to do that.”

If that changed and visitor levels meant user fees could mean it was profitable to operate, the government would be willing to re-consider.

More potential exists for government grants given the bi-centennial next year, as well as the Castle’s recent 100^th year, in 2014.

The Friends worked tirelessly for nearly 15 years to fund and oversee its restoration, after the MNR installed no trespassing signs around the Castle to prohibit visitors from entering the deteriorating building in 1982.

To avoid this happening again, “we really need a fresh batch of people willing to work,” said Fredrickson. McKinnon also encouraged the group to consider engaging younger people in the organization and project, using social media, and potentially publishing digital forms of Friends brochures.

Prior to the April AGM, “we will keep getting the message out, getting the social media moving,” said McKinnon.

For more information on the Friends or the upcoming meeting, contact McKinnon at 597-2757 or Jackie Smyk at (807) 934-6482.

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Theresa Shannon (Ellek)

Theresa Shannon (née Ellek), 86, passed away February 22, 2016, in Thunder Bay.

Born October 18, 1929 in Sprague Manitoba, Theresa was one of six children. In 1947, Theresa married the love of her life, Harvey Shannon. They lived in Barwick, Ontario, then settled in Atikokan, Ontario where they became an integral part of their community, the Riverview United Church, and of course their family. The past few years, Theresa lived at Blue Heron (Pinewood Court) in Thunder Bay.

Theresa will always be remembered for her laughter, generosity, courage and strength.

She is survived by her daughter Margaret (Roger), granddaughters Charlene, Loretta, Colette and their respective partners, great grandchildren Kyla, Jordan, Ashton, Jayden, Dakota and Andrew. Sisters Regina Emes and Mary Weiss.

She was pre-deceased by husband Harvey, great granddaughter Shalyn, sister Elizabeth (Liz) Schwank and brothers Joseph and Martin Ellek.

A celebration of life will take place at Riverview United Church in Atikokan on March 12, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Atikokan General Hospital, Riverview United Church, Pinewood Court recreation department, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com

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Wilson David

Wilson David, formerly of Atikokan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, February 25, 2016 in his 75^th year, after a short battle with cancer.

Wilson was a member of the community from 1982 to 1996, where he was employed at the Atikokan Generating Station and an active member of the Kiwanis Club.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 42 years, Joyce, his sons, Santosh (Jennifer), and Sam (Stephanie), and his five adoring grandchildren, Owen, Cole, Asha, Max, and Sydney. A great, kind, gentle man with a wonderful sense of humour, he will be truly missed by his family and friends.

A service was held March 3 at the Woodstock Salvation Army Church. Donations in memory of Wilson may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Atikokan. Online condolences may be made at www.gffh.ca

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Monday, March 14

Mar. 14 – 18 – Lakehead U. open house, details at mylakehead.ca

Mar. 14 – 18 – SunDog Birthday Week, open 10 am – 5 pm every day

Faith Lutheran food bank open, 1-2 pm

Free skate (courtesy ANFC) 1:30-2:30 pm

Council meets, 4 pm

Tuesday, March 15

Mom & Me, 10:30 am, Library

Toddler Story Time, 10:30 am, SunDog

Free swim (courtesy ANFC), noon – 1 pm

Canadian Diabetes webinar, 1 pm, AGH

Free skate (courtesy ANFC) 1:30-2:30 pm

Science Day (ages 7+), 6:30 pm, Library

Artists’ drop-in, 7-9 pm, ANFC

Wednesday, March 16

600 Starfighter Skate-a-thon, 10 am – 3 pm

Beginner Zumba 11 am, Pioneer Ctr

Moms’ Club, 11 am, SunDog

Free swim (courtesy ANFC), noon – 1 pm

Free skate (courtesy ANFC) 1:30-2:30 pm

Lego Activities (4+), 2 pm, Library

Easter Story Time (with cupcakes) (4+), 6:30 pm, Library

Badminton (ages 15+), 7-9 pm, AHS

Thursday, March 17

Free swim (courtesy ANFC), noon – 1 pm

Leprechaun crafts (4+), 1-3 pm, Library

Resistance Bands, 1 pm, Riverview UC

Free skate (courtesy ANFC) 1:30-2:30 pm

Women for Sobriety, 6 pm, Shelter of Hope

Bedtime Storytime, 6:30. Library

Friday, March 18

Music & Movement for pre-schoolers, 10:30 am (lunch follows), SunDog

Free swim (courtesy ANFC), noon – 1 pm

Movie: The Good Dinosaur, 1 pm, Library

Free skate (courtesy ANFC) 1:30-2:30 pm

Saturday, March 19

Cross Quetico Lakes Tour, (register on the 18^th), LFRC

Reel Paddling Film Festival, 7:30 pm, Little Falls RC

Sunday, March 20

Cribbage, 1-5 pm, Legion

Monday, March 21

Community Food bank open, 1 – 2:30 pm

Council meets, 4 pm

Mar . 22 – Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

Cooking for 1 or 2, 11 am, FHT Zuke Rd

Northwest Catholic DSB meets, videoconference, 6:30 pm (597-2633)

Mar. 23 – Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

SunDog Easter celebration, 11 am

Canadian Diabetes webinar, 1 pm, AGH

Mar. 24 – Community Glee Club, 4 pm, Riverview

Regional Employment Expo, 1-7 pm, Grayson Hall

Mar. 25 – Good Friday walk, 10:30 am from Atikokan Fellowship (Front St.)

Apr. 3 – Gillons Kickstart soccer camp. Register by Mar. 24 at wwwThunderBayChill.com

Apr. 4 – NorWest Animal Clinic visits, 274-7393

Apr. 6 – AES: Tom Allen’s Judgement of Paris, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s School

Apr. 8 – NorWest Animal Clinic visits, 274-7393

Apr. 12 – AHS parent council meets, 7 pm, resource Crt

Apr. 13 – NorWOSSA badminton championships, AHS

NorWest Animal Clinic visits, 274-7393

Apr. 14 – Music Showcase, 5-8 pm, Museum

Apr. 16 – Conservation Club dinner/auction, Legion

Apr. 19 – Northwest Catholic DSB meets, videoconference, 6:30 pm (597-2633)

Apr. 25 – PD Day, all schools

Apr. 27 – NorWest Animal Clinic visits, 274-7393

ACES: Queen of Colours, Compagnie Les Voisins, 6:30 pm, AHS

Apr. 28 – Music Showcase, 5-8 pm, Museum

May 3 – Rainy River DSB meets, AHS

May 10 – AHS parent council meets, 7 pm, resource Crt

May 23 – Victoria Day

June 10 – PD Day

June 14 – AHS parent council meets, 7 pm, resource Crt

June 24 – Last day of school

The post Community events March 14 forward appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Ruby Chumway

Ruby Aileen Harris Chumway passed away peacefully on March 2, 2016.

Ruby, born March 12, 1920, to Melville and Edith (Johnston) Harris, was the first of six children, and was brought up in the Durban, Kenville, and Swan River, Manitoba area.

Ruby became a teacher and taught school in Mafeking, MB, married Lawrence Chumway, had their first child in 1946, and moved to Atikokan in 1948. There she kept boarders in her small home, was a foster parent, and taught school for a while. She and Louise Greig had a catering business and in 1958, when Quetico Centre opened, Ruby became the cook. She eventually taught some courses there as well as took courses herself.

Ruby was never idle. She became a clerk at the Steep Rock warehouse and then in the Pit office department. When Steep Rock closed in 1979, Ruby got a job in the mining clerical department at the Pickle Lake mine. She came home to work with contractors who helped to build the Ontario Hydro plant.

She had an active interest in her community and was always involved in trying to make life in Atikokan better. It started when she first came to Atikokan and was a volunteer with the Woman’s Institute. Ruby was recipient of the Atikokan Pioneer of the Year award, Business Woman Award, Ontario Heritage Community Recognition Award (1997), and the Ontario Volunteer Service Award (2001). She was a founder of the Atikokan Crisis Housing along with Beverly Curtis, and a life member of the Atikokan Mining Association. If you had been a miner at Steep Rock or Caland, it was Ruby who tried to get the names and stories of all those who worked at those mines, so their families would be able to go back in time and read about their relatives.

Ruby was known to exit a car stopped because of road construction and do the Mexican hat dance, to the delight of her children and other waiting travellers, or go skinny dipping with her girls at Fire Lake. She loved acting and her part in the Little Theatre. Ruby was an avid potter, digging and throwing her own clay and making her own glazes; she loved her pottery wheels, especially the manual one, and firing the pots in her kiln. It was an exciting day when that kiln was opened – you never would know how things would turn out. At one point, she was planning to start a business making tile from local clay for bathrooms and kitchen back splashes.

She was a part of the Northwestern Arts and Crafts organization and always took part in any classes they brought to town.

Her mother taught her well in the art of homemaking, and Ruby could sew so well you would not know if she had hand-sewn something or used the sewing machine. A coat she made in Pickle Lake stands out – all hand sewn, with a beautiful peacock on the lining. She loved painting with her friends, and making cards for her kids. Anyone who got one of those cards felt special. Small mice, snakes, bugs, worms, flowers, etc., all talking amongst themselves about you and your birthday or how you may be feeling.

Ruby loved to garden and people would stop and comment on her beautiful daffodils or pick up some starter plants for their own gardens. She also enjoyed taking her catamaran to N Lake or Eva Lake, with Hala-Dee, Tim, and Twyla. (Dee and Tim could make that sail boat move until they got caught behind an island.) Her round cabin on Perch Lake River brought joyous thoughts to some of us – and only “Gad, more work and no fishing” thoughts to others. But her grandchildren loved swimming and digging for clay there.

Ruby loved to sit in her sunroom built by her good friend and boarder, Derick, his wife, Micky, and her daughter Hala-Dee. That was her favourite room for arts and crafts, listening to music, and reading anything from mystery to fantasy. She loved words and would battle with anyone who would “murder the English language”. She showed the kids where the fairy ponds and wild lady slippers in the bush were, and the meaning of hard work. But her favourite thing to do was go back to her home, to her mother, in Swan River and have a family reunion with all she loved and knew.

Ruby will be dearly remembered by her daughters and their families, Lawanna (Ken Moffatt), Twyla (Tim Kehler), Hala-Dee (Bob Cox), grandchildren Tanys (Boyd Langford), Terry (Dawn Huston), (Cheri Moffatt), Tamara (Chuck Burch), Teilor (Jason Sharbot), Cyndel, and Lawrence Chumway-Cox, twelve great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Douglas (Betty) Harris of Swan River, sister Mary Goode, of St. Albert, Alberta, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Melville and Edith (Johnston) Harris, her brothers Morley and Wallace, her sister Shirley Mae and sisters-in-law Evelyn and Eileen.

By request of the family no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Atikokan General Hospital Extended Care Wing. On-line, condolences may be made at www.GreenFuneralHomeFortFrances,com.

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Larry Ross Coulson

Larry Ross Coulson, 77, passed away February 17, 2016 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, BC.

Larry was born in Devlin, Ontario, and grew up on a farm four miles north in Burriss. When he was 15 he moved with the family to Atikokan, Ontario. After a three-year stint in the army, he returned to Atikokan where he worked with Ozzie Miller on garbage collection for the town. In January of 1978, he married Katherine Ann Brown. He worked in the mines in Port Hardy, BC and in Tumbler Ridge driving truck. While in Port Hardy, two sons were born. In 1986, Larry and Kathy moved to Winnipeg, where Larry worked as a security guard.

Larry enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, darts, bowling, dancing, crosswords and jigsaw puzzles. In 1988, Larry moved to Sparwood, BC, and then to Cranbrook in 2009.

Larry is survived by his wife Kathy, of Winnipeg, sons Clifford (Alana), Toronto, Jonathan and grandson Kolin, Winnipeg; sisters Shelva Seguin of Cranbrook, Karen Kannegeisser of Thunder Bay, Sandra (Ron) Cenerini of Atikokan; brothers, Gerry Coulson of Oliver, B.C., and Doug (Linda) Coulson of Castlegar, BC; sister-in-law Mariilyn Coulson of Provo, Utah; and brother-in-law Wally Davidson of Atikokan.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Lorna and Wilfred, brother Clayton, sister Linda Davidson, and brother-in-law Ray Seguin.

A funeral service was held February 22, in Cranbrook at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was interred in Rivercrest Cemetery in Sparwood.

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Atikokan success stories continue to abound at the Adult Learning Centre.

Since April 1, the centre has helped 71 adults, on a variety of goal paths, to upgrade their literacy and essential skills, said executive director Becky Groulx last week.

Literacy and basic skills are the primary training areas of focus at the centre, as it aims to prepare adults to earn their secondary school diploma, upgrade their skills to prepare for post-secondary education, and/or get ready for employment, apprenticeship, or simply, independence.

The province is pushing the centre to do a little more – it set an annual target of 100 learners – and over the past couple of years has introduced a new reporting system.

The centre has responded by introducing a range of new programs, and by spearheading a new education and training advisory group to help it identify needs here, especially gaps in the existing services for adults and youth.

The centre’s core staff – Jeannine ‘Jinx’ Stus, Brenda Hainey, and Melanie Luptak – have proven themselves to be dedicated and passionate teachers, and have built a terrific reputation with learners. Groulx would love to see their influence expand beyond Atikokan.

“We know there is a need for our programs [at places like] Seine River and Lac La Croix First Nations,” said Groulx. “We have been working with them, and know there are many [there who] need their grade 12… or basic computer skills [training] so they can use an online E-learning platform.”

With only limited public transportation, it will take some kind of special agreement involving the province and the FNs to make that a reality.

The centre – or, more accurately, its parent company, the not-for-profit Atikokan Literacy Inc. – held its 2014-15 annual meeting February 24. (The meeting covered the year ending March 31, 2015. Board chair Tammy Faykes acknowledged it was late for a 2014-15 annual meeting, and said the centre was looking at switching its AGM to the fall.)

Both Groulx and Faykes praised the staff for getting the new reporting system into place on top of their regular duties during the year.

“The staff has really pulled its weight, and that shows in the Ministry’s reports,” said Groulx.

Treasurer JoAnn DeGagne reported the organization returned just over $7,000 of the almost $200,000 it received from the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. (In other words, it came in at about 4% under budget.) Salaries and benefits, at just under $149,000, accounted for most of its spending.

“Staff haven’t had a raise in years; we are lucky to be able to keep them,” said DeGagne.

Two new board members were accepted at the meeting, Lisa Marusyk and Michael Heaton. They join returnees Faykes, DeGagne, Yvonne Connor, Mary Makarenko, Bridget Davidson, Brad Beyak, and William Zerebeski.

All of the board members were moved to a one-year term. The board has been trying for several years to introduce a system of varied length terms (so that about half the board is up for renewal each year, rather than having the whole board change at once), but that will require a by-law change.

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