2019

Mike Lemon began his involvement in the SEP program in the late 70s when West coast trollers, along with DFO realized that the coho stocks were declining. In 1980 a Program was initiated by DFO with Don Lawseth and in 1979 Mike, his wife Jan and 4 other fishermen began to learn how to do salmon enhancement. It was tough going in the early years as the run of coho at Oona River had declined to near extinction, Mike and his fellow volunteers keep at it even though the nay-sayers called it 'salmon extinction' instead of enhancement. The river slowly began to come back with a good solid run of coho returning. Over the years Mike was involved where ever he could be of best help. When the new facility was built upriver during the time of Fisheries renewal and the coho crises he was there to offer the crew a helping hand whenever he could. His support was always given to Jan who by that time had become the fish teck and hatchery manager. He especially loved brood stock time and his big strong hands kept the males in line when they were taking milt. In August 2017 he received a beautiful SEP watch for more than 35 years of volunteer work.

RIP my friend. You were one of the most passionate, dedicated and hard working conservation volunteers we have ever met. We greatly appreciated your many words of wisdom and inspiration over the years.
He was a fellow steward, champion and advocate. Rick dedicated his life to loving his family, building incredible friendships without judgment & serving his community with endless amount of volunteer work for fisheries & wildlife conservation. He brought so many different groups together to achieve an immense amount of conservation efforts in the Lower Mainland and Okanagan communities! He was an incredible mentor. Tight lines til we meet again.

The Fishermans Prayer - By Cranbrook & District Angler's Club:

Our fisherman
Who art on riverbanks
Angler be thy name
Thy fishing season comes
Thy casting will be done
The weather will be heavenly
Give us this day lots of bites
And forgive us our laughter
As we forgive you, your
Lies about the one that got away
Lead us to a shoal of fish
And deliver us a big catch
For thine is the carp
The Pike and the Tench
Forever and ever
Amen

Gentleman Jim Mattson has passed away at the age of 88. Jim was key to the construction of our original hatchery building and its education room addition, to many other initiatives at Mossom and to the Fisheries Ecology 12 program at Centennial Secondary.
His expertise on computers in the early days of on-line learning and his knowledge of water quality was ever so valuable. He contributed decades of volunteer water quality sampling work of local creeks to the Noons Creek Hatchery.
He was recognized with the City of Port Moody Environmental Award in 2006 and he received the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence in 1994. Our deepest condolences to the Mattson family.

Born in Bobcaygeon, Ontario, he passed peacefully at the age of 88 after a long battle with dementia. Predeceased by wife Ellen; daughter Faye; siblings Bill, Jack, Irma, Alma, Edie, Lou and Betty. Fondly remembered by children Alan (Yan) and Ryan (Linda); grand-children Jill (Andrew), Nicole, Greg (Breanne), Justine and Han. Known as Uncle Sarge to his many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him and will be loved and remembered always.

A retired teacher and salmon educator, Chris was a founding member of Hoy/Scott Creek Watershed Society, and volunteered at Tyneheaad Hatchery and Science World as well.

On Wednesday November 6, 2019 Mr. Murray David Toms passed away peacefully at Langley Hospice.  Murray will be lovingly remembered by his children, Dave (Shannon), Johnny (Nicola) & Jim (Cecilia) & his three grandchildren, Mitchell, Dylan & Corson, who were his pride and joy.  Murray lived life to the fullest and was loved by all. He spent most of his retired days volunteering at the Nicomekl Enhancement Society. If he wasn't there he was out for coffee or lunch with friends.