2022

On February 10th, 2022, Dave Steele passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife (Heather), daughters (Gill & Kate), and sister (Denise). Dave fought an honourable battle against aggressive cancer since early 2020 and leaves behind a legacy that will forever be in our hearts.

For 36 years, Dave stood behind the counter of a little tackle shop in North Vancouver, helping anglers from all walks of life. We know how many hearts Dave touched, how many angling passions he fostered, and how many laughs he shared. After years within the fishing community, he watched friendships flourish, kids grow up, those kids have kids, and new anglers become true adventurists. He inspired a generation to speak out, fight for change, and go knock on your local MP's door. From politics to hockey and from raising kids to the appropriate steelheader's breakfast, there was never an opinion left unsaid; a true man of passion, integrity, and kindness. Dave was a friend, a fishing partner, a husband, and a father that will be greatly missed by all those who crossed his path.

Jim began as a volunteer with the Morrison Millard Dippers on Project Watershed's water quality monitoring program, followed by a restoration project in Morrison Creek. Next came smolt counting fences and other restoration projects initiated by the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers and guided by biologists Warren Fleenor and Rupert Wong, both dear friends.

John 'Jack' Bennie Larsen passed away suddenly on October 23, 2022 and is very missed by Andrea, his wife of 35 years (they first met 43 years ago) & their 5 sons, John Jr., Ian, Harley, Jesse and Gene; his daughters-in-law Barbara, Georgia and Danielle and grandchildren John the 3rd, Cassian, Addie, Maverick, Andria and Jamie.

Jack was born in Prince Rupert and returned to live in his hometown of Bella Bella when he was 9 years old, during the Centennial year.

Jack helped build the McLoughlin Hatchery for the Heiltsuk Tribal Council in Bella Bella back in 1977 and was the manager there for 24 years. He was also director of the AFS co-management program during this time, and continued to help with egg takes and repair and maintenance at Mcloughlin Hatchery until his passing. Jack also worked with the shell fish program from 2010 to 2011, at which time they raised scallops and oysters.

Jack was a very skilled tradesman. He had experience in carpentry, built houses, did renovation upgrades, maintained furnaces, did roofing, plumbing and electrical repairs. He also did welding and fabrication in aluminum and steel, built a 24' x 8 'x 32' aluminum herring skiff and did numerous repairs and maintenance of punts.

Jack was devoted to the success of the hatchery for his community. His wife, Andrea, is currently the manager there and his sons John and Ian also work there. A true family project!