• Wednesday-What'sUP November 2 - 07:47 pm

This daily discussion became an impromptu memorial page for George Hite on Wednesday, when the word came that he had passed away. George was quite instrumental in the creation of Pasty Central, back in the early days of the Internet, as we were inspired by his "Eagle Harbor Web", which pre-dated the Pasty Cam, now the longest-running daily picture/website in Michigan.

You are welcome to add your memories of George to the tributes on this page.

Last week Michele Mukavetz found herself waiting for the arrival of one of the freighters that was carrying the salt to the Houghton/Hancock area. Today's two pictures are part of what she saw that day. Interesting clouds and such calm waters in the Portage Canal, that it was reflecting everything perfectly, as if it we're a mirror. What an absolutely beautiful scene to have witnessed and captured to share with us all. It definitely is a relaxing scene when taking it all in, so pretend you're right there, looking across the canal and enjoying this peaceful morning in person.

Great job, Shelly!!! Awesome photos!! I think I've said it many times, but I never get tired of mirrored pictures of water!! Thanks for sharing.

I love perfectly smooth water. Awesome photos; thank you!

Wow...are these ever beautiful!

Well, those certainly are some interesting photos; reminds me of the classic Foreigner tune "Double Vision"....

Thanks Michele for sharing!!

Very nice!

On a sad note, George Hite passed away yesterday at his home in Eagle Harbor. I had just spoken with him yesterday morning. We will be posting a note from the family on his website, EagleHarborWeb.net

I just read that on Mr. Hite's Eagle Harbor site, Charlie. So very sad....I'm sure we'll all miss him very much! I start my daily surfing by checking Sharon's site and then George's. Such a sad note to start the day.

When I read that George was back in Eagle Harbor I so hoped that he may be back to share his thoughts and happenings with us. But not knowing the circumstances I can understand his desire to be "home". God be with him is his "new digs" and may his family and friends rest assured that it is even better now. Peace to all his loved ones.

The World Wide Web and Eagle Harbor are lessor place today, having lost George Hite and his musings. Jim and I never met George in person, but I talked to him several times on the phone...as well as passing the Peregrine on the water..he was a gracious, gracious man and will be missed by many.
Fair winds and following seas, George.

Great shots from along my lunch walk trail ;-)

Oh my...what a sad, sad day this is. George will be missed by so many people, far and wide. His site was one I visited every single day, whether he was active on it or not. I always hoped there would be a new musing there, of one sort or another. Gosh, hard to believe he's gone... Deepest sympathies going out to his family.

JoAnne Stefanac
Port Orchard, WA

I was so very sad to hear of George Hite's passing. I also went to his site everyday hoping to see that he went back to writing his famous updates. We would stay at Mark Stewarts house and we could hear the clanking of the rigging on
Georges boat and it was such a relaxing sound and now Mark and George are gone and such a great loss. They both loved the UP.

will miss you george, no one could write words like you...R.I.P.

The photos today are amazing!!

Did any of you take note that today is 11022011?

So sad to hear about George. I went to his site everyday. I will truly miss his writings. RIP George. You lived a good life and happy to know that your took your last trip this year on your beloved Peregrine.

Excellent photo effect!

It is never easy to hear of someone passing away that has touched you in someway or another. :O(

Thank You, everybody for the comments on my pictures. I took so many that morning and picked those two (2) to send in.

For George;

I am standing by the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength,
and I stand and watch
until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes!
Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the places of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says,
'There she goes! ' ,
there are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout :
'Here she comes!'

You are gone but not forgotten. You will be in our hearts forever.

Love the reflection. We'll miss you George...your family and friends are in our prayers.

I am putting together a photo album of all my reflective pictures. I have some of the liftbridge that are incredible.

Very beautiful Hollydays....

Rest In Peace George...

Rest in peace George . I will miss the musings that you would write of a storm that that was particularly bad and how you had to get wood in and get the door shut. But that the was the UP and the fury was the Keeweenaw's. His dog's going for a walk with him gave eternal peace. We will all miss the writings of George. A true character of the Keeweenaw.

The photo of George's empty rocker by the cozy fire in the beautiful stone fireplace really speaks to me. George's interesting musings on his wonderful website were such a pleasure to read, like getting lost in a good book. Thank you for sharing your unique corner of paradise with us, George! Even though we have never met, you will be sincerely missed. Prayers for you, and for all of your family!

Whenever I was traveling through Copper Country with friends,
we always made it a point to stop by Eagle Harbor with the hope
of finding George home (and not sailing). If we were lucky
enough to find him home, we'd all settle into our chairs and
listen to him share with us historical insights of the growth and
development of the Keweenaw in the early to mid 20th century.

George was a successful businessman, historian, writer, sailor,
advocate for his community, family patriarch, benefactor and
friend to many lucky enough to have known him.

It was a treat to see the home where I grew up in the second photo posted yesterday. Next week I will be making the long overdue trip to Hancock for a quick visit.