• Thursday-What'sUP March 31 - 10:45 am

I lost a good friend this month and the Keweenaw lost a long time champion of conservation. Jim Rooks worked to save special places since the 1960's. His campaign to save the Estivant pines was not popular at the time, but we are grateful he had thick enough skin to prevail. Jim had bounced back from cancer, a heart attack, knee replacement, and (on one very cold January morning) a small stroke.

I was awoken by a phone call at 4am - it was Jim asking if I could drive him to the veterans hospital in Iron Mountain. Along the way there, the Hoar frost in the trees was just spectacular. I slowed to have a better look. Jim was dozing but noticed the change in speed and opened one eye and looked out the window. Not thinking of his own condition, he muttered with partially paralyzed face, "Oh nice, did you bring your camera?" I had brought my camera but I couldn't stop. Jim should have been taken to the nearest hospital, but he wanted to go to the V.A. hospital 4 hours away. The scene just got better and better until I couldn't stand it and had to stop. I shot quickly and we were on our way again. As we picked up speed, Jim asked "did you get something good?'

I will always think of Jim when I look at this image.

Good Morning from Maryland

I had a close friend that opted to go va hospital also--LB from yellowjacket for his leg--he died also

Susan Simpson
Robert Simpson
Suzanne Spruytte
Joe Berry
Sue Berry
John, "Mr. Bud" Vargo
Donna Karson
My loving Aunt Donna Karson, went home to our Lord after a brief but couragous battle with cancer. She loved Northern Michigan. She lived in the Northern part of the lower, but always LOVED traveling to the upper. We miss you, but know you are watching over all of us.

Hyvää ja aurinkoista aamua sekä iltapäivää (Suomen aikaa.. .)!

Good and sunshines morning and also afternoon (Finn time.. .)!


http://www.metla.fi/koli/leiriko/img/tykkyva.i.jpg

Scott Dawe passed to live with Jesus Easter Sunday 2005. He will be missed by many.

Joseph Wysocki died 3/20/05

John W. Moffat
Ann R. Moffat
William R. Moffat
Anne & Ferd Wieber
Ferd Wieber, Jr.(KIA WWII)
Cathy Wieber Murphy
Paul Wieber

Please Remember The Servicemen And Women Who Made The Ultimate Sacrafice for Our Country. Andrew W Nowacki 24,Min S Choi 21,Landon S Giles 19,Richard B Gienau 29,Michael S Deem 35,Chassan S Henry 20,Alexander B Crakel 31,Danny L Anderson 29,Julio E Negron 28,Lizbeth Robles 31,Robert S Pugh 25,Azhar Ali 27,Wai P Lwin 27,Juan M Solorio 32,Michael D Jones 43,Sean Grimes 31,Donald W Eacho 38,Stephen M McGowan 26,Wade Michael Twyman 27,Adriana N Salem 21,Andrew L Bossert 24,Michael W Franklin 22,Seth K Garceau 27,Matthew A Koch 23,Alec Mazur 35,Nicholas E Wilson 21,Donald D Griffith Jr. 29,Joshua L Torrence 20,Paul M Heltzel 39,Ricky A Kieffer 36,Shane M Koele 25,Rocky D Payne 26,Paul W Thomason 3ed. 37,Lee A Lewis Jr. 28,Jonathan A Hughes 21,Kevin S Smith 20,Francisco G Martinez 20,Travis R Bruce 22,Bryan J Richard 23,Lee M Godbolt 23,Isiah J Sinclair 31,Michael T Fiscus 36,Michael T Hiester 33,Brett M Hershey 23,Norman K Snyder 21,Samuel S Lee 19.1 Pending Notification Of Next Of Kin. 1531 KIA--11568 Wounded.

For Ace, my sister's longtime companion.

Steve B., That is a beautiful picture! It sure holds a lot of meaning, and memories. What a neat thing to have to remember you friend by.

Good morning from Grand Haven, Michigan!

Auntie Lori passed away in 2001...her birthday would have been yesterday. She was one of the most fun, full-of-life people I have had the pleasure of knowing. She is missed by so many.

CHECKO KUSZ AND BUD HAINAULT TWO LONG TIME WHITE PINE RESIDENTS.

Beautiful picture! A snapshot of God's handiwork!

In memory of my dear sister and only sibling, Janet Aldridge Zion, who went to be with the Lord on 03-07-2005. She dearly loved the Keweenaw County area and spent a week there each summer with her husband Gordon, staying at the Mountain Lodge. My wife Georgene and I also were always there at the same time. One of her favorite places was Hunter's Point and so contributions in her memory are being forwarded to the "Save Hunter's Point" project. We will continue our annual trips to Copper Harbor in her memory but her presence will be dearly missed.

For two relatives, Margaret Hage and Lois Gratz. Both passed
away this week. They are loved and will be missed.

Thomas D. Edwards, my dad. b.04-03-1929 d.03-20-2005

Victor Gautz was my brother. He was from Monroe, MI. He passed away on March 1 at the age of 64. He dearly loved the Copper Country. He had a hunting camp near the Perch River and the little town of Watton on M-28. He had hunted and fished this area for over 40 years. We had our last hunting trip together this past October at his camp. When the weather allows we will be spreading his ashes around the camp. When he was on this earth the camp was Heaven to him. He will be truly missed.

... E.Gary Curtin on his birthday....Beloved husband, true-friend & soul-mate....wonderful father and grandfather...(a proud Yooper)......my hero forever!! b.3/31/30...d.7/13/01

In memory of my father, Donald "Muskrat" Pearce, who passed away 16 years ago this month. I miss him dearly. He would have loved teaching his grandchildren about "rocks" and the "woods". He absolutely loved Lac La Belle and the Northwoods!

Beautiful Story about Jim Rooks. In memory of my always happy, teasing, wonderful Uncle Maurice Benham of Homer, Michigan.

So very happy that Jim is at peace. As a visitor to Estivant Pines, I wish to thank him and others for saving such a beautiful place. A special prayer will be said when I am there next August. My sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
Mary Frank
Wheaton, Il

In memory of Mary Frances Frechette Glenn who passed away on March 22, 2005 after a battle with cancer. She will be missed by her family and friends.

In loving memory of my dear father, Carl Klenner, born in
Houghton August 24, 1920. He left us on March 10, 2005.
Dad, you asked to go 'home' that day, and now we
understand what you meant. We wish you peace after your
long journey. Love to you always.

For Terry Schaivo who just passed away this morning.

In memory of my mom, Lori Marsy, who's birthday was yesterday. I miss you every day mom, your light still shines.

Lovely, lovely picture today, Steve, and very moving story of how it was taken.

It's overwhelming how wonderful sweet little moments can be.

Remembering our friend and brother in law, Wayne Hartmann who passed away in April of 2004. Also our cousin Janet Trasti who lost her battle with cancer. We miss you both very much.

In memory of my sister, Janice (Cundy) Miller who passed away on March 30,1974 (31years ago) as a result of domestic violence. She was such a wonderful sister & loving mother to her 3 children. She would have been a wonderful grandmother now to her 6 grandchildren. But it is reassuring to know she is in a safe place with the Lord now. Rest in peace my dear sister.

What a breath taking photo, looking at it makes me feel like I am there.

In memory of my Father-in-Law, my sons' Pop, retired firefighter Jerry Beyer. I wish all my boys could have known him.

In loving memory of my son and his family's
very much loved and very much missed dog.
Keyser was senselessly killed in his own
driveway by teenagers out joy riding in Boston
on Jan. 30, 2005. Why would ANYONE kill a
families pet?...Go out of their way to do so?
We all miss Keyser very much.

Just a quick clarification. Jim Rooks stroke was about seven years ago, not this year.

Thanks for the nice comments

In memory of my grandfathers, Mala and Tapio, and in memory of family friend Ray Wiig.

In memory of my brother, Clyde Ylitalo,who died June 30, 2005 and also, in memory of my uncle, Wilho Ylitalo. Beautiful picture and what a memory to cherish!

For Dewey Bergman, a 15-yr old high school student in my hometown of Newberry, who was a victim of a hit-and-run accident last week.

In memory of my Mom - Patricia Ann Spruce Porter - b. 3-3-35 d. 6-19-05. We miss you Madre.

Correction -In memory of my Mom - Patricia Ann Spruce Porter, b. 3/3/35 - d. 6/19/04.

We miss you Madre.

In memory of my Dad and Mom George and Ellen Pini. April will be 5 years since Dad is gone. I still miss him so much. But they are together now. Also my great nephew Tyler Robert Rheault...And my dear friend Susie's Mom Kathryn Michel... They are all in a better place now ,watching over us...

In memory of Margo Syria, my wife, partner, and best friend for over 43 years. She lost her battle with cancer on January 6. I really miss you, hon.

My dad, Al McMurphy, passed away 14 years ago this month. He loved the UP and the Kewenaw in particular. Every year I was lucky enough to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the beauty of God's Country with him and my mother. Thanks for the opportunity to remember him yet again! Miss you Dad.

Lempi Rimpala Nikka Curl

My dear Aunt who I visited often in Calumet.

Regarding Verne Rowe: was he the son of Ken and Marge of Calumet.

An email with details would be appreciated.

My error regarding Verne Rowe...my apologies. .

In memory of my brother Edward L. Kolka who died in Vietnam on March 2, 1968.

In memory of Carl Rautio who passed away March 14. He was a good friend and neighbor of the Kolka family.

In memory of Papa/Grandpa/Great Grandpa, Jack Seling from Manistique, who passed on this month. We miss you so much.

In memory of Jan Fenske who passed away on March 10, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the first woman fisheries biologist ever hired by the Michigan DNR in 1983. Her zest and enthusiasm for life, passion for the resource and desire for excellence made her one of the very best in service to the state. We all miss her. She was only 50 years old.

To Steve Brimm -

Thanks for sharing your memories of Jim Rooks with us and your last ride with him. That's pure Rooks. We have all lost a tremendous friend, especially the Keweenaw.

In memory of winter! Together we say goodbye to our loved ones and I say good bye to winter! Until next year Mr. Winter. Now enters spring, bringing new life!

In memory of Dr. Barb Clark-Gilroy, age 41, who died way too young from a brain aneryism (sp) earlier this month. She leaves behind her 2 young children and her devoted husband she had just married a year ago last June. The honeymoon wasn't over for these 2 deeply in love people but for reasons unknown the Lord decided to end it. May she rest in peace and her family find some comfort in this sad time.

Yes, Steve Brimm, you got something good...
Thank you for sharing.
I've added before but I will always remember my nephew Randy Houle, my brother Johnny Houle, My Grammy Saimi Briita Koski, my brother Steven Houle, my cousin Jane Ann Saterstad, my cousin Gary Houle, my cousin Michael Houle, my friend Brian Ponnikas, my friend Leigh Scott Garrison, my grandmere Mim Anna Drouin.
Your memories live on... I think of you and smile. You are missed...

IN MEMORY OF SUSAN B. MAURER, WE LOVE YOU MOM...............SCOTT,KIM & KRIS

In memory of our Great Aunt, Eleanor Tolonen who passed away 2 years ago on March 9th. She was a special lady to all who knew her. We think of you often Auntie but know that you and Uncle Bill are looking down on us.

Thanks, Steve, for the memory of Jim Rooks and the great photo. See also our recent tribute to Jim on www.keweenawnow.com.

I was at a Houghton/Keweenaw County (now DHS)volunteer banquet one night, several years ago. Verne Rowe's wife, Elsie, rec'd a certificate for knitting/crocheting hats and mitts for needy children, and when she got her cert, Verne wiped a tear from his eye. That was one of the most beautiful things I've ever witnessed! A very charming man has crossed over...

Let the good Lord bless us all with a man like that in our lives....FLY HIGH VERNE!!

In memory of my aunt, Pearl (Johnson) Hawkins,
2/29/1916-3/26/2005 She went out dancing thursday nite and friday morning she had chest pains and died in the hospital on sat. She was born in Ripley and grew up in Dollar Bay,she was the last family member of that generation.

What a beautiful picture.The sun placed a Star on the tree.Really great.

In memory of Linda Holster who passed away this month. She was the daughter of Ken Holster,a friend of mine. Linda is at peace now.

For "Eddie", my son's and granddaughter's dog. Eddie loved the yoop, and I will always remember his leaping into Superior, joyfully returning a stick. He was never happier than when he was trotting along with us on a hike. He died at home, peacefully, an old man, and we all miss him.

Thank you Donna. My dad Verne, was a very loving man who was so proud of his family. I feel very blessed and lucky that he was my father. My dad loved spending time at the camp in Small Traverse. He always told me that he could watch the lake forever and it would never look the same twice. We are going to scatter his ashes at the place he loved the most, so he can watch over all of us while we are watching the lake for him. I love and miss you dad.

In memory of my dad Donavan (Bill) Johnson who passed
away this month, way before his time. He never Complained
about his illness or treatments during his last year. He brought
treats for the nurses and would kid with them. You would have
thought he was a volunteer rather than a patient. My dad always
thought of others before himself.

After his retirement he and my mom came up from Florida in
the summers. They stayed with my sister and her family. He
worked with my two brothers and me building houses. We often
joked that we saw more of my dad in the last years working for
us then we did our whole lives growing up. During much of our
childhood dad worked two jobs to keep us outfitted in baseball
uniforms, football uniforms and memorable family vacations.
But believe me, we weren't spoiled, we appreciated everything
and never never took anything for granted...we all had so much
fun together.

He loved life so, and thought he was going to live to the very
end, another 20 yrs. My Dad told my older brother, Donnie, a
few weeks before he died," I'm not afraid of dying, I just love life
so much. I love my wife and kids and I want to see my
grandchildren grow up." My 5 yr. old daughter hopes the guy
who makes people will make another Grandpa Johnson for us,
even if he looks different. He is missed by the many who were
thankful for him.

Thank you, Fran,GA. Was going to put Linda's name here. Appreciate the nice gesture.

Also, so sad to hear of Lempi Curl's passing. Mimi and I visited her in Albion every spring when we took care of the graves. She was talking about getting a smaller car this summer! She would have been 94 in Sept.

To Rosie & the Rowe family- Jim & I send our hearth felt sympathy to all of you in our lost of your father. Keep all the good memories in your hearth & then he will be with you always.

In memory of Emily Mongeau who left us today.
God's blessing on you Emily.

In memory of Sam Hammerstrom 17,a senior at Hancock High School who passed away on Saturday in Duluth, Mn in a car accident. His funeral was Tuesday. He was a wonderful friend, and a Christian. He will be missed by many.

Also I and my family want quiet down (calm) all Yours relations as a remembrance.. .

God bless Yours!

Each month when I view the last day's orange sunset picture, I always wish for something more uplifting, something more ethereal. I always hope that when my time comes, pastycam will have something other than a sunset. Today's picture is PERFECT!! Thanks.

In memory of my dad, Bill Givens. We will always miss you and love you!

In memory of Houghton resident Grace Camille Brown who died in 1997. This March she would have been 51. I miss you still.

My sympathy to Jim's family and friends, what a great person Jim was. Ill never forget the great times, and the things i learned from him going on hikes when we would visit Copper Harbor in the summer as a young man. Im sure we are all better people for knowing him.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Jim Rooks in the summer of 1998 when my family visited the Keweenaw. (My son has since spent the past four years at Mich Tech.) Jim was at his business and I went in to talk with him for a while. I had heard of his environmental/birdwatching reputation even in the L.P. I told him of a Merlin's nest with chicks that I had found near the marina and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird's nest near Our Lady of the Pines Church. He lit up like I had told him the directions to a pot of gold.

My family went for a walk in the beautiful Estivant Pines and, at that time, didn't realize the vested interest that Jim had for that area. What a dedicated servant to the environment and the Keweenaw! Even though I only spent a few minutes visitng him on that day, I feel very fortunate to have crossed paths with such a great man.

I lost my mother, Mae Kopaczewski, a year ago today. She lived in Standish, MI.

I miss dewey my sweet friend who was always there for every one he was one of those ppl you could trusted...he died 16 days after his 15th b-day and I want ppl to know we will never forget him

For Dewey Bergman, A 15 year old freshman killed by a hit and run driver on his way home. Dewey was a friend to all and loved by everyone. Everyday we'll think of Dewey and the fond memories that we all shared. God is lucky to have such a great kid up there with him, and I know he will be looking down and watching over all of us! -Thanks for everything Dewey, you were my 'best guy' friend, and I miss you a lot. I hope to see you again someday soon!