| February 24, 2007 |
Recently, northern Michigan lost a true outdoorsman whose love for wild areas and the Pigeon River Country affected the lives of everyone around him. As William L. Myers, Jr., explained about his dad, “he always spent time with me and my two sisters. He did all the normal dad functions, but made an extra effort to get us outdoors. I remember ice fishing, lake fishing, camping, shooting and canoeing, kayaking, Scouts and cross-country road trips. My dad was never really a hunter, I’d say just an outdoorsman, but he was more than just that. He was a loving and caring father and grandfather. His professional success allowed him access to touch the lives of many people. He was humble, unpretentious and had a truly remarkable gift for being kind and open to everyone he came into contact with.
That kindness is why William L. Myers Sr., has been memorialized by so many of his friends with gifts to the Pigeon River Habitat Initiative when he passed away on February 24, 2007. “At his wake I was amazed and proud to hear how many people said that my dad touched their lives, how he made them become a better person, that he was their hero.”
It was those moments shared by father and son at the Pigeon River property, which had been in their family since 1944, that inspired Bill, Jr. to memorialize his father by requesting donations to the Pigeon River Habitat Initiative. Bill, Jr.’s first exposure was back in the late 70’s when, for a few years, his family would spend 3-4 days at the cabin in the winter. They would pack in with their gear-snow was deep back then-and would cross country ski in the Pigeon River Forest on the trails. “ I remember always crying when it came time to leave.
Contributions to the Pigeon River Habitat Initiative in memory of William (Bill) Myers, Sr. including a donation from his former employer, the Dart Container Corporation, have totaled over $12,000. These funds will be used to continue the important work of this project by meeting with private landowners bordering on or near the Pigeon River Country State Forest to discuss land conservation options and help implement those techniques to their property. The combined efforts of private landowners will define the character of this entire area for future generations, ensuring they will have an opportunity to enjoy this unique area.
To learn more about the Pigeon River Habitat Initiative, please contact Huron Pines at 989-344-0753 or info@huronpines.org.
|
|
|
