This serves notice to all Paddle Canada members and paddlers alike in Canada, that a legend has left us.  

Kirk Wipper, our co-founder and President Emeritus left us suddenly on Friday Mar 18th. A lot of us were knowingly inspired by Kirk. Many more are still unwittingly reaping the benefits of his impact on environmental conservation, canoeing heritage and paddling in Canada.  

Amongst his several achievements, Kirk was a co-founding member of Paddle Canada (then CRCA) in 1971 and then served as president of Paddle Canada from 1989 - 1997. He was also the founder of the Canadian Canoe Museum and a major contributor to the same. He received the Order of Canada in 2002 for his commitment to bringing the heritage and significance of the canoe alive for Canadians. He collaborated with our most famous recreational canoe and paddling foundations and people in Canada, which included the Mason's and Pierre Trudeau. One of his inspirations was his emphasis on working together to enable a strong, capable paddling community, throughout the country.  Paddle Canada continues to work towards this vision.  

Although his paddle plies the water no more, the ripple effect of his time here will be felt for many a years to come. His legacy will continue through the existence of Paddle Canada and the Canadian Canoe Museum.  They say: "what you do for yourself you take with you, what you do for others you leave behind." The evidence of Kirk's impact lies in this notice and the thousands of canoers and kayakers taking Paddle Canada courses each year.  Read more at http://www.kirkwipper.ca/

A memorial gathering is planned and entitled "Traveling On: Celebrating the Life and Passions of Kirk Wipper" at The Canadian Canoe Museum on Saturday, April 30, 2 p.m. followed by a reception at the museum. More details here. 

I hope you will join us in offering condolences to his immediate and extended family & friends.   

Rest in Peace good friend,

President

Paddle Canada

Graham Ketcheson - Executive Director

Paddle Canada