Recently, I spoke briefly at the memorial service for Ralph Moore, who was a long time supporter of our environment and natural landscape. Some people mentioned that they had difficulty hearing some of those who made tributes to Ralph because hearing conditions were just a bit less than ideal. So, here is something of what I said in my tribute.
“With Ralph's passing, I lost a friend, with just two months, two days’ age difference. I lost a ‘brother’ for the second time around and I lost a comrade in fostering awareness, appreciation and action in the place where we live and survive.
“But, hey, there is promised, to those who go for it, a new planet Earth where there will be no owies, oopsies, mishaps, accidents, disease or death and no abuse of any sort! There Ralph won't have to be concerned about weeding, chlorination or the toxins coming from chimneys at night when no one else can see the smoke. He won't have opportunity to use words and phrases like ‘putrification’ and ‘disgusting mess’. In that new land of the Master Creator, there will be endless opportunities to shape the garden and explore vast natural landscapes.
“Ralph was a person who, when he looked, he saw! When he heard, he listened!
“So, where do we go from here? Do we go on looking but not seeing, hearing but not listening? How do we remember Ralph? How do we best remember Ralph and his contribution to our neighborhood, our environment, where we live?
“Could it be that the best way to remember him is to pick up the torch, the cause that was laid down? We may — we can — carry on, fostering awareness for and value of our Kootenay landscape, at whatever time, in whatever way and with whatever capabilities we have as individuals!”
Thanks for “listening”! See you in the fall!
Ed McMackin is a biologist by profession but a naturalist and hiker by nature. He can be reached at 250-866-5747.