My uncle has inspired me by facing and overcoming huge challenges during his lifetime. The first was when a group of local people, including my uncle, decided they were going to fight the lumber giant, Weyerhaeuser, in the courts. The group wanted the lumber company to stop with their plans to clear cut a forest directly across the lake from all the cabins. Several years have past since they first went to court, and I’m pleased to say that the forest is still there for future visitors to enjoy. More importantly, my uncle is a cancer survivor. In his later years he developed cancer in the colon. He spent just under five months in a hospital bed and endured many treatments of radiation. He spent several months afterwards being confined to a bed with continuous care. For most people it wouldn’t seem so bad, but for a man who is always working it was hard for him to watch his plans being put on hold while he regained his strength. John has made a full recovery and is back to working on his dream. As a result, my uncle’s many achievements such as opening an island outfitter, building an entire camp from scratch, owning and managing a milling machine, to his early years as a humble hunter and trapper to his later years when he overcame cancer makes him an unforgettable character. Uncle John is one of the most interesting and inspiring persons to have ever influence me.

Jack Crain