Dick Irwin 1939 - 2025
Our dear friend Richard (Dick) Irwin died on April 24, 2025.
Stewart Coffin introduced Wendy and me to Dick in 1992.
In July and August of that year the three of us did our first trip together, traveling from Schefferville, Quebec to Nain, Labrador via the DePas, George and Kogaluk rivers.
Since then, we did many more canoe trips and several winter camping trips with Dick.
He was in his element in the outdoors, a tireless paddler, portager, firewood gatherer and all around outstanding traveling companion.
There were many times I found myself a bit confused as to where I was on the river or on a portage and knew that all I had to do was follow Dick and I’d be OK.
Dick was intensely interested in people and the world around him. Although he could be shy around people he would blossom when traveling through wild country.
We will miss him greatly.
On the Leaf River 1998. Dave Brown photo.
With Robin and Tory Fraser, c. 1968. On the Churchhill River, Labrador.
With George Luste and friends, 1969. Dubawnt River, NWT.
Wendy, Al, and Dick, 1992. Lake Attikamagen.
Dick and Al, 1992. Lake Mistinibi, Quebec.
Kneading bread, 2005. Clearwater River, Quebec.
Dave, Ann, Al, Wendy, Dick, 1994. Height of land between Quebec and Labrador.
Dick with the firewood boat, 1994. Kogaluk tributary.
Tom, Dick, Wendy and Al, 1996. Torngat mountains, Quebec.
Dick and Walter Lohaza, 1993. Larch river, Quebec. Dave Brown photo.
Labrador Coast trip, 1996. Dave Brown photo.
With Mike Robinson and Tilly. Northwest Territories. Early 2000's.
Winter camping in Algonquin Park, 2007.
Portaging to the Korok river, 1996. Dave Brown photo.
Al, Dick, Eric, Ann, Wendy, Dave, Jerry, 2013. Algonquin Park.