FCBB CITATION IN HONOUR OF LORNE KIELLY -2014

                Lorne Kielly has deep roots in the community.  He was raised at his farming family’s homestead at the end of Normandy Lane. There he acquired his lifelong love of the outdoors.  An avid sports fisherman from his days as a youth, he roamed the area, testing his skills in every stream and pond. He can recite specific accounts of little known ponds like Mills, Esrey, Guerney and Stewart and knows where every rivulet of our five streams runs.

                Such detailed interest led him to provide a key stimulus to the formation of FCBB in the late 90’s when a group of locals met to discuss the declining fish population and the degradation of the streams. One of the early remedies proposed was to clear the clogged springs along the streams.  Freeing them would help by lowering the water temperature. At this meeting was newcomer to the area David Latimer. After the meeting, David asked Lorne to show him what a spring was and how one could be “hidden”. Lorne located springs in every condition from the most obvious to those in bogs where soil sponginess was the only sign. Armed with only a shovel, he showed David how they could be restored as active little tributaries that brought fresh, cooling waters to the trout and other aquatic life. Thus began the “Lorne Kielly influence” that soon transformed David Latimer from curious bystander to crusader for the environment.

                One thing led to another and on 14 November 2001 the Friends of Covehead Brackley Bays was incorporated. The founders included Gordie MacCallum, David Latimer, Myron MacDonald, Peter Vriends, Fred Morrison, Barry Cudmore, Les Zelinski and of course Lorne Kielly. David, no doubt, primed by Lorne, became the first Chair presiding for over a decade until his passing in 2011.

                Lorne has been a Director from 2001 to this day.  All along, his intimate knowledge of local fish, bird and wildlife made him the “go-to” guy for advice on restoration projects involving silt ponds, wetlands, fish spawning sites, spring releases, brushmats, etc. Lorne always knew where best to go and how best to do any of these enhancements. He is also a living version of the 1880 Atlas since he knows every property owner and their history.

                There is another great gift Lorne offers to all who work with him. To be with Lorne is to be in a sunny place where there is always a broad smile, a lively story, an optimistic approach to any problem.  His enthousiasm has lightened the load of many a volunteer.

A plaque with the following inscription will be placed on the fishing dock at Cass’ Pond next to that of his friend David Latimer.

IN  HONOUR OF LORNE KIELLY –Born 1927

FOUNDING MEMBER AND DIRECTOR OF FCBB 2001-2014
IN RECOGNITION OF HIS UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ENHANCEMENT

OF OUR STREAMS AND FISH LIFE

By The FRIENDS OF COVEHEAD-BRACKLEY BAY WATERSHED 2014

On behalf of all your watershed colleagues and the community, thank you Lorne.

Verner Smitheram, Chair FCBB

21 August 2014

Facebook entry 3 June 2017

Lorne Kielly born in 1927 passed away on Friday 2 June. He was a founding member of the Friends of Covehead Brackley Bays and was our  longest serving Director ever from 2001 to 2014.

                Lorne’s intimate knowledge of local fish, bird and wildlife made him the “go-to” guy for advice on restoration projects involving silt ponds, wetlands, fish spawning sites, spring releases, brushmats, etc. He was also a living version of the 1880 Atlas since he knew every property owner and their history. His invariably sunny disposition made it a joy to be with him.