Another of the old guard has left us and rode off into the sunset. Lou Comin passed unexpectedly March 15th. The family spoke of a celebration of sorts this summer where Lou talked of having a bottle of Crown (Royal) on each table. In the meantime raise a glass of your finest spirit in his memory.
Update: Wade just let me know they are hoping to have a BBQ at Lou and Cheryl’s home in Canyon, BC on Saturday June 22nd. Full details to follow. Please send Tom Elliot (elliotfam@northwestel.net) a note if you are planning to attend to provide family an idea how many to expect and just as important, how many bottles of Crown Royal to purchase. If you are not able to attend, but have any stories to share at gathering, please email them to me. Thanks.
Lou Coming was one of those Chiefs that personified what a “Chief Park Warden” meant. It seemed like you loved the guy or hated him, sometimes on the same day. I worked with Lou in WBNP for several years, reporting directly to him between Asst CPWs and on several projects. He always knew what was going on and held his cards close to his chest. He had that sheepish grin or look when he wouldn’t answer my questions, but I trusted him implicitly. He shaped many of us wardens through his career. I loved the guy and want to express my condolences to his family. Lou, your memory lives on.
Amen, Mark. I learned a lot working for Lou. I still remember some of his advice and have passed some of it along to my grad students, always telling them about the guy who was the source. What impressed me most about him was that he was always learning, always striving to figure things out, always up for new challenges. With me, he was open to new ideas and he took them seriously, which in hindsight probably wasn’t always easy. Deepest condolences to Lou’s family.
My deepest condolences to his family. Lou was a good man!
Lou Comin was the best Chief I ever worked for. He always had my back, whether at work or on the ice. I can never forget him when I first met him at Kootenay Goat hockey tourney, then again when showed at tanker base in Fort Smith, scouting the town prior to moving to Wood Buffalo.. How many times Rhino saved me from self destruction are uncountable, even hiding me and my wife out at Pine Lake until the smoke cleared, after I attempted to impeach the executive. A true leader and one I’d follow anywhere, especially into the corner. My best to his family.