Vancouver’s Lifeguard Legend

“Ruby Smith Diaz (l.) examines the life of Joe Fortes, a Black lifeguard in Vancouver, during a time of rampant racism, exploring his legacy and identity through research, personal reflections and poetry.FULL STORY

 

Rob Morris (1949-2018)

January 31st, 2018

Marine journalist and editor Rob Morris (1949-2018) was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario. He moved to British Columbia in 1974 to attend the University of Victoria. As a marine biologist, he worked in Prince Rupert, also writing for fisheries and aquaculture publications. In 1991 he became the editor of Westcoast Mariner magazine and soon relocated to Courtenay, literally moving his house there via tug and barge. In 2000 he was the founding editor of Mariner Life and in 2003 the founding editor of Western Mariner, Canada’s largest commercial marine magazine. Morris continued to edit and contribute articles for Western Mariner until his death. He wrote the book Coasters: the Uchuck III, Lady Rose, Francis Barclay and Tyee Princess (Horsdal & Schubart, 1993), an illustrated tribute to four BC vessels and crews that were continuing the delivery of passengers and freight to inlet settlements. Morris also co-wrote historical articles for compilations like The Greater Vancouver Book and Raincoast Chronicles 22. According to his publisher, David Rahn, “He leaves an unparalleled legacy that includes thousands of articles on every aspect of west coast maritime life: the history, the vessels, the mariners and fishermen and the coastal communities where they live.”  — David Conn

 

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