TRIBUTE TO RALPH "MR. CANOE" FRESE
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom and Judgment has called to his eternal rest Ralph "Mr. Canoe" Frese, beloved husband, loving father and dearest grandfather, Monday December 10, 2012, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Frese and his wife Rita of suburban Niles, and owner of Chicagoland Canoe Base Shop located at the intersection of Irving Park and Narragansett Roads, designed beautiful watercraft canoes and kayaks, thus earning him the nickname "Mr. Canoe"; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Frese's love for canoes began at the age of 14 when he acquired his first watercraft, a used Mead Glider kayak, thereby beginning his journey of life on the rivers. "Mr. Canoe" began building boats in the early 1950s and introduced canoeing to countless numbers of Boy Scout troops; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Frese has donated more than 100 canoes and kayaks to the collection at the Chicago Maritime Museum, started the Illinois Paddling Council, and organized several long-running paddling events including the re-enactment of the 300lh anniversary ofthe Joliet-Marquette journey; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Frese shared his knowledge, admiration and pleasure with thousands of novices and enthusiasts alike, in the experience of paddling a canoe or kayak as well as enjoying the sounds of the outdoors and river life. "Mr. Canoe" spread the message that the canoe was as important as the horse or railroad in the development of modern-day-America. Among the many accolades he received throughout his life, the one he most highly cherished was the "Legend of Paddling" award from the American Canoe Association; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Frese leaves to honor his memory and celebrate his life, his wife, Rita; his children, Diane Gritton, Valerie Fetcho and Chaz Clary; his sister, Gloria and four grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Timothy M. Cullerton, Alderman ofthe 38th Ward, has informed this august body ofthe passing of this noteworthy and caring man; now therefore
BE IT RES...
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