6 minute read
In Tribute to Shawn
Fishing Adventures, and Misadventures, with Shawn
By Sarah Ferguson
I met Shawn in the spring of 2019. We became fast friends based on our shared love of fly fishing and trout. We quickly realized, after a couple multi-day North Shore steelhead outings, that we had a compatibility that’s not always easy to find with other anglers. In the short time since then, we managed to fit in a lot of campfires, laughs, discussions, adventures, some misadventures, and most importantly, time on the water. Eventually we built, not just a fishing partnership, but, a close friendship.
Our dogs, Frank, a pug, and Rainy, a Lab, were also good pals and loved getting out together on our fishing and camping trips. Frank seemed to get ‘big dog energy’ whenever he would hang out with Shawn and Rainy. One time, Frank disappeared off the island I was fishing from, which seemed impossible since he will go out of his way to avoid puddles to stay dry. To my surprise, I saw Shawn and Rainy crossing the river and a tiny pug bringing up the rear. Frank had braved the water to follow his buds.
One of my favourite trips with Shawn was on the Nipigon River in the summer of 2019. It involved my personal best, a 25-inch brook trout, and an unexpected encounter with some kind strangers. Shawn wrote about it in a September 2019 Northern Wilds article, so I will save you the details here and let you refer to his more eloquent and engrossing account of the story. One part he left out, though, was how he temporarily became a wanted man by the Nipigon police. He realized while we were fishing that he had filled up with gas that morning but forgot to pay. As soon as we arrived back to Nipigon that evening, we went to the gas station to settle up. It turned out they had called it into the police that morning, who had been out patrolling, looking for his truck. So, our next stop was the police station to clear his name! We had a good laugh about that one.
Another memorable trip was in the fall that same year. We’d headed out with hopes of coho or early fall steelhead. After two days of fishing, all we’d managed was a single coho. As a last effort, Shawn wanted to try the mouth of the Steel River. It was quite windy when we arrived, waves crashing against the shore and pushing water up-river. I wasn’t feeling very hopeful at this point and decided to sit this one out with the dogs on shore. Shawn marched out, thigh-deep into the surf, and began casting a streamer fly. Within a few casts, he had hooked into the most perfect, chrome steelhead. It was a perfect ending to our weekend.
I will miss our adventures greatly, but I will cherish the memories we made in the short time we had.
Honoring Shawn: Editorial Legacy
By Tom Watson
I met Shawn at an Outdoor Writers Association of America conference in Utah where he was among a panel of editors introducing their publications and inviting freelance inquiries. That meeting resulted in having several articles published by Northern Wilds over the next several years. Shawn’s openness to ideas and his kind, personal and professional demeanor—and to his editorial leadership among his capable staff—made him one of the most enjoyable editors I’ve ever had the pleasure of writing for.
May his legacy be passed down through all of us who continue to represent Northern Wilds in our submissions as we feel him looking down from that big editorial desk in the sky.
Conversations with Shawn
By Rhonda Silence
I always enjoyed talking with Shawn Perich, whether it was reminiscing about our respective stints at the Cook County News Herald, or debating some controversial outdoor topic.
I smile when I think of one of our silliest arguments. I had stopped by the Northern Wilds office to chat about something and I noticed Shawn’s sturdy coffee mug. It was white, but the inside was a deep coffee-colored brown. I suggested that he should give his mug a good scrubbing. Sacrilege! Shawn explained that his mug was seasoned. The coffee would not taste right in a sparkling clean cup. After some discussion, we agreed to disagree.
The last conversation I had was serendipity. I was calling someone else and misdialed. As I began to apologize for the wrong number, I realized I knew the voice on the other end of the line—it was Shawn. We had a wonderful conversation about Cook County happenings— and about illness, life, and the importance of appreciating every day.
I’m so glad I fumbled on my phone and had the chance to talk to Shawn one last time. Thanks, Shawn, for the reminder to appreciate the little things—like wrong numbers in a small community.
Thank You for the Memories
By Elle Andra-Warner
Many years ago—a short time after Northern Wilds published its first issue—I received a phone call from Shawn Perich, asking if I’d be interested in writing for the publication as their Canadian feature writer. My answer was yes—and it was the start of a long friendship with Shawn that lasted until his passing.
At the end of each month, Shawn would bring the latest issue to our place (in Thunder Bay) for distribution in the region. Sitting around our dining room table, we’d have interesting conversations—sometimes debates—about an eclectic mix of topics: from writing and story ideas to life, family, fishing, and yes, occasionally even politics. We talked about the latest news, life’s challenges, and world situations (we didn’t solve any, but had fun discussing them). We laughed at funny stories and jokes (he chuckled at my trouble in ‘understanding’ jokes), and we shared both happy times and not-so-joyful happenings in our lives.
He had a wonderfully keen sense of humour and a mischievous side to him. Like the time he brought me a big ‘gold star’ for getting my story to the editor by deadline, something that was rare.
Shawn’s late life-partner Vikki would sometimes come with him to Thunder Bay, as well as his co-owner Amber Pratt. At times, I’d make a dinner meal; other times we’d head out to a restaurant. And seven years ago, it was an unexpected honour to have Shawn drive up to attend my surprise birthday party.
Shawn was always supportive and offered opportunities to expand and grow as a journalist and author.
He fought a strong battle in the last few years. Rest in peace Shawn, and thank you for the great memories.
