In 2011 Long Point Waterfowl invited several individuals to become members of the inaugural Friends of Long Point Waterfowl Committee. The following individuals have agreed to be on the Friends Committee and assist Long Point Waterfowl with a fundraising dinner, appreciation BBQ and other initiatives and activities.
Andy Booth
Vic Gibbons - Wildlife Artist
Vic was born in Quebec and moved with family to Ontario in 1948. He was married to his wife, Lenore in 1955. Together they have one daughter, Jane Gardner (husband, Greg Gardner) who lives in Delhi. Vic and Lenore also have two wonderful grandchildren Scott, 20, entering 2nd year at University of Guelph and Erin, 18, graduated from DDHS in 2011.
Jeff Helsdon - Reporter
Jeff is a native of Tillsonburg and has fished the Long Point area since he was a child. He is a field editor and senior reporter for Ontario Out of Doors magazine, has written articles for many publications in both Canada and the United States, operates Helsdon Photography and works for Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. Jeff enjoys fishing with his family, especially on Lake Erie, and hunting for upland game, waterfowl, and deer.
Dave Kennedy - Long Point Waterfowlers’ Association
Dave is a long-time resident of Norfolk County. He and his wife Lynn reside on an 80 acre woodlot, which they manage for wildlife. Retired from Imperial Oil, Dave has been an active member of Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Long Point Waterfowler’s Association and the Long Point Retriever Club. Dave is passionate about hunting, particularly waterfowl, turkey and deer, and is the proud owner and trainer of his six year old Labrador retriever, Logan.
Rob Lesperance - Bradly’s Marsh
Rob has been married to his wife Maureen for over 26 years, and they have two children. Rob started hunting at the young age of 8 and has managed or co-managed duck marshes for over 30 years. He has also been involved on fundraising committees with Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Rondeau Bay Waterfowlers. Rob is a life long member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and is very enthusiastic about helping to organize a fund raising dinner for Long Point Waterfowl.
Sue Malcolm - Long Point Waterfowlers’ Association
Susan was captured by the beauty and tranquility, the birds and other wildlife she encountered first trip to Long Point 30 years ago As a current resident of Long Point and Texas’ Gulf Coast in winter, Susan is obviously drawn to spectacular coastal environments. At home, she enjoys her gardens, birds, fishing and walking her dog. She is involved in a number of community activities including fund raising for Delta Waterfowl. Susan is retired from her professional career as Head of Guidance, Library, Special Education and Co-operative Education in a large Mississauga school.
Garrett Reid - Long Point Eco Adventures Naturalist
Garrett’s first distinguishable memory of the outdoors was of getting knocked on his bottom by giant wild turkeys while out with his dad opening turkey transfer boxes on some of the original release sites in Norfolk County. Hunting and fishing have always been a big part of Garrett’s life and the reason that he decided to attend college and take fish & wildlife and forestry programs. Garrett’s understanding and appreciation of our natural environment and conservation continue to grow, along with his concern for the future of our natural resources and conservation practices. Garrett has worked for numerous conservation organizations across Norfolk County and Ontario. He is currently the Naturalist at Long Point Eco Adventures near Turkey Point, heading all their interpretive programs for wetlands and forestry in and around the area.
Irene and Rick Rozak
Sandra Sherman
Rob and Sharon Smith
Rob and Sharon have been married for 29 years, and reside in Simcoe. They have a son and a daughter and, recently, a granddaughter. Rob has spent his entire life in this area, hunting waterfowl and upland birds in the Turkey Point and Long Point areas. Rob doesn’t hunt anymore, but his love for the marshes and waterfowl of the area have only increased. Sharon graduated from Sault College and worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources in the District of North Bay and at Turkey Point Provincial Park. She then worked for the Long Point Region Conservation Authority as the Conservation Education Officer. Sharon continues to teach, as a ballet instructor in Simcoe, and is an Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance. Travelling the world as an examiner, Sharon has seen many different types of ecological environments and is even more appreciative of what a wonderful and unique area we have right here. Rob and Sharon have taught their children to appreciate and to respect our environment and to protect it as much as possible.
Adam Van Paassen
Shannon Wheeler - Archery Distribution
Shannon spent time every summer as a child visiting with her grandparents in Long Point. She currently resides in Bradford, Ontario where she runs an archery distribution company. She has been President of the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association for the last ten years. She is currently a member of the Fish and Wildlife Heritage Commission for Ontario.
Casey Whitelock
Casey recently graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Honour’s Conservation Biology degree. She grew up in Simcoe spending her summers camping, fishing, canoeing and doing just about anything outside. Conservation of habitat and wildlife are very important to Casey, who hopes to one day work for a conservation organization. She currently enjoys hiking and bird watching throughout the Long Point region in her spare time.