Leonard Thomas Callow

Lin was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba to Frank and Christine Callow. His dad was a dreamer always in search of new opportunities, so he and his younger sister Janet experienced life in many communities across the prairies and the north. His most formative years were spent in the small community of Bissett, MB, and in Saskatoon, SK. As a scrawny blonde kid growing up in the predominantly indigenous community of Bissett, Lin developed many skills that stayed with him throughout his life. He learned how to negotiate and gain acceptance, trust, and friendship with all sorts of people. He was exposed to the wild, rugged environment of the north and so began his connection, love, and respect for the natural world. He swam in the clear lakes and along with his faithful canine companion King, he explored the forests and learned to trap and hunt. At this time, he believed his life would be one of a trapper, but life had bigger plans for him and his path was altered when the family moved to Saskatoon, the big city! It was here that he had the good fortune to meet and befriend people who began to transform the boy of the woods into the man of science he would become. Encouraged by and following in the steps of friends, he headed off to the University of Saskatchewan where he began his formal study of biology. It turned out to be a perfect fit and he excelled, starting his journey as a scientist, always curious, a lifelong learner. In 1973 Lin got his first industry job working on the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Project; his first experience working in the North. This was followed up with work with Panarctic which took him to the high arctic islands, a unique experience that he always treasured. It was during this time that he met his future wife Jean, who enticed him to follow her to the South Pacific islands and Australia, and so he embarked on his first great international travel experience. It was the first of many wonderful travel adventures he and Jean and later daughters Lisa and Nicole, undertook. Upon his return from Australia, where he worked as the curator of the orchid and bromeliad collection in the Caines Botanical Gardens, he went to work for Gulf Canada, beginning a thirty-year career working in the area of environment, health and safety. Through those years he was given the opportunity to work in many interesting areas and on some great projects. Among those he took the greatest pride in were the decommissioning of the Pincher Creek gas plant and the reclamation of the Cannon Mine in Washington State. For his work on the mine, he and the company (now ConocoPhillips Canada) were given "The Recognition for Reclamation Award" by Washington State acknowledging that "you would be hard-pressed to ever tell there were mining activities in that area". It was now a place where wildlife had returned and people were able to enjoy recreational activities. The last project of his career took him back to the beginning, working once again on the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project, revisiting the communities of the North participating in the Joint Review Panel Hearings for the project. Upon retiring Lin and Jean relocated to Brentwood Bay, BC, and enjoyed new friendships, cycling, sailing, traveling, summer music, and gardening. Lin was able to continue contributing to causes near to his heart, most notably as the Chair of Peninsula Streams Society. He was so proud of the work they were doing, restoring salmon habitat in the area, especially the installation of the fish ladder on Todd Creek. Although he took great pride in his professional accomplishments, for Lin it was always his family, the great people he worked with and many lasting friendships that meant the most. Lin was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back, stop to help strangers in need of assistance and always lend a hand to neighbors and friends. As one friend said "he was my mentor, my hero in so many ways -from his confident, all knowing yet subtle way with people to his firm business advice. His way with people of all descriptions taught me fairness and equanimity. Through his guidance and leadership, Lin showed so many of us in the early years of environmental work. He set the bar for hundreds of people - he really did." His compassion also far extended those in his sights. As a staunch environmentalist, he cared deeply about preserving the natural world for future generations. Lin loved generously, cared deeply and spoke kindly right up until the day of his passing. Lin is survived by his wife Jean, daughters Lisa and Nicole, sister Janet, nieces Pamela, and Tracy, cousin Karen and her daughter Natasha, and many dear friends. We will miss his kindness, strength, support, and spirit. In our hearts, forever.
A celebration of life will be held and announced at a later date.