Love of nature to give back to earth more than taking

Joel was a beloved member of the Columbia Basin Partnership Task Force.  From 2017 - 2020, Joel shared his experiences as a fisherman; his firsthand knowledge of salmon; his love for the ocean, fish and the Columbia; and stories of his past. He made special connections with other members from different livelihoods. Joel shared his many ideas for the future management of salmon. By sharing his perspectives, he opened up others' thinking.  He found his way into our hearts.  Joel's many contributions live on, as do our memories, our appreciation and our love.  Thank you, Joel, rest in peace.

Yesterday's celebration of life was one for the books - what an epic party to celebrate Joel's full life! I am trying to locate some photographs that can't be found after the event space was cleaned up yesterday. If you or someone you know took down the pictures behind the indoor food table that were clothespinned up on the string, please let us know! I particularly want to get back the ones I brought to hang. Please feel free to text or email me, Kellie Henwood at (360) 774-3009 or henwood.kel@gmail.com

I am sad that Joel could not see all of this.... He would have been sooo appreciative...

Joel and the Karolee winter fishing Sitka Sound

Joel at work at Haven Boatworks, October 2022. His hat cracked me up! So very ‘joel.’ What a bright light of a man. I always felt lifted after any interaction with him - at work, around town, anywhere. I will miss you, Joel. I’m so glad I knew you. /

Karl, My deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your brother Joel, a selfless man who has  left his mark, a life of giving. 

I would like to share this in honor of Joel. He would want ya'll to know this : Please listen.........

https://theoutlawocean.com/po…

Recent updates on salmon --- especially in my area. Joel was involved and was in northern Idaho in the recent past.   The 4 lower Snake dams are important for salmon and that is why Joel was in northern Idaho.  These are his issues. He probably knew what trump had done. The Pacific Northwest is fighting back.

https://www.lmtribune.com/loc…

https://www.lmtribune.com/opi…

I first met Joel in 2011 when I was touring the US coast meeting with commercial fishermen who have been community leaders on fish habitat protection.  I don't remember who first told me about Joel or how I found out about him, but I gave him a call and he told me to meet him at his harbor slip that same day. Our meeting made a deep impression on me for the humble way he approached his calling as a fisherman-leader in the habitat space. He was the perfect role model for me, a quiet but passionate aspiring fisherman-leader in the same space from the opposite coast. I lost touch with him for over a decade but rekindled the connection in 2022 when I launched a bicoastal fishermen's climate action campaign. My confidence in launching something that big came entirely from having role models like Joel, who prove that a kind heart and steady commitment make you so much more of a leader than swagger and bravado. Joel met with me again that year and provided his encouragement in my nascent efforts, and he remained a supportive presence in the years since. I was hoping to have the time, someday, to get to know Joel and his life experiences better, and sadly that day will not come. Joel was a treasure and the fishing community has lost one of our best.

Joel took me out to hunt for chanterelles last year.

A Joel 'shroom haul. Yum!

My Dear Joel from across the decades..............

I know we always had something special. I am sorry that our contact was not maintained. But... you.... we could have with salmon in common!

I felt your presence one time last month.  I remember your love of physics.............

I hope you know of this outpouring of thoughts for you.

Much much love. 

Forever.

Mary Minton

I am so sorry for your loss. I was never lucky enough to meet Joel, but am one degree of separation through many mutual friends. My heart is with you as you navigate through this heartbreaking loss. 

Joel was one of the kindest and most thoughtful I have had the pleasure of working with.  He leaves a lot of people who respected him greatly and were proud to consider him a friend.  The conservation community lost a man that contributed at many levels with his knowledge, volunteer work, encouragement, and thoughtful guidance. 

Going through old photo albums, Kellie and I found a long family tradition of taking photos of their cats in drawers, bags, boxes... Tarboo did not want to be left out.

Spring oyster celebration (photo courtesy of Tele)

I worked with Joel on the PFMC HC for 2+ years, and periodically for years after that. Joel was easy going, but always mindful of leveraging whatever he could to benefit salmon recovery and traditional commercial fishing. I never missed an opportunity to sit next to Joel at dinner - he was as generous with his knowledge as he was with stories. I will truly miss him. Dave