Help us keep Neil's legacy growing.It is with with deep regret and much sorrow, we share the news that our beloved mentor, friend, salmon steward, Knowledge Keeper, Hatchery Manager and Stream to Sea education co-ordinator ~ Neil Brookes, has passed away unexpectedly at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital at the age of 71 surrounded by his family.Neil touched the hearts and changed the lives of thousands of people with his long time service of over 40 years as a salmon advocate and environmental steward.Remembering Neil BrookesNeil was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. He began his career as a Draftsman for Shell Oil but was called away to a more fulfilling life journey, following his brothers and sister to Mabel Lake, B.C. in 1983. He met and married Alexandra in 1987. Neil's legacy is the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre which he used as a vehicle to teach and enlighten other people about nature and keystone species like the salmon. He was an avid reader, teacher, horseman, artist, philosopher, outdoors man and thrift store frequenter. Neil believed very strongly in education as a tool for facilitating change and promoting environmental awareness..He was extremely well educated, not in the halls of academia, but rather as a "life long learner from the Barefoot School of Ecology". His teachers were many and he listened well...to the salmon, the river, the trees, the Spirit of the land, to bird song and especially to the children. His generosity of spirit to share his knowledge had a ripple effect that crossed international borders.He had a deep sense of place, a huge sense of wonder, a curious mind, a kind heart and very broad shoulders.He was a gifted artist and craftsman and created museum quality pieces for our Indigenous education program.He had a wonderful sense of humour; "Sam and Ella" brought laughter and smiles to all.Neil loved books, fine pastry and frequenting thrift stores. He often planned his visits to schools so as to ensure his favourite book store, bakery or thrift store would be open. Many were the recipients of his carefully chosen thrift store treasures.He was a conduit, a connector, a builder of bridges across cultures. He led with his heart, practiced rational thought and thus gave wise council.Neil believed strongly in sharing - knowledge, resources, those broad shoulders and that big heart. He asked for nothing in return. His reward... to open a mind, change a heart, see the wonder on a child's face, the light bulb go on in the dark. While we are heart broken beyond words, the KICS is committed to carrying forward the torch that Neil lit so many years ago. We will be guided in memory by his words "it is what it is", his calm strength in the face of adversity, his infectious enthusiasm, his practical purpose to get things done, not in haste but with careful consideration.Kupís re Kekasú7Caretaker of the Chinook SalmonNeil Brookes so named by Kia7a Tsapinek, Splatsin Tsm7aksaltn, 2001Thank you Kupis. You set the bar way high