Knapp also went on to say, “The project would never have happened without Fred Geberdt. We were a good team. Together we encouraged each other as we worked on a seemingly daunting task.” Stepping into the middle of this Hibou story is when I believe is the first time I met Fred Geberdt. I recall the occasion as being at a general meeting of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (SSA) held on May 4, 1972 in the former CIAG Computer Building (the present Owen Sound Police Services headquarters). Bob Knapp and Fred made a presentation to the SSA, seeking financial support towards the purchase of the east shore McLauchlan property and informing the group of the urgent need for action. Fred impressed our group with a well prepared, strong and passionate presentation and in a conversation with him afterwards, I was further impressed with the character quality the man possessed and wondered how we could recruit him into our organization. The Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association passed a motion to financially support the effort to purchase the 182 acre Squaw Point/Paynter’s Bay properties and on June 21, 1972, SSA President Don Jewell and I presented Bob Knapp and North Grey Region Conservation Authority resources manager Mac Kirk, with a cheque for five hundred dollars. By today’s standards $500 would
not seem like a large amount of money, but in those days it was. The donation from an organization with limited monetary resources as the SSA was at that time, reflects how much impact the project and the presentation by Fred Geberdt had on our association’s members.
history – Fred Geberdt’s involvement in the SSA activities is legendary.”
Fred was a gifted teacher, but he also was a life-long student filled with curiosity and a desire for knowledge and a passion for sharing everything he learned. Meticulous in his record keeping, Fred also possessed John Ford also met Fred Geberdt in the tremendous leadership skills and courage, early 1970’s. John moved to Owen Sound which with well thought out plans and in 1973 to teach math at Strathcona Senior leading by example he was able to motivate Public School where Fred also taught. others to become actively involved in new Somehow the topic of fishing initiatives and projects came into a conversation that benefited the Fred was a gifted and Fred invited John to go environment, the teacher, but he also fishing with him after school community and the and thus began their longwas a life-long student Association. It would time friendship. filled with curiosity be difficult to find Fred and John volunteered a single element and a desire for together with the Grey-Bruce of the Sydenham knowledge. Pollution Probe organization, Sportsmen’s where they gathered used Association that since newspapers and shipped them to Toronto for Fred Geberdt joined the SSA, does not in recycling; a project which John says Fred was some way bear Fred’s fingerprints. the organizer. Fred was involved and instrumental in In the following year or so, John Ford the early development of the SSA property; encouraged Fred to join the Sydenham including the shooting and archery ranges, Sportsmen’s Association, where Fred trap and reloading facilities. He also deserves continued his environmental efforts, recognition for his leadership in all aspects organizing huge Pitch-in-Days with SSA of the planning and construction of the SSA Junior members and many students from his school classes. In John’s words, “the rest is continued on Page 29
GRAB 2 TO GO! 33rd ANNUAL OWEN SOUND SALMON SPECTACULAR
27