Wednesday July 31st , 2024
The Atlin Whisper
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”
Margaret Mead Presents
Paul Lucas & Daniel Janke an eclectic evening of improvised and roots music
Reunion
https://paullucasmusic.com, https://danieljanke.com
Saturday August 3, 2024
Historic Globe Theatre
Doors Open 7:30 Concert Starts 8:00
Tickets $20 in advance, $25 @ the door
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/951756739027 exploreatlinsales@gmail.com
Coffee/Tea Service Available by Donation
Facebook: @ExploreAtlin Email exploreatlinsales@gmail.com Presented by Heather Keny/Explore Atlin
DAVE STECKER
A Memorial
by Paul Lucas
Atlin, July 1979. Shortly after my arrival in Atlin, I heard about this great guitar and mandolin player living in town, Dave Stecker, but so far I hadn’t met him. Then one day, I was walking along the Warm Bay Road and an old Mercury half-ton pulled up beside me. The driver reached over, flung open the passenger door and yelled,
“You wanna lift bucko?”
I jumped in and slammed the door, noticing as I did, the guitar case on the back bench. He dropped the truck into gear, twisted in his seat, and tossed off an outrageously funny one liner. I burst out laughing and, slapping the dashboard, came back with something he evidently found hilarious, because we damn near drove in the ditch. We barely made it to town. Finally, I figured I’d better introduce myself.
Reaching over to shake my hand, he said,
“Hi, I’m Dave, Dave Stecker.”
“Of course you are,” I wheezed.
David Emil Stecker was born in Washington PA, on Nov. 14, 1947 - a bare four days before me. He landed in Atlin after going AWOL following basic training in the military - heading up to Canada with the huge raft of naysayers unwilling to take part in the cluster #^%* that was Viet Nam. And we were mighty happy to have him, because ... well ... there was nobody like Stecker.
David courted a philosophy. It revolved, more or less, around Zorba - Zorba the Greek - a character who pretty well covered all of the bases for him. Stecker’s first choice was always to experience the moment, to squeeze that extra bit of juice out of an encounter, that extra smidgen of physical, emotional and intellectual joy out of an event. ‘Pay attention grasshopper,’ ... that’s what Stecks was all about.
A true renaissance man, he was good at pretty well everything he touched. And he made it all look easy. I often said that if David had ever decided to be a Jazz guitarist, he could have simply sat down and wood-shedded for six months, and he would have come out kicking my ass around the block ... and that is a fair and accurate assessment from someone who has spent a good deal of time teaching this stuff.
But Stecker was always the gatherer, the sharer, the helper. It was more important for him to pass things on than to shine - a characteristic that made him loved in every musical gathering on the planet.
Whatever he tackled, he always looked for the ‘fine end’ of the skill - the extra piece requiring the finesse, the education, the extra attention. He was the gentleman warrior, the Paladin leaving San Francisco, taking his refined ways out into the badlands to collect on a bounty.
As a result, he wasn’t just a hunter, he was a bow hunter. And he wasn’t just a fisherman, he was a fly fisherman. He loved the whole business; the whole enchilada.
DAVID EMIL STECKER 1947 - 2016
Atlin, Nov 7, 2016. There are events that are etched in memory. My most recent etching took place in the cab of my truck, in front of the Atlin Rec Centre while checking my email. I had just opened a message from Ilene. It was short:
‘Call me, it’s important,’
Brevity is not one of Ilene’s communication styles, so I dropped everything and dialed the number. “Hi.”
There was a short silence.
“Are you sitting?”
“I am,” I replied.
I heard her take a breath and slowly exhale. Then she whispered quietly, “David’s dead,”
“What?”
“Yesterday. I didn’t get the message ’til this morning.”
“How did ... “ I started, but she cut me off.
“I guess he had an accident that screwed up his back then had a stroke that sent him to emergency where they discovered pancreatic cancer. He didn’t say anything about any of it. He didn’t want anyone to know. The whole thing was fast. He didn’t want to go through all the crap and still end up compromised. He’d lost the use of an arm, and couldn’t stand the thought of not being able to play guitar, not being able fish, not being able to hunt. Well, you can imagine ... “
Everything suddenly went into slow motion. I sat and stared through the side window of the truck ... ... a few revelers were leaving the bar, bounding up the steps and onto the street, laughing and carrying on ... a cheer followed them through the open door ... the home team had scored I guess ...
... somebody started a chain saw ... a car door slammed ...
Against all odds, the world appeared to be operating as usual; everybody going about their day to day business; walking, talking, joking; planning and building - blissfully unaware of the two fools sitting in misery at either ends of a phone line. The whole thing was mighty peculiar.
The blistering line from W.H. Auden’s, ‘Musee des Beaux Arts,’ seared a path through my brain:
‘... and the torturers horse ... scratches its innocent behind on a tree ...’
It felt just like that - earth shattering events taking place while the mundane plods along beside.
“The place is never gonna be the same is it,” I murmured.
“Nope,” Ilene replied. “For one thing, who’s gonna play the part of Dave Stecker.”
June 10, 2017, Calgary, Alberta. We were a little late. The hall was full. The sense of loss was palpable. It permeated the air, the floor, the chairs and tables, the little stage and, of course, the people.
Dave Stecker was loved. We thought we had a corner on him up there on the Yukon border, but here we were in Calgary, meeting a whole new grand falloon of friends and family for the first time. And they felt exactly the same way about him as we did.
The evening was all music - just as David would have wanted it. Everybody sang, and everybody played - on a small acoustic stage with a single omni microphone in the Bluegrass tradition.
The speeches, few and short, all echoed the same sentiment: How Dave loved music, loved the bush and loved the people connected to it all. How he helped those coming up, and how he was always the life of the party. They talked about his talent and how generous he was with his time.
You can tell a lot about a flame by the number of moths drawn to the light, and there were plenty of us moths there that night.
After all the toil and play
After all the suffering and joy
After bearing the indignities of injustice
And reveling in the vindication of truth
After all the blows have been taken
The demons faced
And the battle won
We will be judged only by how kind we were to our fellow man
Dacey(the Littlest Ranger) and God Dad (David Emil Stecker)
Yeah, that’s the one for you my friend. Sing a verse or two of ‘Evangelina’ for me one of these nights.
LANDFILL
SPRING/SUMMER HOURS
SATURDAY-MONDAY
CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
Victoria Day - Closed Monday, May 20th ….…. Open May 18, 19, 21
Canada Day - Closed Monday, July 1st …… Open June 29, 30 & July 2
BC Day - Closed Monday, Aug 5th …...…. Open Aug 3, 4, 6
Labour Day - Closed Monday, Sept 2nd ……... Open Aug 31 & Sept 1, 3
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - Closed Monday Sept 30 …
Open Sept 28, 29 & Oct 1
Thanksgiving Day - Closed Monday, Oct 14th Open Oct 12, 13, 15
HOURS 11 AM - 4 PM
Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District
Big Water Society
We are pleased to provide the community with free professional mental wellness counseling.
We welcome Jan Forde (MSW)to provide confidential services to those in need of or to anyone that needs to talk to someone supportive.
Jan Forde (MSW)
Available every Wednesday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm by phone, also available for in-person meetings in the community.
Please call Jan at 867-333-6829 to book an appointment or talk.
Or email at:bwscounsellor@bigwatersociety.org
Big Water Society contact: Ph: 250-651-2460 or Email: bwsociety@bigwatersociety.org
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
Spruce Drive
Over 2800 sq.ft., on two levels, all above ground, beautifully re-built with finishing remaining for you to complete to your dream. Most has been dry walled but likely enough material to finish. Vaulted ceiling on the upper level. Full concrete foundation, water and septic services, attached double garage plus huge 35’x26’, arched roof building waiting for your own specific plans! 1.32 acre, corner location with access from both sides. There is so much here that words cannot adequately describe! A great summer project!
$385,000
Lot F Fulton Street
Quiet street with just a short walk to the lake, great views of mountains and water, power in and ready for you to develop as you wish ... or simply park your RV. Vacant lots like this are hard to find ... this one is waiting for you!
JUST SOLD … more buyers seeking same!
$180,000
Watson Avenue
Two adjoining lots totaling 75x100’ providing ample room to build a new home while restoring a colorful and historic building, if you chose. No neighbors or roads to the north so lots of privacy.
$225,000
Surprise Lake Road
6 acres along the Spruce Creek with a fabulous meadow surrounded by the woods and the roaring creek, room for several guest cabins if you chose. Main house is 2 story and a main level cozy self contained mother-in-law cottage is perfect for guests. So much potential to expand.
$350,000
4th of July
.78 acres of Crown Land Lease, gated, partly cleared, the perfect spot to keep your RV and recreational necessities there for year around enjoyment. Lease term to 2042. $53,500
4th Street
400 sq.ft., one bedroom cabin plus a large workshop on two adjoining 50x100 lots, fully fenced. Quiet location with lots of room for expansion. Great potential for expansion.
$249,000
Historic Rant
This 3 bedroom bungalow appears to have been one of the Eaton catalogue pre-packaged houses, either original or salvaged with what appears to be solid beautiful Douglas Fir wood throughout just begging for restoration. With a fabulous view of the mountains and lake this is big enough for a young family. Plus, within walking distance of all amenities. An adjoining lot perpendicular to this homesite is also available. You could live here while building a dream home on the adjoining lot.
$175,000
Second Street SOLD
100x30 foot lot, sloping between the lake and mountain view. Great central location waiting for you. Develop your new home at your own pace.
$135,000
Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019
Please text or email a message (rather than voice mail) myrnablake1@gmail.com .or myrnablake1@zoleo.com when I am travelling Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
Your local property marketing partners
Go to www.propertyguys.com
Local properties currently for sale.
We help you Avoid Unfair Commission!
Professional Photos & Virtual Tour Scans
Property Appraisal
MLS Mere Post
Online marketing managed for you!
Dale & Rena Mae
867 334 1376
dmcdonald@propertyguys.com
PropertyGuys.com Inc. is a private sale franchise network and marketplace. Each PropertyGuys.com franchise is independently owned and operated (collectively “Us” or “We”). We represent neither the buyer nor the seller and we are not licensed to trade in real estate. We neither warranty nor make any representations as to the outcome of a property sale. Our approach includes services which are performed for our users by third party service providers. Such services are not performed or provided by us. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Licensed real estate services advertised over this web site are delivered by PG Direct Realty Ltd who is a member of CREA. Not all services depicted are available in all areas. © 2023 PropertyGuys.com Inc., All Rights Reserved.
“Like Yukon Gold”
Thank you,
Deep in his heart Was love we’re told So hard to find Like Yukon Gold.
He shied away From giving love Would never stay To let it bloom.
Years came and went None held his eye
So nothing changed Though some did try.
Then lightning struck
When she walked in Could bet the house His heart she’d win.
Well years went by Most up, some down Love didn’t die Hearts closely bound.
Sometimes it takes A miner’s pan
To find the gold
In your soul man.
Jeff Salmon
Gary Pumps Ltd.
Please note that requests for same day water delivery must be received no later than 11 am of said day. Thank you!
Water delivery and Sewer Removal are available Monday through Friday
Home Heating Fuel, Bulk Fuel Available
Phone 250-651-7463
Email garypumpsltd@gmail.com
Box 147
Atlin BC V0W 1A0
Office hours – Monday to Friday
8 am – noon
Closed all Statutory Holidays
With thanks, Gary McNeil and Jody Smallwood
Summer store hours
Store/Bakery Open
9am 5pm Mon Friday
Food and Drink Hours
Restaurant-upstairs
Sunday: Soup & Sandwich
Lunch 12-2pm
Dinner 5:30pm-8pm
Monday: Menu
Lunch 12-2pm Dinner 5:30pm-8pm
Tuesday: Menu Lunch 12-2pm
Dinner 5:30pm-8pm
Wednesday: Menu Lunch 12-2pm
Thursday: Lunch 12-2pm
Friday: Lunch 12-2pm
Saturday: Lunch 12-2pm
39 Lake St, Atlin
Saloon-downstairs
Wednesday: Wings and Chicken Fingers
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Thursday: Cantonese and Margaritas
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Friday: Pizza ect.
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Saturday: Burger and Beverage Special
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Atlin Christian Centre
Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us!
250-691-0128
Mountain Shack
Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT Wednesday thru Monday 250-651-7789
St. Martin’s Anglican Church
10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE
AVAILABLE
Contact: Alain Vanier
250-651-0037 Reasonable Rates!
Every blade of grass, each leaf, each separate petal, is an inscription speaking of hope.
Richard Jefferies
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020@g mail.com
Atlin Community Library
Open Friday and Saturday from 2-4 pm Everyone is Welcome!
The next Whisper is Wednesday August 14th
Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm August 11th
The Purpose of the Atlin Whisper is to encourage, build-up and inform the people of Atlin concerning ongoing community events and happenings. The Whisper is not a political mouthpiece.
Compiled and edited by Lynne Phipps. Paper for printing courtesy of Northern Homes Real Estate Printing courtesy of Dani McNeil and the RCMP Atlin. Delivery by Bobbie Whelan and Gary Hill. Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-867-334-7949 or lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com if you have, pictures or articles you would like to submit.
Please note that submissions should be sent in either WORD or JPEG whenever possible. PDF must first be printed and then scanned back into the computer in order to format it into the paper. This costs in both paper and ink. We know that at times a PDF is the only way, which is okay when necessary, but otherwise, as the Whisper is a FREE community service we appreciate your support in helping to keep the costs down as much as possible. Thank You!