From the Editor, October '25

by: Susan W. Smith

Published: October, 2025

Mid-October and the weather in the Thousand Islands is still magnificent. Again, another month with so many flat calm days, warm temps and smiles from all around.

Each month I wonder what my email will bring and once again, I was charmed. As the month went on, I kept getting submissions that were thoughtful or made me smile. And, each month I depend on the TI Life team to get the issue ready and the events posted etc. Once again, I was charmed. So thanks team – much appreciated.

Sad News

Donald R. Rickerd (1931-2025) There are some individuals that you meet in a lifetime that leave a lasting impression. One of those in my career was Donald Rickerd, from Zavikon Island. I met Don at a dinner party in the covered wagon days. Then again in my working career as I was a development officer and worked closely with Canadian foundations. Don was executive director of two of Canada's largest, the Donnor Foundation and the Max Bell Foundation. I hope you will take the time to read this tribute. They say it all. And of course you will recognize the name Zavikon Island and it's bridge; the myth of being the shortest international bridge in the world. [Truth be told, both islands are Canadian! But don't tell the tour boats!]

Another loss to the River was Duncan Dewar, (1970-2025). If you are living in Brockville or just visiting, you most likely bought your lunch at Don's Fish and Chips. This month we learned that Duncan Dewar, who worked there with his father, mother and his cousin passed on September 27, 2025. Reading Duncan's obituary makes one realize that being a family member really did not matter to Duncan, for he treated friends and family alike therefore the community as a whole lost a great friend.

Phil Amsterdam captured this special moment on October 5th, saying, "Good morning from Cherry Island".

Reminders

Check out local events listed on our Events page. Thanks to Dan Mathias for listing them throughout the month. If your organization has an event coming up this winter - let us know.

And remember in November we will announce the 2025 Photo Contest, so now is the time to start thinking about that perfect photograph. How lucky we are that cameras and our phones can capture dozens of memories each summer.

Catherine Maskell captures it all at once on a Saturday in October, with the tour boat *General Brock III,* a bulk carrier *Algoma Strongfield* in the Seaway, and popular tall ship *Fair Jeanne* at Brockville.

Conclusion

We have 11 articles in this issue. Enjoy!

Help us out: Did you go on a special excursion this summer - even to far off the continents? If so, please tell us about it. Send us your short description (500 words, 3 – 5 photographs), what made it special for you, and remember River has a capital R. These articles will be placed on our Excursions section.

Please leave comments or questions for articles, by sending them to info@thousandislandslife.com to post (there is a little glitch using some web browsers and the old system.)

This October 2025 Thousand Islands Life webpage header was taken by Ian Coristine several years ago. You may recognize it from one of Ian's books. It is provided courtesy of ©IanCoristine/1000IslandsPhotoArt.com

Stay well, keep safe – as I am known for saying "there is a rock out there with your name on it".

By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com

The header for this issue of "From the Editor" is by Lori Runkle Davis. Lori wrote on 1000 Islands River Rat Now and Then Facebook page: From the Thousand Islands Bridge. [Note how it is October and there are few colours on the trees.]

Comments?

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have something to share? Just send your comments my way, and I'll publish them. Don't hesitate—drop me a message at info@thousandislandslife.com. I can't wait to hear from you!