Dear editor,
There is a move afoot by certain well-intentioned citizens to further glorify our local celebrity, Mack Laing, by classifying his residence as an historic building.
The plan would be to renovate the current dilapidated building at some considerable expense to the Town, but with the group's financial support turn it into a self-sustaining operation, serving as a gallery centre for artists and other kin to gather and sell their wares.
An added tourist attraction for Comox.
This whole area comprising Brooklyn Creek, Mack Laing Trails and McDonald Woods over the years has, with the help of The Town's maintenance and volunteer supporters, become a prime asset for Comox. Particularly during the past five years, with the extension of the trails to the Stubbs' property, and improvements to the creek. We already have a fine stone monument near Mack Laing's second abode. "The Shakes" and Interpretive Display" honouring his gift of the property to the Town. In addition Dr. R. Mackie has written a very detailed biography of the man.
Without meaning to demean his contributions to the science of ornithology, he certainly does not warrant a place with the likes of a Darwin, Einstein, Curie, Fleming, Renoir, Rodin, Mozart or Bach.
Let's face it, in my opinion, Mack was a very shrewd, talented, entrepreneur, who found a market need for bird specimens that he shot and stuffed for university collections and articles on birds for nature magazines.
These, together with his sales of filberts made a reasonable living. He doesn't need another memorial.
For the past 20 years my dog and I, have on a daily basis, enjoyed the panoramic views of the Beauforts, ocean and wildlife, but more importantly the tranquility of the area. This allows dld codgers like me to sit and ponder the meaning of life and resolve world problems.
There is really no need for the distraction of a commercial enterprise in this sanctuary.
A. Farrell,
Comox