Fireweed. Photo Credits: Brianna Barrett.
Allan Stein
Allan was an avid naturalist — a keen observer of all things in nature; a skilled woodsman; a fisher, hunter and berry picker; a gardener; an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hiking and skiing. Allan was also a professor of organic chemistry at Memorial University.
Over the course of four decades, Allan served on our Board for at least 20 years, including 4 years as President, and 8 years as our representative on the Board of Nature Canada. Allan often represented Nature NL at hearings, discussions, and planning sessions related to the promotion and protection of our natural heritage. Allan spent much of his time in the woods, most often hiking. He participated in Nature NL events whenever he could and often led events. For example, Allan led the annual Charlie Horwood Memorial Pink Lady Slipper Orchid hike on Mount Scio. He also led an annual snowshoeing outing to view and identify animal tracks and shrub buds and occasional outings to fossil beds near St. John’s and at Mistaken Point. Allan was one of the original docents for our Nature Nook program at The Rooms.
Nature NL awarded Allan the Tuck-Walters Award in 2010. This award recognizes “individuals who have made outstanding and enduring contributions to the advancement of natural history appreciation and protection in Newfoundland and Labrador, outside the parameters of their employment responsibilities”.
Remembering Allan:
- Laura Elizabeth King, Nature NL Past President:
“I learned a lot from Allan and I know that we all did. I followed in the footsteps of many previous Presidents who built the organization in ways I don’t really fully understand, and am learning every day. I’m grateful for his contributions, enthusiasm, and knowledge that he put towards our organization (and many others)”. - Rita Anderson, Nature NL volunteer and former President: “Allan was all-in for nature and conservation.”
- By Heidi Fry, former Nature NL volunteer: “I was lucky enough to be in one of Dr. Stein’s last organic chemistry classes at Memorial University before he retired. I have fond memories of his teaching style and enjoyed his lectures so much. I also clearly remember how kind and understanding he was when my Grandmother passed away and I missed a midterm exam. Sending my condolences to his loved ones.”
Link to obituary: https://www.carnells.com/obituaries/dr-allan-rudolph-stein/#obituary
Arvo McMillan
About:
Arvo McMillan was an urban planner whose work took him to both St. John’s and Corner Brook. He was a long-time Nature NL member and community visionary who enjoyed spending time outside and exploring our beautiful province by bike or kayak, and was passionate about wetlands.
Connection to Nature NL:
We thank Arvo for his contributions to Nature Newfoundland and Labrador over the years and for his generous donation during his lifetime, as well as his request at the time of his death in 2019 that donations could be made to Nature NL in his memory. Thank you to his family and to all of his friends and family who donated in his memory, especially his wife Margie McMillan.
Remembering Arvo:
- “Arvo was a very special and unique individual. I’m glad we could recognize him in a small way with a contribution to Nature Newfoundland and Labrador” -Friends of Arvo McMillan
Link to obituary : https://www.barretts.ca/obituaries/Arvo-Arnold-McMillan?obId=4055277
Dave Albert Snow
About:
Dave Snow was a biologist and naturalist who promoted sustainable environmental tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador. After time working in education and the sciences, Dave founded Wildland Tours in 1984. Dave and Wildland Tours have received numerous awards over the years recognizing their pioneering initiatives in eco-tourism, expedition cruise ships, whale and dolphin research, and as one of the world’s leading adventure tour operators. Dave’s involvement was integral in the development of guidelines for the Canadian eco-tourism industry.
Connection to Nature NL:
We thank Dave for his many contributions to Nature Newfoundland and Labrador. Dave Snow established Nature NL’s Wild Things Scholarship (https://naturenl.ca/wild-things/) which annually provides a scholarship ($1,000) to a high school student whose volunteer effort and enthusiasm has helped conserve nature or promote environmental stewardship
Link to obituary : https://www.carnells.com/obituaries/david-albert-snow/