We are saddened to share with the Georgian Bay community the passing of John Catto, one of the Georgian Bay Land Trust’s leading supporters over the last fifteen years.

John was an incredibly kind and generous man, and the Georgian Bay Land Trust was one of the many beneficiaries of his generosity and community service over his lifetime. A lifelong naturalist, John became involved with the Land Trust in 2005 while exploring options for donating part of the land in Pointe au Baril that he shared with his wife Margaret. That property is now the beautiful and beloved West Lookout Reserve, whose donation was followed by fourteen years of service on the GBLT board.

John served with dedication and skill in his roles as Stewardship Chair, Treasurer, and Director at large. He was a perennially valuable voice of experience and a trusted advisor to many new board members and staff, owing both to his knowledge and his gentle, helpful nature. John and Margaret were also generous donors to the Land Trust’s many fundraising efforts. Not a single campaign to protect a significant property passed without a generous contribution from John and Margaret, and they have been steadfast in their support of our work year after year.

John’s impact on the GBLT and the Georgian Bay community will be felt for years to come. Thanks to his contributions, there are more natural community places for families to enjoy, there is more wildlife habitat protected forever, and there is strong momentum at the GBLT to continue our conservation efforts. We will miss John’s presence and advice as we move forward, while knowing that his legacy will endure.

Our deepest sympathies go out to John’s wife Margaret, his children Sheila, Cathy, and Rob, and to all his family and friends who are mourning his loss.