I have been unfortunate to meet a few lickspittles, co-optees and ethically non-existent individuals over the last 36 years. I have also been extraordinarily fortunate to meet a large number of dedicated, serious environmentalists over the same decades. These fine people include Barb S., Mary R., Pat Potter, Esthur Thur, Rich Clausi, Linda W., Robert B., Debbie Vitez, Tommy Vann, Tracy Hipel, Ron C., Dan H., Sebastian, Graham C., Ken J. and more. All are unique but Dr. Regier is literally one of a kind.
If I could remake myself it would be as a combination somehow of Henry Regier and Pat Potter. Both are/were (Pat is no longer with us) intelligent, clever and dedicated individuals. Henry spent much of his career researching Great Lakes fisheries and advising the IJC (International Joint Commission) on Great Lakes issues. He also spent some quality time in Elmira, Ontario after 1995. Pat lived in Dunnville and later further north in her and husband Chuck's "tire" home that they built.
Pat often wore T-shirts at public meetings emblazoned front and back with the words "They all lie !". Oh boy I should have paid more attention decades ago to those words, they are so true. Pat could hold her tongue when she chose but oh boy if she was upset enough she could blister paint off the walls. She and Chuck also padlocked Uniroyal Chemical's front gate closed on one occasion.
Henry had what I view as an almost magical ability to lecture polluters, ineffective bureaucrats, dishonest politicians and when he finished they seriously applauded and thanked him for his words. Somehow no matter how strong his words were; his tone, his volume, his soft spoken voice seemed almost reassuring. Even the guilty parties somehow felt that it was an honour to be criticized by Dr. Regier. Everyone responded positively when he spoke.
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