April 29, 2016 | By:

In Memory of Dr. Charles Jonkel, 1930-2016

A heartfelt message from the Executive Director of the Great Bear Foundation about the loss of this great man, scientist, and preservationist — 

Dear Friends of the Great Bear,

I am heartbroken to pass on the news that the Great Bear Foundation’s co-founder and President Emeritus, Dr. Charles Jonkel passed away in Missoula this week on April 12, 2016.It is an emotional time for us at the Great Bear Foundation as we say goodbye to Chuck, but at the same time, I am struck by the impact that Chuck had on so many lives–human, bear, and all living things he encountered and fought for. He leaves behind a legacy of bear biology, conservation, community involvement, social justice, and perhaps most of all, generosity and love.

When I first met Chuck at the University of Montana in the late 90s, I had no idea he would change the course of my life. It is a privilege to carry on his work and legacy through the Great Bear Foundation. I’ve often tried to pin down the most important impact Chuck has made on me, and it’s very difficult. He taught me so much about bears, wildlife, and conservation, but the most important thing he taught me was how to live a good and righteous life, and that is something I will carry with me always.

Chuck inspired, taught, and befriended so many people everywhere he went. He was not afraid to speak his heart and mind, and at times he could be an ornery old bear, but he made his imprint on all of us in the world of bear conservation and in the communities of which he was a part. We will miss him terribly, but with a heart so generous and an impact so great, we’ll enjoy his legacy on into the future.

Chuck shared that he hoped to be reincarnated as a polar bear. He had a den picked out on North Twin Island, lined with tundra flowers. When Hudson Bay breaks up this summer, there will surely be another polar bear coming ashore to find that den.

Dr. Frank Tyro and I have been working for many years now on a documentary film on Chuck’s life and legacy. This preview was cut before Chuck’s death (an updated cut will air at the upcoming International Wildlife Film Festival awards ceremony April 22nd), but it pays tribute to his life and legacy. I hope that it will be of some solace to those who are feeling his loss.

As the news of Chuck’s passing ripples through the communities he’s touched, I trust that we will all find ways of honoring and remembering him. The Great Bear Foundation will be paying tribute to Chuck’s life and legacy, and celebrating him at Bear Honoring this May. Events will include an evening program at the Greenough Park Picnic Shelter in Missoula at 6:00 PM on Friday, May 20, and a walk in Glacier Park on Saturday, May 21, meeting at Avalanche Gate at noon.

With a heavy heart,

Shannon Donahue
Executive Director

Great Bear Foundation
http://www.greatbear.org

Northern Office
PO Box 1616
Haines, AK 99827
(907) 766-2024

Montana Office
PO Box 9383
Missoula MT 59807
(406) 829-9378 (phone)
Spread Rewilding Around the Globe!
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