People Involved with Lot #9, Passage Island

There are many people who either have been, or who are involved in the Passage Island Lot #9 project.

Project Leaders:

Marja and Stephen Harmer - Lot #9 Owners
Although their initial reaction was "I don't think it is possible to build here", they went through the "I think I can, I think I can..." stage to the "do" stage. In the words of one great sage, "There is no such thing as 'try', there is only 'do' or 'not do'. Marja and Stephen have demonstrated they 'do'. They have both supported each other throughout. Now the realization of their dreams is taking on  more shape. The house has windows and a roof. Now it is time to concentrate effort on the inside - insulation, walls, electrical wiring, plumbing, and gyprock. They will soon have an indoor shower! They already have an "almost functioning correctly" indoor toilet!

Mike Ukrainetz - Currently working with an engineering company in Vancouver.  Mike was a Student at BCIT studying Building Technology when he first joined the team. Mike had built houses before - and knew what he was doing - he is also an artist in his spare time. Check out http://drop.to/mike) Return to table.

Lockwood Dempster- UBC A student in Masters in Economics when he joined the team.  He only worked a few days each week - he wanted to finish his degree!! Currently he is living in Ontario working there. Although Lockwood does not have a WEB site, if you are traveling in Ontario check out his parents' bed  (without breakfast): www.dempsterhouse.on.ca. Return to table.

Chris Leslie  - Unfortunately  - he wasn't available all summer in 2000- so Stephen had to settle for times he was available - Strong, strong keener - did Stephen mention strong?  Plays hockey in his spare time - that is when he is not coaching. Return to table.

Josh Twohey  - Son of Passage Islanders Don and Nancy.  Josh heard we were building in the summer of 2000, and just couldn't wait to get involved in all the fun!  He kept hanging around until we finally hired him.  Turns out that he was a key component to the building team.  His enthusiasm was infectious, and he was liked by all.  He went off to Ontario at the end of September 2000. Return to table.

Bill Mulder - Builder and immediate neighbour on Passage Island.  Contracted to provide us with building hints and tricks, and to make sure that we 'Keep WORKING!', and 'GET GOING'.  He is always coming around, and never leaves without offering some very useful advice.   Return to table.

Ed Callendar - Engineering Student at University of Victoria.  Ed was the General God and keener - but, he also played Ultimate Frisbee and sailed in his spare time. At the start of the project he was Stephen's second in command. Unfortunately the "lure of the sea" took the better of him and he chose to sail tall ships from Halifax to Europe! Marja and Stephen missed him very much. Ed has many talents! After returning from the sea, Ed still commutes from Victoria to help.  Return to table.

Klayton Kaleta - Has just completed his B.Sc.at UBC, majoring in mathematics . He is currently doing some part-time work (in places that uniforms are not required). Passage Island is one of the part time places meeting his conditions! He is also studying for actuary exams. The first of these takes place in November, 2001.  Return to table.

Colin Burke - Has just completed his B.A. at UBC, majoring in philosophy. Currently he is looking for full time work, but is happy with any part time work that he can get too. His family business can be found at www.sussline.com. Return to table.

Volunteers:

This list is under construction. It is in no particular order. These are the people who Stephen believes 'do it just for the fun!' (????!!!!)

Dan Harmer - moved across the country from Nova Scotia to help.  Well OK he may have had other reasons, but he doesn't let that stop him from spending much of his time on the island.  Some of his "free time" he spends as webmaster for the site you are reading.  Apparently he does other things sometimes, but doesn't let them interfere with Passage projects. Return to table.

Paul and Jodie Toth - Paul: Computer, consulting, and business god at www.ucora.com corporation.  Steve met Paul in University, so whenever they get together, they just connect their brains (usually with RS232).  Jodie - Teacher and webmaster for Telus. They come out for the exercise, and because they think we are nuts! Return to table.

Phil Temple - Super Brain. He knows (almost) everything about (almost) everything.  Comes out to assist periodically - especially when extreme accuracy and precision are required.  Assisted with laying out all the points on the rock (about 40 of them). Return to table.

Greg Wagner - Project Manager - ADT Canada. He is excellent, with a "lets get it done!" attitude.  Hard worker who spends all spare time on the island tidying.  Strong and keen, but too busy with family duties to spend enough time on the island.  Steve H does a lot of business work with Greg.  Greg puts up with Steve's island lifestyle, and is very understanding when Steve says "Oh, I can't be there on Tuesday, the tides are right for a barge load!"  Without Greg's cooperation none of this project would be possible. Return to table.

Kevin and Dianne Roberts - close friends of Stephen and Marja on Passage Island - Stephen and Marja bought their lot from them!  They are in the building process as well, so many hours are spent in planning and cooperating on projects.   Return to table.

Tom Scott - semi retired Professional Engineer - was the Engineer for the City of North Vancouver.  Tom provides on going useful advice on almost everything.  He also likes visiting the island when there is some really hard work to be done - he especially likes moving the 112 lb batteries! Return to table.

Ken Rutland - SkyTrain Security. Son in law to Tom Scott - provides ongoing advice and enthusiasm.  Likes to Kayak out to Passage Island, and then do slave labour - especially moving batteries! Ken's enthusiasm and ability to actually get things done (rather than talk about them) is impressive.  Ken has taken on much of the house building, and spends many days on the island. Return to table.

James Kirshin - West Coast Express operations. James likes to visit the island, and help with aspects of construction.  He likes working with wood, but is very good with the BBQ!  Extremely likable fellow.  Return to table.

Al Kimmel - Retired, now a World Traveler. Al loves weekend projects.  He says "I don't care what is going on, I just want to help."  Assisted with water tank moving and assembly of the lower cabin.   Return to table.

Others That Help:

Passage Islanders - There is a huge body of knowledge on the island.  Many have been through the process before, and all will lend advice, not to mention tools and building materials!  In particular, thanks to Stefan and Victor, Bill M, Bill G, Rick, Bob, Jim, Ken, and Adam. Return to table.

Jeno Toth - Architect.  Living in Toronto - a Vancouver Wannabe.  When Stephen first met Jeno in Nova Scotia around 1985, the second thing Jeno told him was that he was going to design a house for Stephen.  For the Passage Island project, Stephen tried to lay out the windows on the East wall, and the house looked like a prison.  He said "Jeno - HELP!!!".  Jeno did, and gave the place its beauty.  Favorite quote:  "This is a tough lot to work with!" (Referring to the property, NOT the people). Return to table.

Jim Warne - Structural Engineer.  Although Jim doesn't normally do residences, he thought this one looked like fun.  Little did he know that he would be receiving panic e-mail messages at 10:00 PM, and be talking to cell phones on Passage Island early on Sunday mornings! Return to table.

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