Fred's Memorial Stone laid to rest in Canada.
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:05 am
A few days ago Allan, Barb, and I voyaged over the Peace bridge near Buffalo into Ontario Canada to Windmill Point Park Quarry to lay Fred Morrison's stone in his favourite dive spot. When we arrived we were greeted by Jerry Giammattolo, who was super gracious and helpful. Jerry gave us some important information as to where the stone could be laid and even supplied some extra cinder blocks in case we thought they would be needed to keep the stone off of the bottom and out of the silt. It turns out that the silt on the bottom of the quarry was not really that deep and the cinder blocks were not needed.
The 180+ Lb. stone was loaded in the back of Allan's Tundra and was easy enough to get to the water thanks to the makeshift harness made from A and D adventures harness material.
We all suited up and took to the water, all in double hose regs and cotton harnesses of course, and searched the area for a suitable location for Fred's stone. Eventually a large quarried stone laying in about 25 feet of water was located and a marker buoy was tied off to it to make our return with the stone easier.
Once the stone was in the water we attached the lift bag and inflated it floating the heavy granite ever so gently across the water to its final resting spot.
With the stone in place the harness material was removed and we left the location for a short dive to allow the silt we had stirred up to settle. After about 20 or 30 minutes we returned to the stone for our last goodbyes.
Allan took some pics and video and I expect that he will post some of them here soon. After the mission was accomplished all three of us travelled back across the longest unguarded border from Fred's homeland back to the USA, where we stopped by to visit Donna Morrison, Fred's Widow. Allan and Barb showed the pictures and video they took and told Donna all about the hard work making the memorial stone by Dave Ali and Roger Van Frank. I think it was safe to say that Donna was touched and pleased by the gesture. I think the stone was fitting
memorial and Fred would have liked it as well.
If you are ever in or near Ridgeway Ontario, please make a special trip to Windmill Point Park Quarry and don a double hose to visit Fred's stone. The quarry has great super friendly staff and nice amenities. I expect that Fred liked this location for some of these reasons.
The 180+ Lb. stone was loaded in the back of Allan's Tundra and was easy enough to get to the water thanks to the makeshift harness made from A and D adventures harness material.
We all suited up and took to the water, all in double hose regs and cotton harnesses of course, and searched the area for a suitable location for Fred's stone. Eventually a large quarried stone laying in about 25 feet of water was located and a marker buoy was tied off to it to make our return with the stone easier.
Once the stone was in the water we attached the lift bag and inflated it floating the heavy granite ever so gently across the water to its final resting spot.
With the stone in place the harness material was removed and we left the location for a short dive to allow the silt we had stirred up to settle. After about 20 or 30 minutes we returned to the stone for our last goodbyes.
Allan took some pics and video and I expect that he will post some of them here soon. After the mission was accomplished all three of us travelled back across the longest unguarded border from Fred's homeland back to the USA, where we stopped by to visit Donna Morrison, Fred's Widow. Allan and Barb showed the pictures and video they took and told Donna all about the hard work making the memorial stone by Dave Ali and Roger Van Frank. I think it was safe to say that Donna was touched and pleased by the gesture. I think the stone was fitting
memorial and Fred would have liked it as well.
If you are ever in or near Ridgeway Ontario, please make a special trip to Windmill Point Park Quarry and don a double hose to visit Fred's stone. The quarry has great super friendly staff and nice amenities. I expect that Fred liked this location for some of these reasons.
Right down to those that purchased the homemade J rods that I sold for the Fred Morrison memorial fund. 100% of that fund went into making this happen. I would like to note that Dave Ali did not charge a penny for the plaque. 
Thanks Dave once again for helping us who continue to dive the oceans and waters of this planet for allowing us to remember a dear friend. Job well done folks.