Re: [Paddlewise] tragedy in Alaska

I began communicating with Ken right after he had taken over Baidarka Boats from
Larry.  He was very helpful and informative both calling me and E-mailing me with
questions and answers that help us decide which boat was best for me.  I ended up
bying a Raid II from him and he continued to maintain contact to help me with
accessories for the boat.  I was so happy with his service I wrote Ralph Diaz to
give a recommendation as a place to buy folding boats.  I mourn his loss and send
condolences to his friends and family.

Phil Newton
newbert_at_swbell.net
Galveston, Tx

"Rev. Bob Carter" wrote:

>     At this point I only have scetchy details but Ken Schaffer the owner of
> Biadarka Boats in Sitka died thrusday while paddling in Sitka. It appears that
> Ken suffered a medical problem of some sort.
>
>     He was only a couple hundred feet outside of one of the boat harbors in
> Sitka. He was with some others paddlers when he decided to practice some
> rolls. He did a couple sucessfully but then on his last attempt stayed under
> for a while. When he did roll up he was coughing up water and posibility
> blood. He said he was o.k. and the group headed back to the harbor. Ken then
> flipped over and did not roll up. The harbor master anwered the distress call
> but Ken could not be revived. All this happened within a half mile radious of
> the coast guard station, the boat harbor and the hospital.
>
>     Ken bought Biadarka Boats about a year ago. He had been a diary farmer in
> Vermont when he saw and add in a magazine (Sea Kayaker  I think) about the
> Sitka kayak shop for sale. He said it was a dream come true to move to Alaska.
> Though he was a novice at kayaking he was able to expand the boat shop and was
> very liked amid the kayaking community of Sitka and southeast. He was single
> but I believe did have family back east.
>
>
>
> with sorrow
>
> Bob
>

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