Executive Director of the Northcoast Enviro Center, died yesterday

Everyone,

I am sorry to have to present some very, very sad news. Tim McKay, the Executive Director of the Northcoast Environmental Center, died yesterday. Tim was birding at Stone Lagoon with his partner Michelle when he was struck by what was apparently a massive heart attack. He was taken to Mad River Hospital, but they were unable to save him. Tim was 59 years old.

Tim has been the Director of the NEC for some 27 years. Throughout that time, he has been a leader on environmental issues on the local, state, and national level. His knowledge, intelligence and professionalism were well respected by those he worked with, as well as by government agencies and elected representatives.

On a personal level, Tim was very influencial to me. He was one of the first people I spoke to when dealing with my first timber harvest plan (the Sunny Brae forest). He encouraged me to "engage the process" and advised me on how to get involved and get informed. Over the last few years I have been priveleged to get to work along side Tim as part of the Heatlhy Humboldt Coalition. I valued his perspective and the years of experience he brought to any discussion. I have always had tremendous respect and appreciation for him.

Tim died doing something that he loved, with the person he loved, in a place that he loved. It is perhaps fitting that his last moments were spent enjoying the beauty of the natural environment that he worked so hard to protect.

Tim leaves behind his two adult children, his partner Michelle, and his brother, as well as hundreds of friends. Plans are underway for a celebration of Tim's life in August. Contact can be made through the Northcoast Environmental Center at 822-6918, or nec at yournec.org.


Mark Lovelace
Humboldt Watershed Council