Three Sierrans have recently passed: Richard Worthen, Ted Woodbury, and Corey Hale

Richard Worthen, Godfrey, died on May 16, 2020.   He was a much loved and respected member of the local Sierra Club, Piasa Palisades Group.  He was a founding member of The Nature Institute (TNI) in Godfrey, Illinois. He and friends struggled to secure ownership and permanent protection of the land located in Godfrey, Illinois on Levis Lane, which has grown to offer summer camps to community children and enjoyed by so many. He was an active member in the Sierra Club, locally, statewide and nationally, and recipient of the annually presented “Spirit of Sierra – Defender of the Planet” award.  We will miss him greatly and send our special sympathies to his wife Sherrill his and many loving family members.

We are also saddened at the recent passing of Ted Woodbury.  Ted had a long history as a Sierra Club volunteer, chaired the Piasa Palisades Group and served as the elected State Chair of Sierra Club in Illinois. He was also active in Forest conservation activities at Pere Marquette State Park. Ted led the effort that stopped DNR from logging Pere Marquette State Park. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled state law does not allow logging in State Parks, which stopped DNR’s plan to log our parks. We extend our sympathies to his family and friends.  

Satisfying his love for adventure Corey Hale passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020, due to injuries sustained in a plane crash. Corey was synonymous with adventure: his zest for living life one voyage at a time and his great nature was deeply admired and appreciated. Even in death he gave life to others by being an organ donor. His legacy of kindness and earth stewardship will live on in those he inspired. We extend our sympathies to all his family and friends.