The man who named the Chi-Cheemaun ferry has passed away. Donald Keeshig has died in a nursing home in Lion’s Head, near the Bruce Penisula, at the age of 86. In 1974, the province held a contest on what to name the new ferry that would cross from Tobermory to South Baymouth on Manitoulin.
Keeshig suggested Chi-Cheemaun which is Ojibway for Big Canoe. Keeshig was a passenger on the ferry’s maiden voyage 42 years ago. As a salute to Keeshig, the Chi-Cheemaun will sound its horn on its first voyage this spring as it makes its way to Tobermory.