I used to rent in a trailer in Fort Rupert. There was graveyard in the back of the trailer and this chimney in the front. I could see it silhouetted against the sea in the evenings. There was also a family of eagles that nested on a tree beside the chimney. I was there for the summer in 1981 and heard of a Fort Rupert legend where three killer whales swam close to the shore of the reserve and sang whale songs all night while a beloved chief lay dying in his home. When he passed away, the whales swam away. It is believed that they spirited his soul away to heaven. I have only heard this tale by word of mouth and have not yet seen it in print. I am moved to see the chimney still stands.
Sincerely,
Theresa Henry-Smith
