Today marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The ship foundered in a storm on Lake Superior, and—in many ways thanks to Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot—has become almost mythical in stature.
Onboard the Edmund Fitzgerald were 29 men. They all had hopes and dreams that were extinguished far too early. There were families and friends who grieved their loss. November 10th will forever be a dark day for them—and we grieve with the families of the lost. Especially today.
On this somber anniversary, we remember the 29 men who were aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald. May they never be forgotten.
The Lost
Michael E. Armagost, Third Mate – Iron River, Wisconsin
Fred J. Beetcher, Porter – Superior, Wisconsin
Thomas D. Bentsen, Oiler – St. Joseph, Michigan
Edward F. Bindon, First Assistant Engineer – Fairport Harbor, Ohio
Thomas D. Borgeson, Maintenance – Duluth, Minnesota
Oliver J. Champeau, Third Assistant Engineer – Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Nolan S. Church, Porter – Silver Bay, Minnesota
Ransom E. Cundy, Watchman, Superior – Wisconsin
Thomas E. Edwards, Second Assistant Engineer – Oregon, Ohio
Russell G. Haskell, Second Assistant Engineer – Millbury, Ohio
George J. Holl, Chief Engineer – Cabot, Pennsylvania
Bruce L. Hudson, Deck Hand – North Olmsted, Ohio
Allen G. Kalmon, Second Cook – Washburn, Wisconsin
Gordon F. MacLellan, Wiper – Clearwater, Florida
Joseph W. Mazes, Special Maintenance – Ashland, Wisconsin
John H. McCarthy, First Mate – Bay Village, Ohio
Ernest M. McSorley, Captain – Toledo, Ohio
Eugene W. O’Brien, Wheelsman – Toledo, Ohio
Karl A. Peckol, Watchman – Ashtabula, Ohio
John J. Poviach, Wheelsman – Bradenton, Florida
James A. Pratt, Second Mate – Lakewood, Ohio
Robert C. Rafferty, Steward – Toledo, Ohio
Paul M. Riippa, Deck Hand – Ashtabula, Ohio
John D. Simmons, Wheelsman – Ashland, Wisconsin
William J. Spengler, Watchman – Toledo, Ohio
Mark A. Thomas, Deck Hand – Richmond Heights, Ohio
Ralph G. Walton, Oiler – Fremont, Ohio
David E. Weiss, Cadet – Agoura, California
Blaine H. Wilhelm, Oiler – Moquah, Wisconsin
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