I was born in 1912, raised around the Great Lakes, and the water was in my blood from the start. I spent over 40 years sailing these inland seas, working my way up from deckhand to captain. I earned my reputation as a steady, disciplined man — not one for panic or carelessness. My crews trusted me because I respected the lake and treated them fair.

Before taking command of the Edmund Fitzgerald, I captained several freighters — each run teaching me something new about the moods of Superior, Michigan, and Huron. By ’75, I was planning to retire after this last season, hang up the cap, and finally rest.

The Fitzgerald was a fine ship — powerful, elegant — but the lake that November was unforgiving. We fought through that storm with everything we had. My duty was to bring my men home. If this lake was to take us, it wouldn’t be for lack of effort. I faced Superior knowing her strength and respecting it, as I always had. That’s the life of a Great Lakes captain — you sail with pride, and you accept the lake’s final word.