Remembering those who helped our land grow
KLT is proud to honor the memory of the dedicated members and supporters we have lost in the past year, including Bill Rose, Jim Belote, Bill Lohela, Gordy Borsvold, Al Warren, and Helen Dierten.
Each of these remarkable individuals left a lasting mark on KLT, shaping our lands, strengthening our work, and enriching our community. Their contributions took many forms: some gave their time, others donated land or funds. What united them was a shared belief in a future where the landscape remains forever beautiful, healthy, and diverse. Their generosity brought that vision to life and continues to guide our work today.
We invite you to read about their unique and lasting legacies, their deep commitment to KLT, and view a photo of a land or animal that held special meaning for each of them below.
If you would like to give in honor of Bill R., Jim, Bill L., Gordy, Al, or Helen—or another loved one—you can do so here or using the button below.
William (Bill) Rose
We are saddened to share the passing of William Rose on July 18, 2025 at his summer home on Lake Superior. Bill, along with his wife, Nanno, was a treasured friend and longtime supporter of the Keweenaw Land Trust. His deep commitment to protecting the Keweenaw’s natural beauty has left a lasting legacy - most notably through the generous donation of Silver Island, an 8-acre gem off the north shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Lake Superior. Words cannot fully capture the impact Bill has had on our community and conservation in the region, but his spirit will continue to guide and inspire our work.
Paavola Wetlands Nature Area
James (Jim) Belote
We remember James D. Belote, who passed away on December 11, 2024, with deep appreciation and admiration. Jim, along with his wife Linda, served as devoted stewards of the Paavola Wetlands for many years, tending to the land, its native flora, and the wildlife that call it home. Their quiet care helped shape Paavola into the sanctuary it is today. In Jim’s honor, many memorial tributes have been made—each one a testament to the impact he had on this cherished place and on our community. His legacy endures in every rustling tree and birdsong along the trails; we feel his presence with every step we take at Paavola.
William (Bill) Lohela
The Keweenaw Land Trust honors the life of William M. Lohela, who passed away peacefully at his Hancock home on December 22, 2024, at the age of 91. Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved brook trout fishing, photography, and staying active—shoveling his own snow even into his nineties. Together with his late wife, Nancy Makela Koski, he brought joy to his family and cared deeply about future generations. Their shared love for the Keweenaw’s natural beauty lives on through a meaningful bequest to the Keweenaw Land Trust, helping to ensure lasting protection of the land they cherished.
Gordon (Gordy) Borsvold
We honor the memory of Gordon Borsvold, a gifted artist, a kind spirit, and a cherished friend to many—including the Keweenaw Land Trust and countless members of our community. Gordon passed away peacefully at his rural Calumet home on August 7, 2024. Through his art and presence, he brought beauty and insight to those around him. His creative vision often reflected the landscapes we work to protect, and his support of local conservation efforts was both meaningful and sincere. Gordon’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the inspiration he continues to offer through his art and work.
Alvin (Al) Warren
Al Warren, a devoted constituent and longtime member of the Keweenaw Land Trust alongside his wife Nancy, was deeply loved and admired by many. His enduring passion for land preservation inspired a legacy that continues through the generous contributions made in his memory. Al’s life was richly lived and full of curiosity—whether he was paddling a canoe down the rivers of the Southeast and Upper Peninsula or contributing to conservation efforts through wolf tracking and wood turtle surveys. He took immense pride in the three miles of trails he built on his property in Ewen. Perhaps most emblematic of his thoughtful nature were the quiet hours he spent in the wetlands, pondering ways to outwit the resident beavers. Al's deep connection to the land and community leaves a lasting imprint on the land and in the hearts of all who knew him.
Helen Dertien
We celebrate the life of Helen Dertien, a dedicated volunteer whose quiet generosity and steady presence helped shape the Keweenaw Land Trust from its earliest days. Alongside her late husband, Bill, and their daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Dave Toczydlowski, Helen contributed to countless KLT projects—always with a kind heart and ready hands. Helen brought warmth, wisdom, and a spirit of service rooted in her West Michigan upbringing and 72-year marriage to Bill. She lived simply, gave deeply, and touched many during her 95 years. We are grateful for all she gave to the land and community she loved.