Saipan Wins

   Well, our worst fears have come true. The American Memorial, an NPS administered war memorial on the tiny island of Saipan, saw a good thing, and has hired Tom Workman as Ranger in Charge, effective in mid-April. Tom will be leaving his post as Lees Ferry Ranger, and that’s a damned shame.

   Tom Workman first appeared at Lees Ferry in April 1976 as a Glen Canyon seasonal ranger. In 1980, to the delight of guides and outfitters, Tom became the Grand Canyon Lees Ferry Ranger.

   In his years at the Ferry, Tom continually diffused problems, working with cooperation and education , being a friend while still holding the line of the law. The respect and admiration he gained went far towards smoothing the flow of traffic at the crowded boat ramp, protecting the Canyon and enriching the boating community.

   He’s leaving a large pair of shoes to fill and we don’t envy his replacement. We’ll need to give the new guy/gal the benefit of a lot of doubt, because we all know it’s hard to be Tom.

   Poor old Tom- we heard his new office is in a luxury hotel on the beach. Yesterday, as we were trying to say something appropriate to him he smiled and, with that familiar twinkle in his eye, he said, “I’ll be back.”