Longtime club member and giant in local paddling, Sigrid Pilgrim passed away December 21, 2022.

Her energy and enthusiasm reached paddlers and politicians and the wide range of people who came into her sphere of activity.  She joined Prairie State Canoeists in 1974, making her one of the earliest members. An avid paddler, instructor, and organizer, she served on both local and national boards and working groups for a number of organizations such as the Illinois Paddling Council and the American Canoe Association.  She was recognized in 1997 as the ACA Joe Pina Volunteer of the Year and in 2004 with its Presidents Award for Outstanding Service.  Many of us remember the fun and excitement of “Paddle in the Park,” held for a dozen years in Palatine.

Sigrid will be missed by all of us who knew her. A memorial service is planned for the summer.  Versions of her obituary are available here and here.