Robert Waldo McNish

Abimahng was the first person I met on Minis Kitigan in 1983. He was kind, funny and intellectually curious, full of stories and insight. I miss him around the fire and remember him in the blue flame. Walk in honor.

I loved to watch his great sword work in SCA combat. It was so smooth, flowing and looked effortless. I also had the pleasure to serve as the Northwoods Baronial champion fo him.

Robert sent me this picture of himself with his son (maybe on Garden Island), and titled the pic, "That's My Boy!"

We had a kissing game in the SCA. Oranges were studded with cloves. You gave the orange to someone you wanted to kiss. They plucked out a clove, chewed it a bit, kissed you and then you passed the orange on. I think Thorvald got oranges more than anyone else.

We knew each other only from a distance. I know his Indian name means pipe.

Prayers are offered to you and your family. I was present during your dad's Vision Quest on Garden Island. "When I am gone, and the blue flame flickers, there across the fire light remember me. If in remembering, you should wish to please me, speak an unexpected kindly word to the one beside you." Ojibwe Blue Flame Song as translated by Keewaydinoquay.