We are incredibly saddened by the passing of Gary Gaines, a friend and former board member of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

Gary advocated for the Chattahoochee River for decades, becoming involved with CRK in 1994 when he was the first president of Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club. The club participated in many river cleanups in the headwaters region, and Gary was instrumental in developing the Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail. Gary also supported CRK through his business, North Georgia Label. He loved the river so much that his grandkids took to calling him "Hooch" instead of Grandpa. Today, Gary's son Graham Gaines serves on CRK's Board of Directors. Our condolences to Gary's family, friends, and all who have benefitted from his love of the river. He will be missed. Pictured: Gary on the river; with boat; and with Bill Brooksher (center) and Chris Romberg (right).