Fred Rydholm
Marquette
Noted local historian, author,
teacher and three-term Marquette mayor

   Known and beloved as a storyteller, mentor and friend to countless numbers of followers and fans both regionally and internationally through his books, travels and speaking tours, Rydholm inspired and influenced the way many think and relate to their personal life story, their cultural identity and their relationship to the Upper Peninsula's wilderness heritage.
   Born on March 11, 1924, to Eber F. and Louise Harwood Rydholm, Fred was a graduate of Albion College and served as a Navy hospital corpsman during World War II. For most of his professional career, Rydholm taught seventh- and eighth-grade general science, retiring from Marquette Public Schools in 1982. His public and personal avocations over the course of his lifetime were numerous, including 14 years as a Marquette city commissioner, a candidate for state representative in the 1960s, a loved and well remembered counselor at Bay Cliff Health Camp, and a wilderness guide at the Huron Mountain Club.
   On December 26, 1953, Rydholm married June Elsie Beltrame, and from 1953 to 1968 the couple served as codirectors of the children's program at the Huron Mountain Club while raising their two sons, Fred K. and Dan. In 1949, Rydholm purchased the halfway camp on the Bentley Trail, the historic footpath connecting the McCormick Wilderness Estate near Michigamme and the Huron Mountain Club. Rydholm would spend the majority of the rest of his life documenting the history of the people and places associated with this overland route through some of the most pristine wilderness in the country. His lifelong efforts culminated in his two-volume work, "Superior Heartland: A Backwoods History," which is now considered a regional classic of its genre.
   In his later years, Rydholm turned his attention to the region's mining and mineral heritage, hoping to confirm his theory that the natural native copper endemic to Isle Royale and the Keweenaw Peninsula was a focal point of contact and trade in the ancient world. His theory along with a personal meditation on his lifelong fascination with native copper is presented in his last book, "Michigan Copper: The Untold Story," which, in many ways, serves as epilogue to his earlier work and an epitaph to his life.
   Rydholm's final years were devoted to the vision of building a museum in the Upper Peninsula's Copper Country, where the world's largest piece of float copper could be displayed to dramatically show the area's peculiarly unique mineral heritage. As president of the Ancient Artifact Preservation Society, it was Rydholm's dream to raise the necessary funds to accomplish this goal.
   Rydholm is survived by his wife, June; and his two sons, Fred K. (Pat Burke) and Dan (Kathleen Heideman).

Gale LaJoye
Marquette
Actor, Illusionist, Story Teller, Producer, Circus Performer

   Gale LaJoye grew up and lives in Marquette, Michigan. It is there that LaJoye began and continues to study how people respond to situations and each other. Over time, LaJoye has learned how to integrate his observations into funny and poignant stories without words – stories that turn sorrow into joy and inspire us to embrace life.
    LaJoye has worked to make a difference in the lives of others his entire life. In college he enrolled in pre-law. When required to take a humanities or theatre course, LaJoye chose theatre. Soon after, he shifted his focus from pre-law to theatre, when he discovered how plays can change people’s lives. His initial dramatic roles were in Chekov’s “Three Sisters” and as the lead, Randle McMurphy in “One Flew Over a Cuckoo’s Nest.”
    Early on, LaJoye developed a reputation for portraying complex characters - characters that rely on physical humor and non-verbal communication. After college, LaJoye immersed himself in pantomime and the Japanese art of Kabuki.
    In 1973, LaJoye ran off to Florida to be with the greatest show on earth - Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. While with the circus, he mastered the art of gesture, silent communication, and poignant short story telling. Within four years, LaJoye became “Boss Clown” - one of the highest honors in the circus tradition.
    In 1979 fate dealt Gale LaJoye a crushing blow. After a car accident, his doctors advised him he would “never walk again.” Driven to be a performer, LaJoye immediately began rebuilding his body and using humor to heal his mind and soul.
    Today, you would never imagine LaJoye was once paralyzed.
After regaining his balance and the ability to perform physical stunts in the early 1980’s, LaJoye produced the critically acclaimed and much loved “Too Foolish for Words.” After touring this silent comedy around the globe, LaJoye set to work to produce “Snowflake.”
    After premiering Snowflake in 1990, LaJoye embarked on a global tour. LaJoye’s Snowflake has toured throughout Asia, South America, Australia, Mexico, Canada and the United States. Hailed by critics and audiences alike as “a must see,” LaJoye has performed Snowflake thousands of time. In Japan alone he toured Snowflake to 280 cities.
    When not on tour with Snowflake, LaJoye is developing his next tour de force. His next production is slated to premiere after this Encore Tour of Snowflake ends. Like no other, Gale LaJoye weaves different schools of theatre into funny and poignant stories that help adults and children turn sorrow into joy.

Peter White
Marquette 
The Grand Old Man of the U.P

   Peter White is regarded as the Grand Old Man of the U.P. He came in contact with the U.P. in 1845 when arriving at Mackinac Island, at the time the center of trade and enterprise on the Great Lakes. He worked there for two years with the U.S. Lighthouse Service and as a handyman in a trader’s store.
   In 1849 he joined a party heading for the news iron country, and landed at what later became the city of Marquette. There he worked as a timekeeper, as a guide through the woods to Escanaba, and the keeper of the Marquette Iron Company’s store.
In 1852 White, then 21, was appointed postmaster of Carp River, later renamed Marquette, and held the office for 12 years. During that time he was aware of the developing iron mining industry and the opportunities it offered, and though he didn’t have the funds to invest in it, he opened a supply store for miners, and got into banking and real estate. When the Soo ship canal opened in 1855, he was ready for the new era that ensued. That year he was elected state representative and went to Lansing (the trip took 15 days on snowshoes to Escanaba and by foot and stage the rest of the way).
   In 1857 the federal land office was moved from the Soo to Marquette and White was made its register. As time allowed, he studied law, was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, and had his law office in Marquette for 10 years until other interests absorbed him. By the time the Civil War rolled around he was easily the town’s first citizen, his bank had become a national bank, his real estate ventures were successes, and through his connections he was selling iron and was convinced the demand for the ore would increase drastically to meet the nation’s industrial needs. On a trip to Detroit he found some of his own ore on the docks and promptly bought it, along with other stockpiles. Going on to Cleveland, he sold a thousand tons to a single foundry, and at weeks end he had made a $35,000. profit. Here were the beginnings of his vast fortune.
   Over the next several decades White dealt in lands, timber, iron ore and insurance, and despite his business connections he participated actively in civic and public affairs, even serving a term as a state senator. He gave generously to the city, funds for a public library and to found a hospital, aids to churches of all faiths, and secured Presque Isle from the federal government as a city park, still regarded as one of the finest city parks in the country.
He received honors, which included an appointment to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair Commission, an honorary degree from the University of Michigan, and the naming of a new building at Northern Michigan University, the Peter White Science Hall.
   At the semi-centennial celebration of the opening of the Soo canal in 1905 White was a principal speaker, and in his address said “This vast land locked sea (Lake Superior) with all it’s tributaries is free, and its freedom means these infinite results, the greatest addition to freedom since freedom came. And we who have seen its development, and have worked the forests and mines which have chiefly made its commerce, may pause in wonder that so few and so feeble a people living under so cold a sky should have been permitted to share so largely in changing the seat of empire, and enlarging the happiness of the world.”
   Peter White died in 1908. In a memorial sermon Episcopal Bishop Williams said, as it was said of Christopher Wren, “If you want to see his monument, look around you.”

Wayne Oien
Ishpeming
Drum Line Instructor for Superior Pipes & Drums
Co-founder of Superior
Pipes & Drums

DCA National 1st Place Winner 2011

DCA Internationals
3rd Place Winner 2010

  Ishpeming's own Wayne Oien, 57, took 1st place at the DCA National Drumming Competition over the Labor Day weekend 2011.

   Drumming has been a big part of Oien's life for many years. He began playing at age 9 and has been involved in music ever since. He's part of a musical family, including his son, Paul, who is a bass guitarist; son, Adam, who is a trumpet player; and daughter, Jenny, also a trumpet player. His brother, Alan, has a degree in music and plays the bass harmonica.

  Wayne Oien's never had formal lessons but took part in musical organizations and joined bands through the years.

"In 2002, a friend of mine, Ken Hiettiko, told me about a world championship snare drum competition in Pennsylvania," Oien said. "Because I had never competed in an individual competition before, I didn't think i had a chance of even placing.

  "I thought 'just as long as I don't take last,'" Oien said. "Drummers from all over the world, including Switzerland, Canada, Japan and the United States had some of their best drummers represented. With my brother Alan's support, I entered the 2003 international rudimental drumming competition in Scranton, Pa., and placed fifth."

  Oien said other competitors were friendly but he was asked the same question over and over: Who did you study with?

  "I always said in response that I didn't study with anyone," he said. "So when I did so well, it was a surprise. I thought, 'wow.' I couldn't believe it. It was a dream come true being able to compete rudimentally with other drummers from around the world."

  The performances are evaluated for originality, execution, showmanship, content and dynamics by an experienced panel of judges, Oien said. Points are subtracted for dropped sticks or control problems.

  Since that inaugural competition in 2003, Oien has excelled in other events. He placed first in the Midwest Drumming Competition in DeKalb, Ill., in 2005. And in the DCA internationals, he took fourth in 2004; third in 2005; fourth in 2006; and 11th in 2007.

  Because of a work conflict, he wasn't able to participate in the 2008 competition. Then the moose accident in 2009 derailed Oien from taking part that year. The accident was a stunner: Oien and a friend were driving along U.S. 41 on their way to work at Baraga Max Prison on Father's Day, 2009 when it happened. The little car they were traveling in hit a moose.

  "The car was demolished and I had broken ribs, a broken palate and facial fractures," Oien said. "I had some doubt if I could perform drumming again after the accident." But the Ishpeming native fought his way back to health. And his drums.

  He wanted to try again, so he entered in the 2010 DCA competition and took part in the event in Rochester, N.Y., on Sept. 3, winning 3rd place.
"The 2010 third place in Rochester was a real triumph for me," he said. "Especially after the disastrous 2009 accident."

  In 2011 Wayne trekked up to Rochester, New York to test his skills against 13 other acclaimed snare percussionists. The Drum Corps Association hosted an individual snare competition where drummers had to show skill in rhythm, finesse and showmanship. Even though he was up against big time competition, Oien took first place!

"There's no way I should win this in a lot of ways, because these other guys I've talked to, they've had four instructors that were legends," said Oien. "They've had all these big instructors and basically I've had to learn most of this on my own."

Oien says practice made perfect. He rehearsed his solo for months at Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming before the competition.

  Oien plans to continue competing in the future. In the interim, he will continue to keep busy with music. Along with Pierre Ogea, he's a founder of the Upper Peninsula's first bagpipe band, Superior Pipes and Drums.

  "I enjoy being involved with the bagpipe band because it gives me an opportunity to produce a full quality drum line and enjoy teaching area drummers of all ages," Oien said.
Information Source: The Marquette Mining Journal.
Click Here! to view "1st place National Winner Wayne Oien snare solo DCA 2011"
Click Here! to view "3rd place International Winner Wayne Oien snare solo DCA 2010"

Royden W. "Chuch" Magee
Marquette 
Road Tech for The Rolling Stones and Ron Wood

  Royden W. "Chuch" Magee, the son of Jack Magee and Harriett Mayo, was born in Utica, Michigan and spent his youth in Oxford, Michigan. He attended Griffin Business School, Ferris, and Bethel Colleges.
   Married for eighteen years to his wife Clare, an artist and seamstress, Chuch chose for his home a simple lifestyle, close to the earth in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He loved fishing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, making maple syrup, and spending time in the forest with his dogs. He was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church, serving in a variety of supportive leadership roles, most often with youth ministry programs. Chuch Magee also served as one of the first volunteers and founders of the Cedar Tree Institute, a nonprofit organization.
In that role he worked with youth from the juvenile court supporting environmental projects and planting over 1,000 cedar trees in Northern Michigan.Chuch passed away unexpectedly at age 54 on Thursday evening, July 18, 2002 during the Rolling Stones rehearsals in Toronto. At the time he was working on a tour rehearsal in Toronto, Ontario with the music industry. The cause of death is believed to be heart failure.
   Beginning his career as a drum and guitar technician, he has been working with Ronnie Wood and The Rolling Stones for 30 years, as a sound engineer on works like the album "I've Got My Own Album To Do" (1974), then on Rolling Stones tours, and the recent shows of Ronnie in Dublin and London last year. Also, Chuch was with Charlie on his tour with the Tentet to Japan and USA last year. He was named in 1989 by Performance Magazine as "Road Technician of the Year". In 1994 he received special recognition by a readers poll in that same publication for his leadership of the "Best Road Crew" in the music world of rock and roll.
   On Stones tours Chuch was Backline Crew Chief. In studio he was there too. Just like Pierre de Beauport (Keith's guitar technician) and David Rouze (bass, Mick's guitars etc), as well as all the other approx. 50 or so persons that are in Toronto now, Chuch was one of the important support persons that makes it all run.
   You may not have seen Chuch on stage, because your focus is normally on the band, but he was there all the time. Usually, on his knees, watching the band members, ready to rush if a guitar string would break, or whenever Ronnie were supposed to change guitars. Some times you could see that Chuch knew better what guitar to play than the receiver of the guitar, as that was his job. Before and after shows, Chuch was there for the fans.
Internationally, he was regarded among his peers as representing the most highly respected and competent of his profession.
   To those with whom he worked and lived, he was known for his boundless energy, uncanny organizing abilities, gentle humor, and unpretentious generosity. For an extraordinary number of people from all walks of life, he will be remembered as an exquisite friend.
As taken from, The Rolling Stones Fan Club Of Europe and The Marquette Mining Journal.

Commercial Voice Talent.
His believability and impressive voice style have enabled him to become one of the most sought after voice talents in the country.
Kris is a multi-talented voice performer with an extensive list of commercial credits. He's also the Signature Voice of leading TV and Radio Stations worldwide. Commercials
Kris Erik Stevens is a nationally recognized voiceover talent:
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THE ORKIN MAN
DELTA AIRLINES
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HOT WHEELS/MATTEL
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CAPITOL RECORDS
WALL STREET JOURNAL
HEALTH NET
STOUFFER'S HOTELS
AMC THEATRES
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MOVIETICKETS.COM
DISCOVERY CHANNEL

TV Promos
Kris Eric Stevens is heard worldwide:
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ESPN
TRAVEL CHANNEL
HBO/CINEMAX
MTV
HGTV
FOX NETWORK
CARTOON NETWORK
FOX FAMILY CHANNEL
ENCORE TV
UPN
VH1
TNT
THE WB
E! TELEVISION
THE DISNEY CHANNEL
SHOWTIME
GOLF CHANNEL
CNN
HISTORY CHANNEL

Movie Trailers
You've heard the Voice of Kris Erik Stevens on
many Movie Trailers such as: The General's Daughter, Last Man Standing, The Thomas Crown Affair, Eyes Wide Shut, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Runaway Bride, The Rock, Pocahontas, etc:
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CASTLE ROCK
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2Oth CENTURY FOX
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UNITED ARTISTS
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Narration
The Voice of Kris Eric Stevens speaks for:
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CINEMAX
HBO FILMS
DISCOVERY
HISTORY CHANNEL
CHEVRON
GMC/TRUCKS
NATIONAL CINEMA NETWORK

Voice Talent
Animation/Character
Kris Eric Stevens performs Character Voices
and Saturday morning fun:
X-MEN-MARVEL SUPERHEROES
THE FLINTSTONES
MAD-TV
DIGIMON
SCOOBY DOO
RICHIE RICH
THE SMURFS
AND MORE...

Movie Tunes
Kris Eric Stevens is the voice of MOVIE TUNES...
In the 90's a new concept in movie theatre entertainment was introduced. For the first time, moviegoers began to experience a music entertainment program heard throughout the entire theatre prior to the start of the movie. The program was called MOVIE TUNES, and overnight it became a huge success. Today Movie Tunes has grown to become the world's largest in-theatre music network, reaching more than 75 million moviegoers each month.
Always an innovator, Kris Erik Stevens became the host and narrator of this now legendary in-theatre entertainment program, and today he's heard on over 20,000 movie screens worldwide.
Additionally, Kris Erik Stevens is the Signature Voice of the NCN On-Screen Countdown Show. It's another cutting edge credit for Kris Erik Stevens as America's first 'Image Voice' for Movie Theatres worldwide.

Infomercials
The Voice of Kris Eric Stevens sells:
THE FIRM
BIOSLIM 3
EXCELERATE
POUNDS OFF (1997 Award Winner)
THE COMPLETE GYM
FLIP TRACK/KATHY SMITH
MOTOR-UP
PURE SPIN DIAMOND FACE WEDGE
REEBOK
Host and Narrator for the now legendary Theatre Entertainment Program (over 13,000 screens world wide).

  He was known as Al "Moe " Brown when he was in the UP, but preferred not to use Moe when he went to Alaska and Las Vegas. Al was born in Ishpeming and went to Ishpeming schools.
  Al was the oldest of 9 kids of Al and Goldie Brown. He worked at the Mather Inn early on and the Hotel Northland in Marquette. While in high school he learned to do Al Jolson at the Ishpeming theatre during intermission of actual Jolson movies. This was before joining
the Air Force in the early 50's during the Korean War. He was a disc jockey/announcer for Armed Forces Korea as an airman and his commanding officer was Capt. George Kennedy, who later went on to movie stardom back in the states. Al had a show in Korea very simular to that of Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam. He would send home reel to reel tapes of his shows there.
  Al returned to the UP after marrying in the Air Force and worked for WJPD before landing a job with WLUC as Al Brown the Bunny Man on the Bunny Tales show sponsored by Bunny Bread of Marquette. He appeared all over the UP and other states doing comedy and pantomime. He moved to Alaska in the early 60's and then to Las Vegas where he spent most of his career. In Vegas, he worked at all of the major hotels, with the main chain being the
Summa Corporation, then owned by Howard Hughes. He traveled to Atlantic City and the Bahamas as well as Vegas with a group know as the Bernard Brothers. They opened for all of the big major acts of the day, including Red Skelton and others.
  While in Las Vegas he owned the Valley Bar, which was visited almost daily by Dean Martin when he played the Desert Inn and the Stardust. Dean considered Al a good friend and fellow entertainer. He had a part in Anatomy of a Murder and before he died he was about to sign on
with a TV production being filmed in Vegas, "Spencer for Hire." Many Yoopers were entertained by Al in Vegas, in the UP and overseas.
   We miss his wit and humor and are very proud to have him as a member of the Yooper Hall of Fame. - Ken Brown

  Bruce played football for Marquette Senior High School, and after graduated from MSHS, he attended Michigan Tech University. After earning a degree in 1971, he attended the Detroit College of Law, which he graduated from in 1975.
  Lahti worked for Bruce Norris, owner of the Detroit Red Wings for 12 years. During that time he Lahti booked Motown legend Diana Ross to perform at the Joe Louis Arena for the weekend of the 1982 Super Bowl. When Mike Illitch bought the Red Wings in 1983, Lahti decided to go into business for himself and became Manager for singer Roger Whitaker.
Bruce was in New Orleans for the 1986 Chicago Bears, New England Patriots game while working for a company that managed the Superdome.
   He moved to Florida in 1988 and started his own business, and then became involved with the World Golf Village and it's Hall of Fame several years ago. Recently he has been involved with the coordination of the National Football League in Canton, Ohio, an exhibit saluting the Super Bowl that will be displayed at the golf hall of fame.