Capt. Mitch Hallin Memories

[Denny]

In adding to my thread, the last time I saw the PRT and heard the voice of Capt. Mitch Hallin was on December 7, 2001 when they were downbound on the St. Clair River with coal for the Detroit Edison Power Plant in St. Clair. This was also the PRT's last trip for the 2001 shipping season I think it was if my memory is correct? Little did I know that day, that it would be the last time that I would ever hear Capt. Mitch Hallin's voice on my scanner again as he would be gone forever in less than five months! I will always remember where I was at home at least and watching the Wings in the Stanley Cup Playoffs that year when I read and heard the news of Capt. Mitch Hallin's passing on his "Pride and Joy!" I almost fell over in my chair and was in just total shock and disbelief! I never met Capt. Mitch Hallin in person although I did send him once a photo Christmas card of his ship passing down at Mission Point. Captain Mitch as many remember was born in Minnesota but he resided in Arizona. He would usually fly the Arizona State flag from the bow of the PRT along with many other flags as well hence the term and nickname he got "The Flag Man!" If anyone has a copy of the 1995 KYS book, look at the cover as it has the PRT taken by Roger Le Lievre and you will see what I am talking about there!

[Denny]

It was 14 years ago today that you passed away in your sleep on your "Pride and Joy the Paul R. Tregurtha!" You were one of the most well liked and respected captains on the Great Lakes and I for one enjoyed and appreciated your ship and will always treasure and adore her no matter who the captain is and also if they give a salute or not! I have many memories of you and your ship and I have seen and followed you when you were in command of the Queen of the Lakes from 1993-2002. From the Soo to up in the Twin Ports of Duluth-Superior in July 1996 and the many times I saw you on the St. Clair River and you saw me and saluted me as well. Rather I was having a good day or a bad day, it just felt good to see and know that the Queen and you were coming to help me and brighten up my day and spirits! You are deeply and dearly missed by all but, your legend will forever live on and never be forgotten as well! For life goes on and the Queen of the Lakes still says today with newer faces and names and a new skipper at the helm as well. Your legend and legacy has been passed down to the many that you have crewed and the new people that now work the Queen of the Lakes. From Capt. Tim Dayton who had huge shoes to fill when you left us in 2002 and he filled his role with pride and respect to now Capt. Bob Thibaudeau these fine two captains will leave their place in history. The Queen carries on now without you but your place and name in history will forever be remembered. Sorry for making this so long here all. May God Bless Mitch Hallin! 3 Long and 2 Short Captain and fair winds and calm seas as well. His birthday was on May 11 and next week he would have been 70 believe it or not. Anyone have or care to share their memories of the late Captain Mitch Hallin? I know that Freighter Frank Frisk once worked and sailed for Interlake SS and sailed with Mitch at one time. Maybe he and former Interlake folks might share a good word or two about him. RIP Capt. Mitch Hallin 1946-2002.