Phillip Richard Orvis, 58, left Matheson Island, Manitoba, by boat around 9:00 p.m. in October 1987 bound for his fishing camp on Black Bear Island. The lake was choppy that night and Phillip, who could not swim and was known not to wear a life jacket, went out alone.

The following day his boat was found swamped and filled with water about half a mile southeast of the departure dock. A large search by land, air and water, including dragging the lake, failed to turn up Phillip or any sign of him. Investigators concluded there was no foul play and it is believed he drowned in the stormy conditions. Phillip was declared deceased in 1995, although his body was never recovered.

Are there any local memories of that October night or of Phillip’s routine trips to Black Bear Island that could help fill gaps in the timeline?