John Lammers (1921 – 2013)
John Lammers was born in Holland.1) In 1948, John and Mickey Lammers and their son Hans moved to Cardston, Alberta where John thought he had work, and then moved to Ontario where their second son Bill was born. In 1953, they drove to the Yukon. After working several jobs, John was hired by the Canadian National Telegraph in 1954. The family moved to his posts along the Alaska Highway at Coal River, Brooks Brook, Koidern, Canyon, and Whitehorse. In 1960, the Lammers bought a lot in Crestview. After Hans finished high school the Lammers built Stepping Stone, a tourist camp near the confluence of the Pelly and Yukon rivers. John was often away, travelling on business.2)
Lammers was the founder of the Yukon Conservation Society in 1968. The first board members were Charlie Taylor, Cora Grant, June Taylor, Florence MacDonald, and Monty Alfred. Lammers recognized the need for a regulating agency and the need to weigh the consequences of development.3) Lammer was the president of the Society for four years and then resigned over a fundamental difference of opinion. He established a market garden business and a nature retreat called Yukon Wilderness Unlimited. Lammers retired to Salt Spring Island in 1987.4)