Robert-Ralph (Bob) Carmichael: 1937-2016

Very sad to hear he is gone...
Such an iconic figure of Canadian coinage, through his artwork.

RIP

Northener0 I'm in the Soo you don't have your email turned on so PM me so we can talk.

Us New Members can't exchange Private Messages. I am also in 'the Soo'. Until I can manage to get the photography thing down, I don't really have enough to post about to make it over the 50 post mark... looks like you will be there soon, though. I met Ralph Carmichael once many years ago ... his brother was my HS Principal eons ago. Condolences go out to the family.

Heard an interview with Mr. Carmichael today from 20
years ago on CBC Radio with respect to the story of the
Loonie design being selected very quickly near the end of
1986 to replace the Emanual Hahn paddlers design because
the dies were lost somewhere between Ottawa and Winnipeg.
The RCM did not want counterfeit Dollars out in
circulation what with the missing dies. Carmichael had
previously sent in the Loon design for another coin
competition where he had come in 2nd place. The RCM chose
this design of Carmichael's with a Northern Loon. He
then changed the design to incorporate a Common Loon and
inserted the island of trees behind. In homage to Hahn,
the trees on the island in the background behind the loon
were discussed. Carmichael speculated that the Canoe
with Voyageur and Native paddlers from Hahn's design were
there but not visible paddling on the other side of the
island of trees. I thought that was very cool.