Sad Day for Fallen Hunter in Newfoundland
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in western Newfoundland as Eugene Earl Spoon, a 77-year-old man from Kansas, lost his life in a hotel fire while fulfilling his lifelong dream of hunting a moose. Eugene’s daughter, Gina Heller, shared the bittersweet tale of her father’s final days, filled with joy and unforeseen sorrow. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers the hunters can sometimes face.
A Dream Realized
On the evening before the tragic fire, Spoon called his daughter to share his success in hunting a Newfoundland moose. Elated and proud, he recounted his adventure and the wonderful people he had met. Spoon even passed the phone to a newfound friend, allowing Heller to share in his excitement. Little did they know, this would be their last conversation.
“He was a social butterfly,” Heller recalled. “Everybody thought he was just great. He loved life and made friends everywhere he went.”
The Tragic Fire
Spoon was staying at the Driftwood Inn in Deer Lake, N.L., which was engulfed in flames on the morning of Oct. 19. The day after the fire, local police called Spoon’s family to inform them he was missing. On Wednesday, the RCMP confirmed that his remains had been found in the hotel’s debris. That same day, Heller received a card from her father, brimming with excitement about his trip. “Just living the dream. Life is to be experienced,” he wrote. “I’m doing that.”
Community Impact
Deer Lake Mayor Mike Goosney expressed the town’s deep sorrow over Spoon’s death. With a population of about 4,800, the community felt the impact of this tragic loss. To honor Spoon’s memory, the meat from the moose he hunted will be donated to a local food bank or charity, as per his family’s request.
A Life of Adventure
Spoon’s love for hunting and began on a farm in Kansas and took him on adventures around the world, including a trip to Africa for big game hunting. For Spoon, hunting was more than a sport; it was a way to connect with nature and forge lifelong friendships by the campfire. Heller reflected on her father’s passion for adventure and the joy he found in meeting new people. “It was a bucket list trip, and he’d been planning it for months,” she said. “He was traveling alone, but that was no problem for him, since he was so adept at making friends.”
Overcoming Loss
Spoon had recently lost his wife, Heller’s stepmother, in December. “He was just learning to put his life back together. And he was doing it,” Heller said. Despite the loss, Spoon remained a vibrant and successful insurance salesman, a proud accomplishment for “a farm boy from Kansas.”
A Legacy of Love
Spoon leaves behind two daughters, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. They are all deeply shocked and devastated by his sudden death. “I’m gonna live my life a little different now,” Heller said. “You don’t know when your last day is. And my dad lived like that every single day.”
Conclusion
Eugene Earl Spoon’s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living each day to the fullest. His adventure in Newfoundland, though tragically cut short, was a testament to his zest for life and his unwavering spirit. As the community of Deer Lake mourns his loss, they also celebrate the indomitable spirit of a man who truly lived his dream.
This was reported by The Canadian Press and first published Oct. 25, 2024. Sarah Smellie, The Canadian Press click here to read more
