COOKSBURG, Pa. (EYT) – On Thursday, October 19,  a beautiful red maple tree was planted in memory of Carl Wesley Lipford, who passed away in July.

(Pictured above: left to right – Ryan Borcz, Cook Forest State Park Manager; Matthew and Stacie Kaye, Owners, Cook Riverside, Fairwinds In the Forest Cabins, Pale Whale Canoe Rentals and Cooksburg Cafe; Larry and Lois McFadden, Owners, Cook Forest Top Hill Cabins; Mary Louise Lipford, Widow of Carl W. Lipford, previous owner of Cook Forest Canoe Rental; Tom and Pam Burns, Owners, Cook Forest Fun Park, along with their grandchild, Aubrey.)

Carl Lipford was the owner and operator of Cook Forest Canoe Rental and Cook Forest Fun Park along with his children, Brent Lipford (Sherry) and Pamela Burns (Tom).

Carl contributed to the growth of Cook Forest tourism for more than 40 years while operating his businesses.

Carl’s wife, Mary, is a staunch supporter of her children and grandchildren who now operate the family businesses.

The memorial tree was donated by Fair Winds Cabins (The Kayes) and Cook Forest Top Hill Cabins (The McFaddens).

The tree planting was a complementary joint effort with Fair Winds Cabins/Pale Whale Canoe employees and the Cook Forest State Park employees.