“He did superhuman things”

By HOLLY HILL

FOR THE SOU’WESTER

When Jon Lien was in the ocean fighting waves and saving whales – receiving an order of Canada wasn't on his mind.

As head of the Whale Research Group at Memorial University, Dr. Lien, 69, has been committed to marine environment since he moved to the province from South Dakota in 1968. The scientist developed techniques such as acoustic alarms to warn whales away from fishing gear.

And when he wasn't working with ocean preservation groups and managing fish stocks – the animal behaviourist was physically saving whales.

His hard work of more than 25 years was honoured Tuesday, June 10 at Government House in St. John’s, N.L. when he was awarded an Order of Canada by Lt.-Gov. John Crosbie on behalf of Governor General Michaelle Jean.

Lien was not available to speak during the ceremony, but his wife, Judy, said the award was something they never expected.

"He is a very modest person and he was so hard working that I think (the Order of Canada) just happened…he has contributed a lot, but all the while it was just a wonderful job and he always said he had the best job in the world," she said, adding her husband's passion for saving whales began when he first moved to the province.

A whale had been caught in a fisherman's net and Lien was called to help untangle the mammal.

"Sometimes the fishermen were very, very frustrated and had no help so (Jon) decided that a program had to be put in place to help them," she said.

This was the scientist's first rescue and, according to his wife, it was far from his last.

The couple’s three children were also beaming, full of pride for their father. Son Elling said as a child he always thought his dad's job was "awesome."

"Some summers I would go out with him and follow him around, and stick my head underwater whenever the whale was under there with a net...it was pretty incredible," he said. "He's a super hero, he did superhuman things and people respected him for that."

(From the Evening Telegram)