The mysterious marble shrine at Nimpkish Camp

In the bush, in the area around Nimpkish Lake, there is a marble monument, which seems quite out of place in the middle of the dense forest, with no indication that a hiker were to come upon it.

I have been told it was a labour of love, built by a man who emigrated from Italy and worked in the logging industry. Apparently his plan was to bring over his childhood sweetheart when he had earned enough money, but she died before she was able to come to Canada. Her name was Maria Rei.

The monument was built in the late 60s and early 70s, and at one time included a statue of the Virgin Mary. Either the statue that was a part of this monument, or perhaps a separate one, was donated to St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Port Hardy. 

The artist was Rufino (Manny) Mancinelli, who was a "welder, barber, and sculptor" who worked in a local logging camp. When the camp closed the area was overtaken by the North Island rainforest.

Photo of Rufino (Manny) Mancinelli displaying another of his talents, as the Camp barber.

 If you do visit the monument, please be respectful and take care not to damage it, so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.