Ontario Provincial Police have found the body of Joseph Illuapik Palluq, seen here with one of his carvings. Palluq, 54, who was originally from Igloolik, had lived in the south since 1998 where he continued to work as a carver. (File photo)
OPP divers recover body of Joseph Palluq, missing since May 1
Palluq had gone out kayaking on Lake Clear, Ont.
The police in Ontario say they have found the body of Joseph Illuapik Palluq, 54, who was last seen on Friday, May 1, on Lake Clear in Ontario’s Bonnechere Valley.
The Ontario Provincial Police’s underwater search and recovery unit located Palluq at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, ending the search for the kayaker.
Palluq had taken out his kayak on the lake at about 9 p.m. on Friday night, the OPP said earlier this week.
The next day, May 2, his kayak was found upside down on the shore.
The police said Palluq’s body was found on Tuesday near the area where his kayak was found. He was not wearing a life-jacket.
Palluq, who is originally from Igloolik, had lived in the south since 1998.
There, he continued to carve, using serpentine, marble, whalebone, and walrus tusk and teeth.
In an online biography, Palluq said he began carving ivory and stone at the age of nine, following the tradition passed onto him by his grandfathers, Autut Paliak and Abel Inuksuk.
Joe, together with his partner Roberta, were our neighbours a while ago in Ottawa. Joe was a gifted Inuit carver and we are privileged to have two of his carvings in our home. He died far too soon and his former neighbours are so very sad to hear of his passing.
We lived across the street from Joe and Roberta in Ottawa West for many years until they moved to Eganville. I have not seen him in several years, but he left an impression that will last me the rest of my life. Joe was an extremely talented carver, and was always willing to talk about his work and the types of stones and tools he used. I feel very privileged to have a couple of his carvings. Joe always took time to talk and play with my daughters when they were younger. His dog, NooNoo, was always by his side. I have many wonderful memories of Joe, but am very sad of his passing. RIP Joe.