Submitted by the Center for Whale Research.

The Center for Whale Research and Orca Network invites you to take part in a worldwide candlelight vigil to remember Ken Balcomb. We will honor his remarkable life during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice – a time of rebirth, reconnection to the natural world, and new beginnings. Please join us from anywhere in the world, anytime on Dec. 21, either on your own or by hosting a gathering.

​IN-PERSON EVENT UPDATE: Out of an abundance of caution for everyone’s safety, the Center for Whale Research and Orca Network has regretfully made the decision to cancel the in-person Candlelight Vigil on San Juan Island and Whidbey Island due to substantial snowfall accumulation and freezing temperatures, making road travel hazardous.

​We encourage you to hold your candlelight vigil in the safety and comfort of your surroundings.

​Many people worldwide will take a moment to reflect and pay tribute to Ken—a global connection for all of us who loved him. We invite you to share photographs and words on the Memory Board of CWR’s Tribute to Ken webpage (link).

We will compile a slide show to share at a later time.

​There will be a Celebration of Life in 2023. We will communicate details in advance for those wanting to attend this gathering.

A Memory Board has been created on our website. We invite you to share photographs and words from your vigil (link).