Verlen Kruger (June 30, 1922 – August 2, 2004) was a world record canoeist from Delta Mills, Michigan. In his lifetime, he paddled over 100,000 mi (160,000 km). This love of paddling was all the more remarkable because he did not start until age 41. Of particular note are the 18,232 mile Two Continent Canoe Expedition and the 28,040 mi Ultimate Canoe Challenge, the longest canoe journey ever. For more details on his accomplishments, read the story in Rapid Media's online edition of Paddling Magazine. Verlen was named “The River Guardian” at the 2003 Quiet Water Symposium. This was a heartfelt honor from the entire mid-Michigan paddling community. He was recognized for his outstanding achievements and records in paddle sports, for bringing international awareness to our environmentally sensitive waterways, and for fostering stewardship of our treasured water resources. Each year, we recognize others who embody his spirit. 

On March 2, 2024, at a live presentation during the 29th Quiet Adventures Symposium, the 2024 Verlen Kruger Award was given to John Bollman with Jay Hanks of LOAPC receiving the paddle for John. John is a member of the Williamston Sunrise Rotary Club, and the founding chair of the Friends of the Red Cedar River. Since 2020, he has led the work to clear the Red Cedar River of obstructions and debris. He has organized many meetings and facilitated many partnerships so that a project of this complexity could be implemented. His organizational skills supplied the missing link that then resulted in opening the river to paddlers from Williamston to Lansing.

What was impossible for individuals working alone or in small groups was accomplished by John and his tireless dedication to the river. This has inspired others to join the effort and it will hopefully create a sustainable workforce to maintain the Red Cedar River for safe and enjoyable recreation.
The many examples of John’s collaboration with other organizations include working with the Boy Scouts on river clearing work and building a canoe rack in McCormick Park. With Rotary Clubs, he successfully organized a fair in McCormick Park in September 2023 to introduce the recreational potential of the Red Cedar to the local community. In addition, he also worked on two occasions with volunteers from Top Notch Tree Care of Jackson to remove some of the more difficult log jams that blocked the river.

John joins the ranks of the previous Verlen Kruger Award winners, all recognized for bringing awareness to our environmentally sensitive waterways, and for fostering stewardship of our treasured water resources. He will receive a plaque, and a brick on which the date and his name are engraved. A duplicate brick will be added to the walkway around the Verlen Kruger Memorial located by the Grand River in Portland, Michigan. John’s name will also be engraved on a perpetual plaque where it will join the names of the previous 28 Verlen Kruger Award winners.  Join us for the Hugh Heward Challenge on April 27, 2024, at the Verlen Kruger Memorial in Portland when John will be honored once again.