TheRuckSack: Joseph Clewley

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A Michigan Backcountry Search and Rescue Op
for
Joseph Robert Clewley
Missing since July 13, 2008

by
Michael A. Neiger (a.k.a. LandNavMan)
Senior SAR Team Leader
Michigan Backcountry Search and Rescue
Marquette :: Michigan

Introduction:
Joe Clewley goes missing

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• Joe Clewley goes missing

Come forth into the light of things;
Let nature be your Teacher.
One impulse from a vernal wood
May teach you more of man,
Of moral evil and of good,
Than all the sages can.
— William Wordsworth, 1770-1850, English Romantic Poet
The Tables Turned—An Evening Scene on the Same Subject

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Joe Clewley goes missing

Joseph Robert Clewley, a 73-year-old white male, has not been seen since Sunday, July 13, 2008.

He was staying at his cabin located south-southwest of Paradise, Michigan, which is located in Chippewa County's Whitefish Township.

His van was found parked along the north side of Tahqua Trail, about 5.1 miles west of M-123, at the trailhead for the North Country Trail (NCT), a National Scenic Trail. Tahqua Trail runs along the north bank of the Tahquamenon River and is within the boundaries of the Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Since it is one of his favorite pastimes, it is believed he may have gone for a hike along the North Country Trial, which is located near his camp, with his dog Chip. It's believed Joe began his hike about mid-morning on Sunday, July 13, a warm, sunny day.

Joe Clewley and Chip, his faithful companion. (Photo courtesy of the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office.)

Physical description of Joseph Robert Clewley

Age: 73

Year born: 1935

Birthplace: Lansing, Michigan

Sex: male

Race: white

Complexion: medium

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 150 pounds

Eye color: brown

Hair color: brownish-gray

Health: poor (significant health issues, including heart problems)

Scars, birthmarks, and tattoos: small scars from calcium-removal operations on both arms, and possibly his stomach; scar from axe cut near thumb, hand unknown

Nicknames: Joe; Pepper Joe; Joe From The River

Joseph Clewley and his dog Chip have been missing near the North Country Trail, south of Paradise, Michigan, since July 12, 2008. (Photo courtesy of the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office.)

Items Joe Clewley likely had on his person at the time he went missing:

Hat with a short brim and fold-down ear flaps, as pictured above

White handkerchief

White, short-sleeve, Fruit-of-the-Loom undershirt

Blue, short-sleeve, collared, button-neck polo shirt

Blue, zippered jacket

Dark-colored, short, Jockey-brand briefs

Gray or tan khaki-material pants

White tube socks

Size 11 ankle-high shoes, probably with 13-inch-long soles (tread unknown)

An apple

A Nature Valley-brand granola bar in a green wrapper

Items Joe Clewley likely did not have on his person at the time he went missing:

No sunglasses or prescription glasses

No wallet

No comb

No jewelry

No wristwatch

No walking stick

No backpack

No compass

No cell phone

No water bottle (if he did have one, it would have been a blue Nestle Aquafina bottle, one he would have reused extensively)

No cigarettes or cigars

No chewing gum

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In God's wilderness lies the hope of the world,
the great, fresh, unblighted, unredeemed wilderness.
—John Muir (1838-1914), Alaska Wilderness, 1890

If you've been able to read this Web page...
thank a Teacher;
If you've been able to read this Web page in English...
thank a Veteran.
—Author unknown

Learn about upcoming trips and expeditions of the Michigan Bush Rats

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