Why Joe Cosley should be a hero

Having been out of town, I have not been following the stories recommending Joe Cosley for pardon. Cosley’s life might be broken down into three segments:

1) A respected and well-liked member of Glacier National Park’s first ranger force.

2) A dedicated volunteer soldier in the Canadian Army serving overseas in the arduous role of sniper in World War I.

3) Returning from war, becoming a complete recluse, dropping out from society.

There is no doubt in my mind that Cosley suffered from post-traumatic brain injury.

Every spring, when I look up at the mountains, Joe Cosley is still up there, trying to figure out how to save his furs, then racing on snowshoes against men traveling by train and automobile. This is the real stuff that legends are made of.

For us old decrepit snowshoers and for the younger generations to come, Joe Cosley will always be our special hero.

George McFarland lives in West Glacier.