Sasquatch Chronicles Blog

Jan 20

SC EP:399 Remembering John Bindernagel

John A. Bindernagel (born 1941 – January 18, 2018) was a wildlife biologist who sought evidence for Bigfoot since 1963. He published a book in 1998 entitled North America’s Great Ape: the Sasquatch.

Bindernagel grew up in Ontario, attended the University of Guelph, and received a PhD in Biology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He moved to British Columbia in 1975, largely because the region was a hot spot for Bigfoot sightings.

I have invited many friends of the Doc to come on and talk about what John meant to them, and share their memories of him. I will also be playing some clips of past shows with John.

Tonight I will be joined by Bob Gimlin, Russell Acord, Derek Randles, Ron Morehead, Paul Graves, Marc Myrsell, Thomas Sewid, Rictor Riolo, Shane Corson, and Todd and Diane Neiss. I know so many people wanted to come on and talk about John and I tried to fit in as many as possible.

I think I can sum up the show tonight like this: John was an example of how to be a great human being. He always treated people with respect and was loved and admired by many. I hope when you hear the show you remember John.

 

http://sasquatchbiologist.org/

 


 

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91 Responses to “SC EP:399 Remembering John Bindernagel”

  2. RubenD S

    The world has lost a great man! Dr. Bindernagle had the courage to delve into research the general scientific community was too afraid to touch. What a terrible loss! Rest in peace, Dr. B.

  6. Curtis G

    Sorry to hear about this. Sad news indeed. I hope Wes that your cold is getting better. I had my own bout over the Christmas holiday. Love the show–keep up the great work!

  11. Reed D

    Wes,
    I know you had a great amount of respect and admiration for Dr. Bindernagle and he was special to you. My most sincere condolences over his loss. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Wes, I know you will keep his memory, and his work, alive here at SC.

    Reed D.

  12. Danny H

    The best way to remember anyone I think is to take what was best about them and incorporate that in our own lives. That way their memory will truly live on forever. Sorry for your loss.

  17. anthony t

    Thank you for this show wes…dr. bendernagle will truly be missed. he has passed you and others his torch lets keep it lit and always continue the research in his memory…R.I.P. doc.

  21. WALT D

    Dr. Bindernagle You will be missed for all the hard work and research you contributed in your lifetime. One of the most honorable people in this crazy field. Gone but never forgotten my friend. I salute you Sir.

  23. Taylor W

    What I love about Doc is his vocal pattern the way he stammers and throws a lot of inflection in on certain words I can sit and listen to him all day long he’s exciting to listen to he draws you in. he’s the best May his family find peace during this time.

    • DrAaron

      Completely agree! His voice is very purposeful and emphatic as though more effort would bring better understanding! For someone that chose EVERY word carefully, he spoke extremely fast!

  25. Chris K

    No way. What a huge loss for us all. Wes I am so sorry for your loss I know you had trimensous amounts of respect for John. I hope you can find peace with this, and knowing he is in a better place.

  26. Rick T

    The loss of Dr Bindernagel is huge for me personally and I dare say all of us here at SC. I love that man and he will always be alive in my mind. Thank you Wes for this tribute to Dr John. My prayers are with those he has left behind

  27. Jack A

    Thank you for making this show, Wes. I respect how geniune you are and I feel you are more like John than you realize. There’s only one John Bindernagel, and you have honored him greatly with this episode. When his voice came on for the first time I got hit hard with happiness and sadness at the same time. His way of speaking brought me so much joy and put a smile on my face every single time, and hearing you get choked up was tough but just shows the incredible impact he had on you, myself, and so many others. Rest in peace, John. You will never be forgotten.

  29. Paul M

    Wes. Hi this is a heart felt thank you for being a good friend to the people of the BF community. A few years ago could you believe the people you befriended.. So way closer then others of course. The path that we take in life is truly amazing. This man MR B was your friend yes. But remember you were his friend also. He appreciated your friendship as much. And that’s wat is important. It’s not easy to have good friends. It’s tuff deal. Most of us our lucky to count on one hand real good friends. Very Nice. RlP DOC. YOUR MISSED

  31. Deborah S

    Dr John Will never been gone.. his memory lives on. A great man. He spoke soft but carried a big stick.. to beat science over the head with. My prayers to his family…

  37. Michael V

    Wes…. That was the all time best SC show ever ! And there has been so many amazing episodes !!! Wes, You did an amazing job putting this tribute together for this truly great man.

    I never had the chance to talk or meet with Dr John. So I’ve been trying to figure why i found myself choked up and teary eyed tonight for this man I’ve never met ??? It finally hit me….. he gave me the courage to look anyone in the eye and be proud to say “I believe you Bigfoot”. He jeopordized his career and stayed true to his convictions. So the very least i can do is be proud to wear the BF badge.
    That is what science is really supposed to be about afterall… exactly the way Dr. John did it…Investigating, researching, documenting findings, analyzing data, hypothesizing theories with the goal of knowledge and the desire for discovery. Can you even imagine what it must have been like when he told his colleagues all those years ago…..not only that he believed in BF but that he wants to write a book on BF ? He risked so much to stand for his convictions knowing that most would offer nothing more than ridicule.
    That kind of character is so rare and inspiring ! Even though his collegues were arrogant and dismissive.. he never sunk to their level either. He just kept plugging away all these years and didn’t let science keep him from his passion.

    It was mentioned so many times by various guests on this show but the way to pay tribute to this courageous man is to continue to move forward with the research until science finally has to tell the public “Bigfoot is Real” ! Dr. John’s legacy will be entirely fulfilled at that point. We all owe that to him.

  39. Agnes B

    Wes, your tribute was filled with love, and authenticity. Dr. B. was the person he wanted the world to see. If we all strive to be the best person we want the world to see. This world would be so much happier. RIP Doc. Your legacy continues.

  40. devon c

    RIP to a very nice man who pursued the truth of the matter. He was honorable, wasn’t swayed by sketchy evidence, but defended the solid evidence that is out there. His love for the subject matter was evident always in his endless enthusiasm.

    We’ll miss his humble way of presenting evidence and remember him as an example of how to continue making the case, until the day when it’s indisputable for everyone.

    RIP, Dr Bindernagel, you were a giant among researchers.

  41. NW Mike

    Wes, thanks for that moving tribute. I had the privilege of listening to Dr. B at two conferences and he signed one of his books for me. We are a better community because of him and poorer because of his passing. Rest In Peace.

  45. Kenneth M

    A good decent man that will be missed – very entertaining, interesting and inspiring.
    Not too many real scientists this passionate on the subject I’m glad he inspired some young proteges

  46. Randy F

    Wes
    Your tribute to Dr John was touching and really well done. You’re a great guy and Dr. John was lucky to have people like you for friends. Well done sir.
    And to Dr John, “We’ll see you on the big hunt before too long bye for now… “

  51. Christine J S

    Thank you so much for screwing up your courage to hang out your heart for all to see how much you honor your dear friend. We will all miss Dr B and appreciate your pain and loss. God bless you Wes and all who hurt with the passing of such a wonderful man.

  53. pam

    I know you produced this show through bitter tears, a great memorial to John, Wes. I want you to really know how appreciated it is.
    I couldn’t watch this show until today. I knew it was going to be a heartbreaker. I am losing my best buddy to brain cancer right now- she has maybe 2 mos. left. That C word; hate it more every day…..

  54. RickyV

    Beautiful memorial to a marvelous man! Thank you Wes for sharing your heart and your tears, and for bringing many people together tonight through this time of grieving. With tears in my eyes my heart goes out to you Wes and, to all those richly blessed by his life! ??

  56. Terry R

    Nice job on the show Wes. Undoubtedly that was the best and obviously the most difficult show you have done. It was truly a night full of tears, and you are right, if all of us can be just a little like the Doctor this world would be a far better place. Thank you for all you do and for the fine tribute to such a wonderful man.

  57. Andrew O

    Thank you Wes for a very fitting tribute to a good man, and I feel for you when you came to tears. I know how I would feel if I lost a friend and someone you looked up to as well.

    I just hope that the baton can be passed to his fellow scientists, and sasquatch enthusiasts like yourself and others to prove their existence once and for all.

    As many here did not know Dr Bindernagel personally it was a real shock to hear of the news, as he was always an excellent guest, and was great to listen to.

    I’ll look forward to your next show, and we can keep this flame burning.

  59. Rod C

    What an awesome mentor we will miss in the scientific community and in just plain life. His enthusiasm for everything was contagious. Wes, you have put together the best tribute for Dr. B. with these interviews with friends and colleagues.

    Pam PR, very sorry to hear about your friend. Hugs to all with a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat.

    Let us know if we can do anything for Dr. John’s family. Is there a place to send contributions?

  63. Sid N

    I’m hoping that more of Dr. B’s colleagues will “step out on the waters” so to speak and accept that the subject and the proof of the existence of Sasquatch is inevitable and they would give the subject the scrutiny it deserves. I would hope that day would be sooner than later. I assure my family members who ridicule me for saying these creatures exist, that day will come, if not in my lifetime, then perhaps in theirs. I so wish there were more like Dr. B., who put integrity and courage ahead of “fame and fortune.” Those who were willing to risk it all for the truth. It was so good to know that Dr. B., had so many who loved him. Most of us may have only a handful who will truly mourn our passing. Condolences to all who knew and loved him! ???

  66. Janet P

    So sorry for your loss Wes. This show was a amazing tribute to John or Doc as you called him. Feel better soon Wes. It’s so difficult losing those we love. This has been a rough year for us. Sisters and friends. Love ya man.

  69. Curtis R

    RIP Dr B. I always loved hearing him, he was so enthusiastic and happy, his mind went racing and his poor mouth lagged far behind as it tried to form the words. Wes is right, though, that Doc B never used dense scientific jargon to explain his ideas with us, he didn’t need to show off his knowledge and was a wonderful guy.
    Wes, you amaze me. You’re a big man in my eyes, and not just due to your stature. Your friendship is real and heartfelt. Any man able to call you friend is lucky. Sorry for your loss.

  70. Michelle L

    Thank you Wes, for putting this together in such a short time frame and when you’re so heartbroken yourself over this loss. It is a huge loss in so many ways. I too am going to try to be more like John – he had wonderful qualities that are lacking in this world. For those who are interested, here is his obituary from the Comox Valley Record: https://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/obituaries/john-albert-bindernagel/

    Take care Wes. You and John will always be connected – that will never end. Thank you.

  73. Nathan E

    This was a great tribute episode Wes. Based on your presentation tonight I know that John Bindernagel was a friend as well as a teacher and fellow Bigfoot enthusiast.

  74. Duane A

    This tribute show is a fitting beginning to cementing Doc’s legacy. Thank you Wes, your poignant and sincere sharing makes me proud to be a part of SC. Here’s to making 2018 a year we all remember!

  77. Jan D

    John led by example. As a wildlife biologist, he gave the subject the level of attention he believed it deserved, based on the evidence. And he did it courageously, despite scoffing and dismissive colleagues. He embodied the true spirit of scientific inquiry. It is hard to conceive of the study of the Sasquatch going on without him. He was, to my mind, the most highly regarded advocate of the need for science to recognize this creature’s existence. I am sad that he will not be here when it happens. Peace.

  78. Stephen D

    John Bindernagel was the type of scholar who, to me, bridged the gap between the laboratory crowd and we who have been granted the luck/grief to have observed Sasquatch/Bigfoot only to realize that we aren’t the only biped carnivors of the wilderness. Being a step-son of a paper company scaler in the pre-mechanical harveting days, which meant a lot of hiking to/from jobsites, I have seen my share of Bigfoot, both adults and youngsters from the mid 60s to early 70s on up to the present day. Beats me how they came about……, but I grew up in the Maine woods, granted at grandparents camp, but know that I enjoy sharing the Maine woods with deer, bear and moose and have always enjoyed the local and remote outdoors/woods but with these things around, whew I don’t know if I accept them or not. I guess I’m having a rather tough time accepting the fact that I’m not the top guy in the food chain and am not 100% safe in the outdoors.

  81. BrokenMind27

    It took me 2 weeks to listen to this.
    We cant let the world forget him. This was just the start of that process. Great job Wes, I bet he smiled all the way through it. Your love for him is evident and we know he loved you. Again, great job, I’m sorry we lost him but if he were here he would tell us the fight isn’t over.
    Dr. B, thank you for your tireless effort. I have nothing but respect for you. Until we meet again.

    • Wes

      Thanks BrokenMind27 I still haven’t listen to the show…it was hard enough doing it. The Doc was awesome and for people who didnt know him I wanted to let them know how awesome he was.

  83. Lynette B

    Thank you for doing this excellent show/tribute, Wes. Remember that Dr. B. appreciated the work YOU are doing, in “archiving the eyewitness reports,” and bringing this whole subject more into the light of general awareness.

  84. Brian L

    I still think about the Doc….and his humble approach to a subject that he was convinced of…not because he was right….but because his research and thoughtful scientific approach led him to know he was right…..and to put his words and belief into the subject forever. Dr. John Bindernagel will be proven correct……

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