I recently learned that the author of this song passed away...

Mary Alice Satterfield Swanson, 78, passed away on May 9, 2020. Mary was born on November 14, 1941 in Madison, WI.

She is the composer of several songs about the North Country such as "The Life of a Voyager," and "The River Maligne" which are recognized as national folk songs.

You can read the full obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/obituary.aspx?pid=196314686

I am long-time friends with a few of her friends (who always insisted that the song had only two verses - as originally written). I sincerely regret that I never had the opportunity to meet Mary in person. By all accounts, she was an interesting person with wide-ranging interests. I would have loved to hear her sing this song...

RIP Mary, and know that your songs have touched so many.

- John