Ralph Frese in 2012 (Octane Rich Media)

The new film “Mr. Canoe” chronicles the life of Ralph Frese, a world-famous canoe-builder and conservationist who ran Chicago’s last working blacksmith shop. 

We remember Ralph Frese, who died yesterday at the age of 86.  Frese built hundreds of canoes by hand -- including giant ones to cross Lake Michigan.  We take another look at Jay Shefsky's profile of the legendary Illinois paddler.