In 1968 Maurice Haycock built a cairn to commemorate the northernmost painting location of his good friend and painting partner A. Y. Jackson. Jackson was delighted with the honour. Jackson had originally inspired Haycock to paint, and was a strong influence throughout his career.

In 1984 Haycock asked his daughter Kathy if she would build a cairn marking his Arctic painting accomplishments. His preferred location was Alexandra Fiord. This was near the Bache Peninsula where in 1926 he took part in establishing for Canada the most northerly police post in the world. He also wished it to be near his beloved Jackson’s cairn. Kathy would love to complete this request for several reasons. He and Jackson are her inspiration in painting. It is an emotional journey to find closure after her house burnt down destroying many of her father’s paintings and records. But most importantly, it is a way to recognize the creator of “probably the most comprehensive one-person collection of Arctic art in the world”* in a manner and in a place he would most appreciate, and which would be most true to his first love the Arctic.

*Joe MacInnis, Canadian Geographic Magazine October 1977