Forrest Marine Ltd., a third-generation family business, was announced Tuesday as the 21st inductee into the Fraser River Hall of Fame.

The award, administered by the Fraser River Discovery Centre, honours river-based businesses or individuals who have made a positive contribution to the Fraser River community.

"The Forrest family has done so much on and for the river," said Catherine Ouellet-Martin, executive director for the discovery centre. "I can't think of a more worthy family and business to receive this year's honour."

The Forrest family's connection to the Fraser River goes back more than 100 years and has included endeavours such as sawmilling, log sorting, log salvage, tugboating, water taxis and fishing.

The current owners, Mike and Ray Forrest, are the third generation of a family who have lived and worked on the river.

In 1916, Mike and Ray's grandparents, Samuel and Hilda Forrest, towed their float house with their two children upriver from Annacis Slough to the present day site of Harken Towing in Port Coquitlam. Just after 1930, Samuel moved their float house up to the government wharf at the foot of Pitt River Road, next door to the family's present-day home.

Samuel died in 1935 and Hilda and her three young children were on their own in the Flower Float House, as it was known because of its colourful blossoms.

Mike and Ray's father Harvie inherited two small boats, the Harvie W and Old Faithful and began working on the river as Pitt River Towing.

The float house was badly damaged by ice in 1939 and a new log float and house were built to serve as both home and 'dock' for their three tugs, which now included the Wayfarer.

By 1944, Harvie had married Nellie and the couple began operating a shipyard site and sawmill for 10 years.

As Harvie continued to expand the business, the Forrest name became synonymous with towing, fishing and sawmilling.

Forrest Marine is now known as a leader in towing, log handling and storage, marine transportation and marine contracting.

Mike and Ray have worked side by side since they were old enough to help their father. They grew up on the river commercial fishing, gillnetting salmon in the river and on the coast; beachcombing by salvaging logs; and towing.

Mike Forrest has also given back to the community, serving as a Port Coquitlam councillor since 2000.

"We are thrilled to be able to honour Nellie, Mike and Ray Forrest," said Ouellet-Martin.

The Fraser River Hall of Fame gala dinner goes on Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Fraser River Discovery Centre on the New Westminster waterfront.

"We've held the gala at the discovery centre the last two years because we think it's important for people to see the progress we're making here," said Ouellet-Martin. "We've also lowered the price of tickets this year because the Forrest family felt it was important that people who make their living working on the river have an affordable way to attend the dinner."

Tickets are $150 and available by calling the centre at 604-521-8401. Tickets to last year's gala sold out so people are encouraged to reserve their tickets early. For more info on the centre, go to www.fraserriverdiscovery.org.