Matt Toshio Matsushita
(1948 - 2009)
Matt Toshio Matsushita, Jr. was born November 9, 1948 in Ontario, Oregon and died on August 2, 2009 in an automobile accident while returning to his home in Santa Barbara, California from the Federation of Fly Fisher’s Conclave in Loveland, Colorado.
At the age of 3, Matt and his family moved to Watsonville. After graduating from Watsonville High, he went on to UCLA, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Sunnyvale for some 20 years, helping design submarine missile launchers. He also spent a few years on solar collector design at Acurex Corporation. In 1993, Matt moved to Santa Barbara to work in his brother-in-law's general contracting business, Jack 'N Tool Box.
Matt's many interests included fly fishing, fly tying, playing pool, martial arts, aquariums, wood-working, Japanese sword-making, scratch plastic model-building and taiko. Anything he developed an interest in, Matt would learn all he could. If it involved a product, he'd seek to re-create, improve upon or look for the ultimate. That search-for-knowledge was most evident in his fly-tying skill and the tools he custom built to help in the process.
Matt is survived by his mother, Mary Sakata Matsushita; wife Sophia; daughter Emi; sister Karen and her husband Jack Byers, all of Santa Barbara; and son Kyle and his wife, Claire of Arcadia. He was preceded in death by his father Toshio Matsushita.
A memorial service was held at Westview Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 29 at 11 a.m.
This information was provided by Matt’s wife, Sophie Matsushita.
Thomas Joseph (Buddy) Robichaux
( 1926 - 2009 )
Thomas Joseph (Buddy) Robichaux passed away on June 7, 2009, at the age of 82. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on August 19, 1926, to Francis and Lucille Robichaux, he is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Jane; sons and their wives, Tom and Jessie of Austin, Rob and Suzanne of Tucson, and Jim and Rebecca of Corpus Christi. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Kandice, Mike, Laia, Lindsay, and Sarah; two great-grandchildren; a sister Frances Bahlinger and a brother Gerry, both of Louisiana.
Buddy always taught his sons that wealth was not measured by the amount of money in their pockets, but by the love of family and friends, and life lived with honor and integrity. He always encouraged them to leave any place they visited a little better than they found it.
His life exemplified these tenets: mentoring young men as a Scoutmaster and Commissioner in Boy Scouts; coaching Little League baseball; instructing First Aid for the Red Cross; teaching newcomers the joys of fly-fishing with the Alamo Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited; building with Habitat for Humanity; ushering at Coker United Methodist Church, and reading for the blind every Thursday morning as a volunteer for Owl Radio.
A graduate of Louisiana State University and the University of Houston, Buddy spent his professional life as a research chemist for Shell Oil Company in Houston before becoming the Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental Affairs for a multi-national petrochemical company, where he demonstrated to environmentalists and industry alike that we could be proper stewards of our natural resources and still prosper commercially.
Buddy's love of fishing began at a young age and continued throughout his life. He fished the wild trout streams from Montana to New Zealand, always taking care to release his prey tired but unharmed, to fight another day.
Buddy's wife, Jane, was the absolute love of his life. Their marriage exemplified unwavering devotion and constant companionship. Whether bicycling through the south of France, camping in the Colorado Rockies, seeing the world, or simply creating gourmet dinners together over a nice red wine in the kitchen, they shared a love story and life together to be envied by all.
Buddy leaves after a long, full life, with everywhere he went and everyone he encountered a little better than he found them. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you provide a donation in Buddy's memory to Owl Radio, c/o Low Vision Resource Center [501(c)(3)], 11510 Sandman St., San Antonio, Texas 78216 or to the charity of your choice.
Information provided by Andy Niland at info@alamoflyfishers.org
Milton “Mickey” Powell
( 1934 - 2009 )
By Marty Seldon
At the age of 75, Milton “Mickey” Powell lost his 15-year battle with cancer. On March 3, 2009, he passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Rosalie, and family.
Powell was Buz Buszek’s son-in-law. Buszek’s widow, Virginia Buszek Perry was responsible for the Federation of Fly Fishers’ prestigious Buz Buszek Memorial Award. The fly-tying award was established as a memorial to Buz Buszek, the well-known international flytier and the 1943 founder of Buz’s Fly Shop in Visalia, California. Buszek was a world-class angler, an excellent flytier and a dedicated teacher. After his death in 1965, his wife formalized the Buz Buszek Memorial Award with its gold-feather recognition pin.
Powell took over ownership of Buz’s Fly Shop, now in Bakersfield, California, and was a founding member of Visalia’s Kaweah Fly Fishers (www.KaweahFlyFishers.org). He accomplished much at both the local and national levels in the world of fly fishing. He did this with a strong sense of stewardship, honesty, integrity and teaching the love for fly fishing and fly tying. Powell’s life and legacy will serve as an example for future generations of fly fishers.
In 1999, he was the first chairman of the Public Advisory Group for the Kings River Fisheries Management Program. This program to improve the quality of fishing on the lower Kings River is a joint effort by the California Department of Fish and Game, the Kings River Water Association, and the Kings River Conservation Department. Its success today is in no small part due to his perseverance and diligence.
With Powell’s valuable knowledge, assistance and direction, the Kaweah Fly Fishers Club has assisted in protecting streams and rivers, and helped to preserve the Golden Trout Wilderness Area in the nearby mountains. He also sponsored the club’s active Trout in the Classroom program whose success is due to Powell’s dedication, hard work, long hours and care. He loved teaching children about the life cycle of fish and organizing the trout-release day. He was well-respected and loved by all that knew him. FFF members have been touched by some aspect of Powell’s involvement in the fly-fishing community, and his passing has left a void that will be felt by many.
A memorial service was held Sunday, March 15, 2009, at River Ridge Ranch in Springville, California. The family requests that any donations be made to the Kaweah Fly Fishers to support the club’s Trout in the Classroom efforts. Donations should be sent to: Kaweah Fly Fishers, P.O. Box 3704, Visalia, CA 93278.
Jack C. Hutchinson
( 1924 - 2009 )
Jack C. Hutchinson, longtime historian and collector of Northwest angling memorabilia and books, passed away at his Everett, Washington, home on December 9, 2008. He was 80 years old.
Hutchinson was a member of the FFF, the Evergreen Fly Fishing Club of Everett and the Washington Fly Fishing Club of Seattle. For many years he served as librarian for the two clubs, helping each establish collections of fly-fishing books and videos for use by members.
Born July 16, 1928, in Oregon City, Oregon, Hutchinson moved with his parents to Washington state as an infant. He graduated from Everett High School in 1946, attended Everett Community College, and transferred to the University of Washington where he received a degree in art. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Japan, and resumed school at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where he earned a second degree. He returned to the Northwest in 1960 where he began working as a furniture designer and resumed his hobbies of fishing and fly tying. After the death of Roy Patrick, owner of Patrick’s Fly Shop in Seattle, Hutchinson went to work at the shop for Patrick’s widow, Fay, and remained there for many years.
A friend of Lew Bell, third president of the FFF, Hutchinson was a key figure in organizing the FFF’s first Northwest conclave at Ocean Shores, Washington, in 1969. He also was active in the FFF’s audio-visual program.
An innovative flytier, Hutchinson experimented with patterns for Northwest waters, especially dragonfly and damselfly nymph imitations. In an effort to imitate the “wiggle” of a damselfly nymph, he developed an “articulated” (hinged) pattern that allowed the rear segment of the fly to swing back and forth in the water. Several of his patterns were featured in fly-fishing magazines and books.
A friend of many prominent Northwest fly fishers, Hutchinson became an authority on Northwest angling history. He also built an impressive collection of fly plates, including patterns by such well-known tiers as Al Knudson, Polly Rosborough, Tommy Brayshaw, Syd Glasso, Steve Brocco and others. He had an amazing collection of gamecock necks and other fly-fishing and tying memorabilia, and many of his treasures were displayed publicly in an exhibit at the Whatcom Museum of History and Art in Bellingham, Washington, in 1996-97.
For the past two years, Hutchinson had served as a member of the advisory committee to the Fly Fishing Collection being assembled by the Special Collections Department of the Western Washington University Libraries in Bellingham. He donated more than 300 of his books to the university, including many classic British and American works on fly fishing. He also donated rods, reels and other memorabilia.
A transcript of an oral history interview given by Hutchinson to the library may be viewed at www.Library.wwu.edu/specialcollections/FlyFishing.
To honor Hutchinson’s legacy, the Fly Fishing Collection has established the Jack C. Hutchinson Memorial Fund. Donations to the fund will be used for further book purchases. Information about the fund is posted at the on the Web site listed above.
Eric J. Schubert
( 1944 - 2009 )
Eric J. Schubert passed peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 12, 2009. Schubert had been a Los Angeles police lieutenant until he retired in 1986 due to health reasons and moved to northern Idaho.
He truly enjoyed his retirement years, spending much of his time fly fishing the lakes and streams of northern Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. He loved to share his love of fly fishing with others, and was an active member of the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) and the North Idaho Fly Casters, the local fly-fishing organization. He was a past president of the North Idaho Fly Casters and also on the board of the Western Rocky Mountain Council (WRMC) of the FFF. He wrote the Fly of the Month for the FFF News Wire for a few years and also was our Fly Tying Chair for the WRMC FFF shows in West Yellowstone for the past two years. He co-authored a book called “The Flies of North Idaho.” He was honored by being the WRMC Fly Tier of the Year, and was someone who, whenever called upon to help, was always there.
Schubert also was one of the folks that started a foundation for law enforcement and fire officers, Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation (www.KCPoliceandFireFoundation.com), which aids officers’ families in the case of death or disability. He was often involved in local projects and was always interested in helping others. His family has requested that any donations should be directed to this foundation.
Schubert also was the Fly Tying Chair for the North Idaho Fly Casters Annual Day for three years and was active in all of the club’s functions.
He was a dear friend and fishing companion and will be missed by all who knew him. Many of the area’s anglers will think of him when fishing the Coeur d’Alene River. His passing leaves a void in the lives of many people. He could always be counted on for assistance in any project and taught classes with the author in his fly shop for the past three years.
Schubert never complained. When asked how he was doing, he would always say that he was doing just fine. He was a quiet fellow who never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was a man of integrity, wisdom and compassion. He cared deeply for his family and friends, and would always drop what he was doing to help any of us who needed anything. You could always count on him and he was always true to his word. I will truly miss him, and I am a much better person for having known him.
Contributed by Bud Frasca of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, president of the Western Rocky Mountain Council of the FFF.
Dwight Thornton
( 1924 - 2009 )
By Bruce Staples, Buck Goodrich and Vince Esparza
Dwight Thornton passed away at his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, January 17, 2009. Dwight was a World War II veteran of the U. S. Navy, doing service in the Pacific Theatre. He graduated from Northrop Institute of Technology in March 1964. He worked for the Space Division of Rockwell International from 1954 to 1968; worked for the B-1 Division of Rockwell International from 1968 to1973; from July 1973 to 1978, he worked at the Space Division of Rockwell International at Downey, California, in wind tunnel testing. Thornton worked at the Power Burst Facility, Idaho National Laboratory, from 1978 to 1981 for EG&G, Idaho; and he worked for Martin Marietta Aerospace’s Vandenberg operations from 1981 to 1987.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 9, 1924, Thornton enjoyed fly fishing and became a life member of both Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF). He held offices in the FFF on the national, regional and local levels. On the national level, he was on the board of directors and was treasurer for one year. On the regional level, he was on the board of directors and treasurer for the Western Rocky Mountain Council (WRMC) of the FFF.
On the local level, Thornton served on the Snake River Cutthroats executive board, was club treasurer for several years, and worked extensively on the East Idaho Fly Tying & Fly Fishing Expo, being one of the originators of this show.
Thornton was an accomplished flytier, having been invited to demonstrate his skill at the vise at FFF International Fly Fishing Show and Conclaves, several regional shows, and always to the East Idaho Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo. He was an FFF-certified fly casting instructor and taught both fly casting and fly tying for many years. He expressed and demonstrated particular joy in teaching the younger generation. Thornton received several awards for his contributions to fly fishing. Among them were the WRMC Award of Excellence, WRMC Man of the Year and his latest, the 2008 WRMC Fly Tier of the Year.
Thornton was an honest and generous person with a unique nature. He not only contributed his time, but also fly fishing and fly tying equipment, to many activities. Before his health began failing, he loved to take part in conservation outings, in fly tying and fly casting activities, and in social functions presented by the Snake River Cutthroats. He is survived by sisters: Marie Landis, Peggy Calvin, Billie Cluff and sister-in-law Betty Thornton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family plans no local services, and internment will take place at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.
Thornton will be missed by all in the fly-fishing community, but remembered as a major contributor to all facets of fly fishing. A memorial remembrance will be performed for him at the 16th Eastern Idaho Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo Banquet on April 18, 2009, at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls.
Dennis Eugene Brakke
1950-2009
Dennis Eugene Brakke, age 58, died Saturday, January 17, at home in West Valley, Utah, after a short battle with cancer. Brakke married Gayle Leland in October 1973, in Billings, Montana. He is survived by his wife, Gayle, and children Brian, Jason, David, Kirstin, Stephanie, and Daniel; grandchildren Mason, Emma and Christian; and parents Vernon and Lenora. He was preceded in death by his son Kyle and his sister Vicki Brakke. The funeral was held on Saturday, January 24, 2009.
Marc LeBoss
(19?? - 2008)
By Barbara LeBoss
On October 21, 2008, at 1 a.m., Marc LeBoss passed away. He had been feeling weaker and more tired the last couple of weeks and was believed to be having atrial fibrillation events. We were supposed to stop by on the way home from dialysis that afternoon to have a 48-hour heart monitor put on in an effort or capture an event; obviously we never got that far.
His newly developed love for organic gardening kept him active and involved, giving the two of us the opportunity to share whole days enjoying the benefits of the activity, companionship and the harvest. The last few months gave us great joy!
People have asked what they can do, or if there is a charity they could donate to in his behalf, and I provide this information so those interested can follow through with a donation. Marc had a great love for wolves and, when possible, worked for their protection. Our local White Wolf Sanctuary does a wonderful job as a sanctuary for Arctic wolves; they truly can use your support. Marc volunteered at that facility when he was more physically able. He would encourage you to help with either Defenders of Wildlife or the White Wolf Sanctuary.
Contact information for both organizations is: DefendersOfWildlife.org for the Defenders of Wildlife; or White Wolf Sanctuary, P.O. Box 65, Tidewater, Oregon, 97380. Whitewolf@casco.net or 541-528-3588.
Thomas J Krajci
(1934 - 2008)
Tom Krajci, age 73, of Elmira, New York, a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved to tie flies and fish area streams, died suddenly at his home Wednesday, August 13, 2008. Krajci was born October 21, 1934, in Bethlehem, Pa., to Joseph and Anna (Stefanik) Krajci. He spent much of his early life in the Philadelphia area before joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean War era. Following an honorable discharge, Tom attended Penn State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and completed post-graduate work in archaeology, including digs
in Mexico.
Krajci spent much of his career in labor relations and human resources, working for such companies as RCA, Dresser Industries, Marion Power Shovel, A&P, and his own company, Resources for Management. Tom met and married the former Rosalie Parlato in 1977. Together, they raised seven children. Mr. Krajci is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie; sons Thomas J. II, Christian, and Eric (Julie); stepsons Francis J., Joseph P., and John S. Tonello; stepdaughter Maria T. Tonello; and grandchildren Iggy and Victoria Krajci.
Tom was a founding member of the Twin Tiers Five Rivers FFF club and served as president for a number of years. He was the champion of the club’s fishing outings, and will be remembered for his booming voice and passion for fly fishing. Donations in his memory may go to Chemung Valley Conservancy, 215 W. Water St., Elmira, New York 14901.
From Star Gazette, Elmira, New York
Reginald Denny
(1929 - 2008)
January 29, 1929 - November 22, 2008
Reginald G. Denny, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, passed away on November 22, 2008, at 79 years. He is survived by his loving family; wife, Bernice, of 53 years; five children, Ian (Debbie), Lyle, Kara (Ralph), Jed (Melanie) and Shan (Candy); and eight grandchildren. A memorial service was held on November 26, 2008 in Edmonton, Alberta. To sign the book of condolences, visit: www.evergreenmemorial.com.
During his years in the Federation of Fly Fishers, Denny was a well-recognized demonstration flytier. In 2005 he received the Buz Buszek Memorial Award for fly-tying excellence, which is the highest honor a flytier can receive. He was one of the authors of “Flies for Alberta” and was published regularly in the Alberta Fishing Guide. Over the years Denny developed a comprehensive fly-tying course that he taught through the Edmonton Fish and Game Association, the Public School Continuing Education program and as part of his business, Denny’s Fly Tying Specialties. He will long be remembered as a master fly-tying demonstrator and a truly skilled teacher of the fly-tying art.
This obituary was partly prepared from information in the Edmonton Journal published on November 25, 2008.
John A Jackman
(1948 - 2008)
Dr. John A. Jackman, 60, passed away August 28, 2008, at his home in College Station, Texas. John was born in Mount Clemmons, Michigan, on March 30, 1948, to Nina and Richard Jackman. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Ph.D. in entomology. While there he met and married Linda J. Hamilton. Following graduation the couple moved to College Station, where John went to work for the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University.
Alongside his sons Paul, Kevin and Benjamin, John was actively involved with the Boy Scouts, eventually becoming scoutmaster to Boy Scout Troop 802. Over the years he spread his knowledge of insects to the world via two published field guides, his extensive Web site, and teaching budding entomologists the delicate art of fly tying. John was active in the Brazos Valley Master Gardener program, the Brazos Valley Fly Fisherman’s Club, and served as the faculty advisor to the Eagle Scout Club.
He is survived by his wife Linda; sons, Paul, Kevin, Ben and wife Heather; granddaughter Madeline; mother Nina and numerous brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends.
Courtesy of The Bryant College Station Eagle.
George F. Grant
(1906 - 2008)
George Francis Grant died Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, in St. James Healthcare in Butte.
He was born Sept. 18, 1906, the third son in a family of older twin brothers, John (Pitts) Grant and Hiram Pitts-Grant and had one older sister, Marcella (Pitts) Johnson. His parents were Orin and Sophie Grant.
In 1947, he married his beloved Annabell Thomson, who was his constant companion. They enjoyed traveling, attending sporting events and fly fishing conclaves all over the United States and Canada, and were avid hiking and fishing enthusiasts.
In George’s words, Annabell was his “dyed in the wool” tomboy whom he taught to fly cast like a pro, and with whom he particularly enjoyed spending time wading the Big Hole River.
George was educated in Butte and attended Butte Business College. At the age of 18 he was employed as secretary to the general manager of the Gilmore & Pittsburgh Railroad at Armstead, where he remained for two years.
He was subsequently employed as secretary to the president of the Clark Bank; steno clerk in the traffic department of the Union Pacific Railroad; office manager for Underwood Typewriter Co., and chief rate clerk for Consolidated Freight Lines, all located in Butte. He was drafted into the Army from 1942 to 1945, and was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant after a few months and to master sergeant shortly thereafter.
All during this time of employment in various office jobs, he was extremely interested in the tying of artificial flies for trout fishing, and in 1939, he secured a patent on a method of weaving hair hackles for fishing flies.
Upon discharge from the service in 1945, he operated a tackle shop in West Yellowstone, where he was assisted by his nephew, Francis “Fran” Johnson. The following year he returned to Butte and opened his own fishing tackle store, Grant’s Fly Shop, which he operated from 1947 to 1951.
In 1951, he entered the employ of Treasure State Sporting Goods where he was promoted to manager and tackle buyer.
He remained with Treasure State until 1967, at which time he retired to devote himself to a full-time career in fly tying, fly fishing, writing about these subjects and becoming an activist in the conservation of dwindling Western natural resources, particularly in connection with wild trout streams.
In 1971, George wrote and privately published a small paperback book, which he called “The Art of Weaving Hair Hackles for Trout Flies,” and in the following year published “Montana Trout Flies,” both of which brought him national attention.
He demonstrated his fly tying techniques at a fly fishing conclave in Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1972, and subsequently was invited to do likewise in Spokane, Wash., and Sacramento, Calif., the latter appearance being at the world famous Golden Gate Casting Club, the Carnegie Hall of the fly fishing world.
In 1973, he was the recipient of the Buszek Memorial Fly Tying Award presented annually by the Federation of Fly Fishers to the tier considered to have contributed most significantly to the advancement of the art of fly tying; and in 1979, he was presented the Arnold Gingrich Life Membership award by the Federation of Fly Fishers, to honor those who have made major contributions to the art.
A comprehensive collection of his handcrafted works of art and memora-bilia toured Montana and is now permanently displayed at the Butte Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
In 1973, he was appointed editor of The River Rat, official publication of the Montana Council of Trout Unlimited. For his years of service with this publication, he was named National Conservationist of the Year by Trout Unlimited in 1978.
In 1980, George wrote a book called “The Master Fly Weaver” and in 1981 another “Montana Trout Flies.” These books were greatly expanded and improved updates of his previously published paperbacks, with extensive illustrations by Harvey Eckert.
For many years he was an active fundraiser for conservation organizations and helped establish the River Rat Chapter of Trout Unlimited in Butte, which was renamed the George Grant Chapter in 1983 in his honor.
In 1988, George conceived and established the Big Hole River Foundation to focus his conservation efforts on the Big Hole watershed. George was awarded the nationally recognized Chevron Conservation Award in 1992 in recognition of exceptional service in the cause of conservation.
George was featured in a 1993 Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks documentary titled “Three Men — Three Rivers,” a 30-minute documentary which explores the lives of three men and their extensive conservation influences in Montana. In addition, he has been featured in many books and articles on the subjects of fly fishing, fly tying and conservation.
George continued to fish the Big Hole River in the fall of the year when the water was low enough to wade comfortably until he was almost 80 years old, and tied flies for fundraising until the age of 90. A collection of George’s written works is published under the title “Grant’s Riffle … A Collection of Thoughts, Ideas, and Memories.”
George was preceded in death by his wife, Annabell (Thomson) Grant; brothers: John Grant and Hiram Pitts-Grant; sister, Marcella Johnson; nephews, Francis “Fran” Johnson, Howard Johnson, Raymond Grant, and Allen Thompson.
He is survived by nieces, Caroline Cloud of Phoenix, and Janet Gibson of Globe Ariz.; great-nephews, Mike Grant, Ron Johnson, Chris Johnson and Jeff Johnson, and great-niece, Alyse Curry.
Services for George F. Grant will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Treglown officiating. A reception will follow in Wayrynen-Richards Community Center.
Donations are requested to the Big Hole River Foundation, P.O. Box 3894, Butte, MT 59702.
Mel L. Krieger
(1928 - 2008)
Mel Krieger passed away on Oct 7, 2008. He has been one of the largest supporter of the Federation of Fly Fishers. He was a vital part in the development of the F.F.F.’s CICP - Certified Casting Instructor Program that began back in 1992. The program is now worldwide. He won the FFF's highest honor of the Lapis Lazuli Award in 2006.
A few words from the CBOG (Casting Board of Governors) Chair – Bruce Richards:
Mel was the brains and brawn of the CICP program in the early years, and remained our conscience and "godfather" in more recent years. We all learned a lot from Mel over the years, and not just about casting, but about how to live and love and view life as a thing to be treasured. Mel was an important mentor of mine, and there was no one I enjoyed arguing with more, and we had plenty of opportunities. What I will never forget about Mel is that, after each heated debate, he would find me in private, apologize for being so hard on me, and reconfirm his respect for me. Mel was a master at being able to have deep disagreements with friends, and not allowing it to affect the friendship. I will deeply miss Mel, as I know you will. He was a one of a kind guy, there is no replacing him. I am very proud to know that I was a close personal friend of Mel's, I always felt very privileged to be his friend.
The Celebration of Life Party for Mel Krieger is scheduled for Sunday, November 2nd. From 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Golden Gate Casting Club in San Francisco, CA.
Edwin T. Story
(1934 - 2008)
Ed Story, my dad, passed away on Monday August 4th. Ed was a U.S. Army veteran, owner and founder of Feather-Craft Fly Fishing, teacher and friend to many. Ed created the F-C Crackleback Dry Woolly and dozens of other world famous fresh and saltwater fly patterns. Everyone who met Ed would quickly consider him a friend. If you happened to run into him walking through our St. Louis storefront, he'd smile, shake your hand and ask, "How can I help?" Chances are ten minutes later he had you on the casting yard or at the tying bench giving you a personal lesson. He had a dynamic personality and a boundless energy for spreading the joy of fly fishing. His energy was also felt by thousands of his customers/friends that he advised and mentored over the F-C phone lines for over three decades. He loved teaching and talking about fly fishing almost as much as he loved doing it.
My dad and I have been best friends and business partners since I was twelve years old; working side by side the past 28 years we never had one argument. He was loaded with wisdom that applied to both business and life. "Be nice to everybody" was his favorite advice to give, and exactly the way he lived his life. When he began handing me the reigns to the family business almost a decade ago, he knew that he had instilled in me his commitment, compassion, spirit and enthusiasm for fly fishing, and for Feather-Craft. All of us here at Feather-Craft will miss Ed terribly, but we will continue on with the highest level of service and commitment to our customers and to our sport, just as he wanted.
The Story family has initiated the "Ed Story Memorial Fund" that will benefit a restoration project on one of Ed's favorite Missouri trout streams. Our hope is to spearhead a significant project that can be dedicated in his memory. Any donations can be sent to: Ed Story Memorial Fund c/o Feather-Craft, PO Box 19904, St. Louis, MO 63144.
Paul Collier
(1915 – 2007)
President of FFF in the early 1970's and a Life Member, passed away September 24, 2007 at the age of 92 in McMinnville, Oregon. His wife Ruth passed away June 20,2007. Ruth served the FFF as Recording secretary and Office Manager of FFF also in the early 1970's.
Paul was born in Butte, Montana on May 6, 1915. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was active in Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts, promoting the FFF and in flyfishing while living in Culver City, California. He retired from Coca Cola after 40 years of service and moved to McMinnville, Oregon.
Paul as President of FFF was instrumental in the creation of the Midwest Council and attended its organization meeting in 1973. During his term of office as President of FFF the number of member clubs in FFF increased from 165 to 254 with a corresponding number of individual members.
While President of FFF, Paul encouraged the acceptance of the Vibert Box project (later developed into the FFF's Whitlock Vibert Box Program).The Colliers' are survived by one son, Duane Collier of Huntington Beach, California. A duaghter preceded them in passing.
Joe A Pisarro
(1920 – 2008)
Joe A. Pisarro, the son of Italian immigrants who grew up to love the sport of fly-fishing, its history and its people, died in California on June 7, just a few weeks shy of his 89th birthday.
Pisarro spent most of his professional career with the National YMCA in New York as the associate and subsequently director of communications for the organization, working with national media and producing interpretive materials for use by community Ys and in financial development. He retired about 25 years ago when the Y moved corporate offices to Chicago.
Born and educated in Trenton, New Jersey, Pisarro served in the army during the Second World War. He often used his rudimentary home-style Italian to translate from prisoners during the North Africa Campaign in 1942 and 1943. Following military service, he held small newspaper and wire service reporting jobs before joining the National YMCA staff in the early 1960s. A passionate if infrequent fly-fisher, Pisarro was a founding member of the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers. An ardent conservationist, he frequently joked, “I not only release them, I hardly ever catch ’em.” He was editor and contributing writer to the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers’ literary annual, Random Casts; and the first editor of the Federation of Fly Fishers quarterly magazine, The Flyfisher. His story of a tattered man fishing for eels through a New York manhole in the 1980 issue of Random Casts became an often-requested classic. Pisarro was as comfortable trading quips, barbs and a dram of scotch with fly-fishing luminaries Ed Zern, Ernest Schwiebert and Lee Wulff as he was with YMCA staff and volunteers. He was a voluminous reader and prided himself on finishing the New York Times crossword puzzle on the subway between home and office. Joe was seldom if ever seen without a pipe.
Following his retirement from the YMCA, Pisarro moved to northern California, but returned to the East Coast after the untimely death of his wife, Ruth. He settled in East Wallingford, Vt., to be near his son, Paul. Once in the Green Mountain State, Pisarro worked as a [approximate] 10-year volunteer at the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester.
When his health deteriorated to a point where he could no longer care for himself, he was moved to a retirement facility in the Los Angeles area to be near his family. He was back in California only about two months until his passing.
Pisarro’s 400 book collection of fly-fishing literature was given to the American Museum of Fly Fishing. Pisarro was predeceased by his wife and son. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Pisarro-Grant, his son-in-law, and two granddaughters.
Memorial tributes may be made to the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc., P.O. Box 2345, Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163-2345; or to the fishing conservation organization of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Judy Pisarro-Grant, 19808 Acre St., Northridge, CA 91324.
Jim Schweisthal
(1950 - 2007)
Jim Schweisthal of Lombard, Illinois. age 57 passed away on Dec. 1st 2007. He was an avid fisherman and chased Steelhead and trout throughout the middle part of the country. When in Illinois Jim would fish for anything that swims and has fins, he loved to fish. He was always preaching about catch and release along with conservation. Jim always realized the need for support of conservation work; he would always purchase a full year’s license even though he was only fishing for several days. He was always passionate about improving his fishing techniques, tying the best flies possible and getting fish out of those holes that others gave up on. He belonged to the FFF, DuPage River Fly Tiers and Trout Unlimited. Over the years he has supported fly fishing with donations to the FFF, tied flies with kids for DRIFT and worked on conservation projects in Wisconsin’s Driftless area. Jim’s friends will always remember the big man’s smiling face, his willingness to help, his eagerness to share and his great love of fishing. We will all miss him. By Ed Dahmer
Richard Stewart (Dick) Nelson
(1923 - 2008)
Long-time Federation member and fly tier extraordinaire Richard Steward Nelson (Dick to his many friends) passed away in his sleep on February 10, 2008 after 84 great years and a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday cheering for the Giants. With him at the time of his passing were Lillian, Mary Ann, David, Michael and Bill; son John was there in spirit. Born in 1923 he lived a full life getting married to Lillian while still in the Air Force where he completed medical school. In an unusual set of circumstances he was the only graduate to receive his bachelor’s degree after already having earned his doctorate. He wore a doctorate gown for his college graduation. Over the years the Federation of Fly Fishers recognized Dick for his contribution to the organization by presenting him with the Buz Buszek Memorial Award (1987) and the Charles Brooks Award (1997). He was long recognized as a great fly tying teacher so in 2000 the FFF established the Dick Nelson Fly Tying Teaching Award in his honor. He often jokingly referred to his wife Lillian as his “longest hobby (59 years)” and teaching fly tying as his “next longest hobby (35 years).” We will long remember our friend Dick Nelson. He was a true gentleman and an inspirational fly-tying teacher.
Joanne (Jo) Morton Clark
(1940 - 2007)
Long time member and FFF Certified Casting Instructor Jo Clark recently passed away in Oregon.
Joanne Morton Clark, of Bend, died December 23, 2007 of cancer. She was 67. Jo and Kimble Clark Lived in Los Altos, California for many years. She was a member of Flycasters, Inc. of San Jose and was much appreciated for her pleasant personality and friendly manner. She was missed when she moved to Oregon a few years ago. Jo was one of two women from the San Jose club that became Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Fly Casting Instructors, testifying to her expertise.
Jo was born Sept. 9, 1940, in
Wellesley, Mass. She earned a bachelor’s degree from
Skidmore College in 1962. She was a teacher that enjoyed tennis, fly-fishing, and coaching youth sports. Survivors include her husband; a son, Peter, of
Mammoth Lakes,
Calif.; two daughters, Alison Ausfahl, of
Bend, and Kasey Free, of
Seattle; and two grandchildren.
A Celebration of Jo Clark’s Life - By Marty Seldon
Tony and Jean Yap, former Flycaster Dick Sasaki and his wife, and I represented Flycasters and the Federation of Fly Fishers at one of the most memorable commemorations I’ve ever attended. We later met a woman from the Golden West Women’s Fly Fishers Club in the large crowd. GWWF has established youth fund in Jo’s name. There must have been 300 people that filled the Los Altos High School’s Eagle Theatre on April 19, 2008 4:00-6:00 p.m. We all knew Jo and a super friendly person who, when she first joined the club, gave us the feeling that she had always been part of our family. Jo excelled as a teacher, an athlete, a tennis player, a skier, a party person, as an organizer, and as a friend, to everyone she ever met.
Tony Yap reminded me that Jo was a natural caster and that after she availed herself of the Club’s Casting Team’s tournament casting instruction sessions, that he provides at our ponds, her casting and fishing abilities improved exponentially. Jo Clark won a silver medal at the first ACA casting tournament she ever attended. Tony also prepared her and knew that she would, and then of course did, pass the Federation of Fly Fishers Casting Instructor Certification Examination on her first try.
There were a number of moving speakers; a daughter played her favorite Chopin on a concert Steinway. She was exceptional, in the hundreds of things she actively continued to undertake, as was highlighted in a wonderful slide show we applauded. Jo Clark has been such a motivating force in her Los Altos community that the outpouring of love and respect was almost overwhelming. The celebration continued in the courtyard with catering that was also at the world-class level.
The hundreds of fly fishers and world-class casters that crossed Jo Clark’s path will always remember her as a very special, delightful, and accomplished person.
For those that might wish to donate in Jo’s memory the family has designated: Hospice Center, 2075 NW Wyatt Court, Bend Oregon, 97701 and Golden West Women Fly Fishers Foundation Jo Clark Youth Fund % Barbara Stevens, 129 Woodrow Street, Daly City, CA 94014.
Helen Elizabeth (Shaw) Kessler
(1910 - 2007)
“Helen Shaw was with us at the beginnings of the Federation of Fly Fishers. Based on Lee Wulff’s suggestions, her husband Herman Kessler designed the FFF’s Reel-Logo, and the Federation’s first jewelry and stationary. Helen was the 2002 recipient of the Federation’s prestigious Buz Buszek Award, the highest honor in fly tying.(mmseldon) ”
Published in the Albany Times Union on 12/23/2007.
Kessler, Helen Elizabeth (Shaw) RED ROCK, N.Y. Helen Elizabeth Shaw Kessler, 97, of Red Rock, passed away on December 20, 2007 after a short stay at Barnwell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Helen was born on March 2, 1910, in Madison Wis., the second daughter of the late Fern S. Shaw and the late Carrie (Selden) Shaw. She was preceded in death by her sister, Iona (Shaw) Bloodsworth, her brother George
Armor Shaw Sr. and her beloved husband, Hermann Kessler, 1993, who had been the art director of Field and Stream magazine for 30 years. Helen graduated high school in Sheboygan, Wis., where she was awarded the Evangeline Kohler award in Art upon graduation. Helen began tying flies very early, while in high school. By the age of 20, she established a fly-tying business in Sheboygan.
She demonstrated fly-tying at the International Outdoor Shows in Chicago, Ill., 1939-1941. She was the only woman member of an all men's fly casting group in Chicago, "The Grand O'Dawn Club." Helen served in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC), rising to the rank of 2nd lieutenant. When the WAACs ended, she chose not to re-enlist in the regular army. She married her husband, Hermann Kessler on September 10, 1953 and moved with him to New York City. She was the first woman to be given a luncheon by the prestigious men's club "The Angler's Club of New York" in 1953. Helen was one of the first women to author on the topic of fly tying. Helen did the writing and while she tied the flies her husband, Hermann illustrated the process through still photography. He told her, "If you can show me and have me understand how to tie a fly, you will be able to show others."
This great collaboration produced three books "Fly-Tying" in 1963, "Flies for Fish and Fisherman" in 1989 and, later, "Fly-Tying: Materials, Tools and Techniques." These books are thought by many to be the bibles of fly-tying. Through the years, she contributed to many articles and books by other authors and many of her flies were portrayed in numerous publications. In 1979, she and Hermann moved to their little house in Red Rock in Columbia County.
Helen was a life member of "The
Museum of
American Fly Fishing" in
Manchester, Vt., which her husband, Hermann was instrumental in establishing. She was also a life member of "The International Women Fly Fishers" and an honorary member of the "National Fishing Lure Collector's Club." A memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Museum of American Fly Fishing in Manchester, Vt. or the Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, Mass. Arrangements were made by the French Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, N.Y. To send Condolences visit:
www.frenchblasl.com
Stan Walters
(1926 - 2007)
One of our founding fathers Stan Walters from Eugene, Oregon passed from this earth on July 11, 2007 after an extended illness. “We knew Stan was slipping away from us but I don’t think anyone expected it so soon,” advised Skip Hosfield in a recent email. “Speech was increasingly difficult for him. For the past year he had been having a small group of about six of us old timers from the club (McKenzie Fly Fishers) in for lunch. He couldn’t participate in the discussion very well but I know he enjoyed hearing the rest of us converse.” Stan was a founder of the club and one of the original “creators” of the Federation of Fly Fishers. He chaired the “organizational” Conclave at the Country Squire motel north of Eugene in the summer of 1965.
Walters was born on August 15, 1926 in Allegheny, Pennsylvania to Walter and Stella Bonasiewicz Pietkiewicz. He married Freda Zambara on November 14, 1954 in Spokane, Washing. She preceded him in death in 2004. He is survived by son, Stan Jr. of Whitefish, Montana; daughter, Marika Walters of Eugene; two sisters, Hope Sutryn of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, and Faith Dolegowski of Pittsburgh; two brothers, Edmund Pietkiewicz of Oil City, Pennsylvania, and Ted Walters of Uniontown, Pennsylvania; and two grandchildren. Inurnment was at Rest-Haven Memorial Park in Eugene, Oregon.
Memorial services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2007 at Eagle Rock Lodge in the Vida area on the McKenzie River. He will be well remembered for teaching more than 12,000 people the joys of our sport and his tireless work for the organization he helped found. Awards he received in recognition for his contribution included the Buz Buszek Memorial Award in 1992. Farewell, old friend.
Thomas Alver White
(1941 - 2007)
Thomas Alver White died in Vancouver, Washington, June 23rd, 2007 at the age of 66 after a courageous eight-month battle with brain cancer.
Born March 28, 1941 in Norman, Arkansas the youngest of three children born to Harrison and Dorothy White. He grew up in Sedro-Woolley, Washington and graduated from Sedro Woolley High School in 1959. In 1961 while serving proudly in the Air Force he married Karen Payne from Burlington, Washington.
Tom was on of the original owners of Cascade Loggers Supply in Chehalis, Washington. His outlook was “if you do something you love, everything else will fall into place.” Following that philosophy Tom spent the rest of his life fishing and sharing that love with others. He started in the fishing industry guiding on the Cowlitz River. Tom was a marketing rep for many well-known fishing and sporting goods companies as well as a junior partner in the G. Loomis rod company when it was founded in the early 1980’s.
Tom was one of the finest pure casters who ever lived. He was the first fly caster to pass the Masters Certified Angler exam from the Federation of Fly Fishers. He also sat on the Federation’s Board of Governors and was a lifetime FFF member. Tom moved to Marathon, Florida in 2000 and received his USCG captain’s license, a requirement for fly-fishing guides in Florida and something he was very proud of.
Tom is survived by his sister Jean Molitor and brother-in-law Don of Mount Vernon, Washington; daughter Natalie Driscoll and husband Brad of Vancouver, Washington; son Nathan White of Portland, Oregon and granddaughters Grace Driscoll and Darian White.
There was a celebration of Tom’s life on Saturday, July 14th, 2007 at the Destiny Christian Center in Centralia, Washington. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Vancouver VA Hospice and the entire fly-fishing community for their support.
Memorial donation may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association.