Just found out that long-time steelheader, WWII vet (B-17 pilot), and in my experience nice has has passed away. Until recently he was getting around pretty well; kind of a rapid decline.

Hope he's out chasing some nice Deer Creek summerruns this afternoon.

I just learned about his death yesterday too. So many of the pioneers of PNW steelheading have passed away. RIP George.

Can't say how many times I've read the story about the "high water" steelhead that was in the net twice before racing downstream only to be lost in a tangle of trees. George told the story of his father Ken losing an unheard of sized steelhead that after hours of fighting, it eventually parted the line. George with his heart broken and head down said he no longer wanted any part of those fish. Lots of legend and lore behind those guys. RIP George, the Skykomish Sunrise will live on.

Very sad to hear - Ken & George were part of the 1950's -1960's vanguard of fly fishing the big summeruns up north in BC. Many of my favorite runs on the K were their's too. I'll stick one for him next fall!



RIP

http://content.wwu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ffoh/id/301

Here is an interview.

edit:I have not been here in a couple of years.

http://www.alpinequest.com/aboutkenj.html

Interesting, bookmark to read interview