A Tribute to Ken Eugene

Peninsula Fly Fishers Installation Dinner
July 15, 2004

The following letter was sent to the club by Larry and Julie Haas after they learned that the PFF would be honoring Ken Eugene this year. Because they were unable to attend the dinner, it was read aloud by Mandy Anderson to Ken and the assembled club during dinner. It is such a touching tribute that we thought you might enjoy reading it. – Ed.

Ken,

Thanks for being my mentor, my surrogate father at times, and for truly being my friend! Your teachings have so helped my life in so many ways. Your talent and humor have undoubtedly touched all PFF'ers from the beginnings of the club.

As I sit in my "fishing" room typing this note, I'm proud to see your Bill Bates #357 reel adorning my most treasured fly fishing treasure shelves. I only wish I was fishing by your side for some stripers! I will always remember you trying to teach me to cast the sinking lines and the sink tips. After nearly taking my ear off, you stretched out 110 feet of line, picked it up with the flick of your left arm and made a perfect cast across the park. An absolute thing of beauty.

Your skill with knots will forever remain with me – 100% knots – and they really don't break, amazing. I've passed on the "Eugene Bend" and the "Sling" knots to almost all the other fishermen I've ever fished with, and my son uses the "Bend" as a fireman/paramedic as well as for fishing. Your knots are like you – strong, honest, and standing the test of time. Even modern technology had to give sway to your artistic talents – the Macintosh computers have never created better photography and art work than yours.

Julie and I send our love and appreciation for making our lives better and the PFF club outstanding! God bless you and Helen!

Larry & Julie