Fred Bridge

[oldfrat]

Thanks, Gandolf. I had been sitting here amazed that my post had over 240 readers without a single response, as Fred's friendliness and generosity to the fly fishing community were just too wide and deep for that to happen. No better man or finer gentleman has ever walked the earth, IMHO.

I last saw Fred at a fly fishing gathering in May. He was ill and a bit weak, not yet diagnosed with the widespread cancer that would kill him. He only fished with his son for about 2 hours in the morning and, if he could handle it, 2 in the afternoon. Still, he caught more fish than any other attendee. He smiled a lot, laughed a lot, and was as generous with his woodworking, flies and advice as ever. It will remain a happy memory for me.

Brad

[sgallas2]

Brad,
Sorry to hear of Fred's passing. I knew him from the old virtual flyfishing site and was fortunate to fish with him one time when I was visiting relatives in York, Pa. A truly fine man.
Best,
Steve

[herefishy]

I'll go right out and fish an IPW for him. Didn't know him, but know of his generosity.

[bgreer]

I knew Fred Bridge pretty well. I got to fish with him a small handful of times.

He was a great angler. Even more than that, he was a great, kind, generous man and a fine gentleman.

I have a couple of his landing nets and a flybox with some flies that he tied. I never fished those flies, just used them for patterns.

Brian Greer

[Duffin Boy]

Sorry to hear of Fred's passing.
Exchanged some e-mails years ago and still remember his kindness.
I am sure he will be missed by all those who knew him.

DuFf

[Slate_Drake_9]

Had some really nice talks with him on the phone for a few years. We shared Russ Mowry (his brother in law and teacher and my fly tying teacher) in common, which is how we connected some years after Russ's passing. Sad to hear this...we always "planned" fishing trips when we were in each other's areas, but were never able to connect due to life circumstances.

[Breamchaser]

Sorry to learn of his passing. I did not know him, but it is obvious he made a big impact on folks and flyfishing. Will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers, John.