His love of fly fishing was contagious, presented always with a twinkle in his eye and wonderful humor. The first time I saw him he described the class as all type "A" personalities. We were all searching for that perfect cast on the perfect stream for the perfect fish. He told us to relax and enjoy all of the journey.

The last time I saw Mel was at a Federation Conclave in MT. I had just failed the CI test and was feeling angry with myself when I attended his class. He understood; but, he reminded me that "failing" was just another way of learning and that if I tried again, next time I would do better. And, I did.

Mel loved to collect small stones. That day he asked each in the class to reach blindly into
his bag and choose a rock. I reached in a felt around in the bag until I found this rather bumpy; but, rounded rock. It felt like I did that day...the bumps of failure, rounded over time. The rock still sits on my dresser as a wonderful reminder of his words that day.

God's rest Mel, I hope to meet you on a sweet stream in the next life.

Dianne