"The bench has been ordered and paid for. [Cost was $1272
with the concrete pad and tax.] Instead of a trout, they
had a graphic of a flyfisher standing in a stream throwing
a pretty good loop. That is the graphic that will be used
on the left side of the bench. Under it will be a quote
from one of Al's articles. It reads, "Many of the
unplanned things that happen to us are really blessings".
In the middle of the bench, it will read Al Campbell with
his birth date and passing date. Under that it will read
"Flyfisher - Teacher - Writer - Friend"
The bench will be delivered within the next two months or so.
The concrete slab is being poured at the shop and will be
transported to the Hatchery. Chuck Rausch, who is doing
the bench, has already been out to look at the placement
site.
The disbursements will be as follows: $400 to the Black Hills
Flyfishers Youth Program; $400 to the 4H Club to restart the
Youth Flyfishing program that was killed when pro-Ag
administration took over. Since then, a new administration
has come into power which is all for any program that
develops youth. $400 to KSLT Christian Radio where Al was
a very big supporter. I will be doing an On-Air interview
with them probably this week. It could very well be Monday
late morning or early afternoon. You can hear the broadcast
over the internet at www.kslt.com. The rest of the money,
around $246 will be given to the Environmental Teacher at
Central High School. He works with his counterpart at Stevens
High School and with FFA. He will use the money to buy equipment
and supplies to continue the practice of raising Hatchery Trout
in the classroom as part of Trout Education program. The flies
that were donated will be divided between 4H and the Black
Hills Flyfishers (Youth Program).
There will be a Memorial Service for Al at the bench, most
likely in March or so after the weather starts to mellow out
(if such a thing is possible in SD in March). It will be
conducted by Pastor Brent Parker, who also did Al's funeral
and was the Pastor at Al's church. There will be plenty of
advance notice in case anyone wants to make the trip...."
...Being able to help with this project has been very rewarding
and fulfilling. We are all truly blessed to have known Al and
had him in our lives. I'll leave you with this thought:
It has been said many times that Al has gone home to flyfish
with the Lord. John 20:29 says, "Then Jesus told him, "You
believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe
without seeing me." If you truly believe it, you too are blessed.
Have a God-filled Christmas.
Elliott"
