What a classy looking bench that is. Not sure what I expected but this is better. Thanks to everyone who donated flies and especially those who did all the heavy lifting of making this happen.
I have a framed pair of flies that Al gave me and there isn’t a day that I don’t look at it a dozen or more times and think of ol Al.
It is beautiful. I think Al would have been very proud of it. Thank you to all involved in getting the bench for Al.
Thank you to everyone who took part in this. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to play a part. Anytime any of you drive through Rapid City, look me up. Maybe we can go sit on the bench together and share a story or two about Al.
Elliott
Elliot, I hope to someday take you up on that offer.
The bench is truly a labor of love.
Marty
Hey Folks,
I was speaking with Patty Campbell this morning. She wanted to express to us how thankful she is about the placing of the bench and how perfect she felt it was. She told me a story which I’d like to share.
When Al was buried in the Fort Meade Cemetery, they were told that elk frequently come down from the Hills and bed there. The first time they went back up to visit the gravesite, there was elk scat on top of all the gravesites around them…except for Al’s. It was as if they knew who was buried there. Yesterday, when Patty went to visit the bench, there were about 15 Mountain Goats grazing all around the bench. It was a very heartwarming moment, and it seems that the animals also miss their favorite outdoorsman.
Have a great day.
Elliott
Hi Everyone,
All I can say is WOW… Pretty nice… It also sounds like he had some pretty “GREAT FRIENDS”.
Alan (salmonguy)
All I can say is…“I never had a better friend than Al Campbell!” ~Parnelli
That is beautiful. What a great way to remember a great man.
although i did not know him i’m sure he was a great man. the bench is a very nice memorial, which one day i wish to see. I enjoy reading his articles, especially the Christmas ones right now. Did he ever write any books, or only articles here for all of us to read.
My eyes still water when I read some of the posts. Great hearts and Great Family here. If Faol Family can’t warm your heart, no one can. Al warmed all our hearts and gave us imagination to create.
You did well
Old Geezer
Didn’t know what to expect to see as per the bench selected… I think it is very befitting of the man, Strong and rugged and very welcomeing in the apearance. Hope to one day visit for a moment of observation and take in the view from Al’s Bench.
Bless all, who made it possible.
WWF. Al started a book, but when digital cameras came out, he cancelled his contract with the publisher and started to re-shoot all his slide type pictures. He never finished. We tried to see if we could assemble what there was. It did not work. What there is, is what there is.
Simply beautiful, what a great memorial to Al.
It has been said that a mans life can be judged by the fruit it bears and the friends he keeps. I did not know Mr. Campbell, and I’m not sure if I’ve read any of his articles on this site, but if his friends love him enough to leave a timeless memorial as beautiful as that bench, then he truly must have been a wonderful person, someone whom I’m sure I would have been blessed to know.
My hat is off to all of you who contributed to his memorial bench. I am honored to be acquainted with the wonderful group of FOAL members that contribute to this site.
My sincerest thanks,
Thunderthumbs.
Next September on our way to Wyoming, we’ll be stopping at this bench memorial and the burial site of ONE HECK OF A FELLOW. I also never had the honor of meeting Al in person but have most certainly benefited from his extensive contributions here on FAOL. He was always generous of his time and experience and will be long remembered for same.
Mark
PS: Thank You to all who played a part in making this most fitting memorial a reality.
Perhaps self serving…but I can’t help but post it. I am the “PROUD” owner of a complete set of Al Campbell Bench Memorial flies. Of which I participated in fly donations.
Someday I will have my picture taken standing next to that bench. Unfortunately wife won’t make it.
I won 4 of the Auctions and cannot be prouder of my sets of fies. I sure would like to sit on the bench but Its a little far so I probably never will get too.
An outstanding tribute to an outstanding gentleman.
Gnu Bee Flyer, for buying all those flies, the least they could do was send you a handful of the granite dust they made while crafting the bench! :lol: Nice going and for a very good cause.
Good job everyone, a fantastic tribute!