By Topf Wells, SWTU President

The Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited lost an energetic and effective Board Member and longtime member and supporter when Ray Venn died suddenly on February 16. Please use this link to read Ray’s obituary. He led a varied, productive, happy life, centered in his family.

Ray was in his second stint as an SWTU Board Member, having served many years ago. That’s an unusual pattern of service which reflects Ray’s commitment to SWTU’s conservation, education and fun mission. He participated in the full range of SWTU activities. In just this last year, he joined us for work days and was a superb instructor at several casting clinics we held for kids. At our last clinic, I was not helping a youngster much and asked Ray to take over. He had the kid casting like a champ in 15 minutes. He was a welcoming and friendly presence at our meetings.

When it appeared last year that we might have a Board vacancy, Ray volunteered to serve at the Elections Meeting. What a fortunate choice for SWTU. Ray was a consummate Board Member. He studied all the issues and his comments were always wise, helpful and concise. He made a lasting contribution to our financial health when he worked with our Treasurer to secure a better rate for our checking account. He had decided to continue his service on the Board and we will miss him.

Carolyn, one of Ray’s daughters, mentioned how he enjoyed discussing his time with SWTU and remembered him taking her to the Meicher Auctions. He loved spending time with his grandchildren with some of that spent fishing.

SWTU sends its most sincere condolences and our most heartfelt gratitude for his service to Carolyn and Katie, his daughters, and all his loved ones.