Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on April 13, 2022, 08:58:56 PM

Title: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: Rodney on April 13, 2022, 08:58:56 PM: (https://i.imgur.com/MpHSUg2.jpg)

This forum isn't as busy as it used to be but I want to share some news.

This photograph is one of my favourites out of all the experiences I've captured behind the lens. It was used for the front cover of DFO's regulations several years ago, and I love it so much that it is framed and hung in my studio which you can see in some of my videos. Those of you who have been on the forum since the beginning would know Lew Chater, who passed away this morning. I first met Lew in 2002 when a few of us gathered at Riverside Cafe and formed Chilliwack/Vedder River Cleanup Society. For ten years, Lew lead the group, organized clean-ups and formed the adopt-the-river program. Beside working together, we've also had many memorable fishing adventures along this river, including catching numerous coho and chum salmon on his birthday in 2007. Lew has always been a keen contributor and lurker on here as well, for many years we would talk about all the topics posted here while fishing. His leadership in the community and diplomatic approach to challenges have inspired me to do the same for others as often as I could. Thank you for twenty years of wonderful mentorship and friendship. My condolences to Anita, Ken, Jen and the kids.
Title: Re: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: clarki on April 13, 2022, 10:39:18 PM: Nice post of remembrance, Rod, My condolences on the loss of your friend, mentor and colleague.

I never met Lew and vaguely remembered his contributions to the forum. I did some digging and saw that he hadn't posted much in the past 10 years, but from his post before that you could definitely see his passion for the health of local rivers.

Googling turned up this blog post about Lew: https://dontgetanyonya.blogspot.com/2012/04/turning-tides-lew-chater.html

(His post from Oct 15, 2005 especially my attention because of the graphic that appears...)
Title: Re: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: Dave on April 14, 2022, 05:46:47 AM: Lew was a great guy and a good friend. He will be missed.
Title: Re: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: RalphH on April 14, 2022, 08:35:02 AM: Thanks Rod for a wonderful photo and a moving memorial to your friend.
Title: Re: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: Wiseguy on April 14, 2022, 10:15:25 AM: RIP. My condolences to the family. Nice tribute.
Title: Re: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: Darko on April 14, 2022, 03:43:09 PM: Rest in Peace
Title: Re: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: BNF861 on April 15, 2022, 06:54:49 AM: A nice tribute Rod, the river has definitely lost a great guy

May he rest in peace
Title: Re: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: dennisK on April 15, 2022, 07:04:59 PM: I knew Lew quite well but we lost touch over the years. Damn.

http://dontgetanyonya.blogspot.com/2012/04/turning-tides-lew-chater.html
Title: Re: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: Aki on April 15, 2022, 08:10:04 PM: Rod, thanks for the post. Memory eternal and blessings to Lew's family.
Title: Re: Passing of a long time forum member
Post by: Wiseguy on April 19, 2022, 09:23:29 AM: Quote from: dennisK on April 15, 2022, 07:04:59 PM
I knew Lew quite well but we lost touch over the years. Damn.

http://dontgetanyonya.blogspot.com/2012/04/turning-tides-lew-chater.html
A good read. Thanks