It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our President and longtime NOWA member Dennis Clay after a battle with cancer.
Dennis helped our organization get through it’s darkest days, and his dedication to our organization and contributions as a professional outdoors writer, broadcaster and photographer will not be forgotten. Our prayers go out to Garnet Wilson and the rest of Dennis Clay’s family.
Dennis was my friend and colleague. He and I started the shirt exchange at NOWA’s annual meeting. I remember we stood up and took our shirts off in the pub and traded on the spot one evening, first night of the get together. That would have been about 15 years ago. Perhaps at the Medford meeting. He was so much fun to be with, and full of life. We would share old war stories (his were literal about his experiences as a gunship pilot in Vietnam) and laugh our heads off.
I am very saddened to hear he has passed. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
Bill Luscombe – past president
Many years ago I worked as a freelancer for Boys’ Life, the magazine for the Boy Scouts of America and suggested a story on Fly Fishing. I was not a fly fisherman so asked Dennis to write the story while I would photograph it. Dennis set up getting a Scout troop in Moses Lake and we took a group of Scouts fishing on as I recall Crab Creek. Being flat land I felt I needed to get some high angle shots so had brought an 8 foot step ladder.Dennis cheerfully toted the ladder as we worked with the Scouts and for years frequently told the story of how he expected to be on this prestigious assignment and ended up being a ladder toter. I treasure Dennis’ smile and enthusiasm. He worked hard as a member of the Northwest Outdoor Writers Association and will be missed.