Long before I ever met George, I used his
product in 1977, or 1978. Rich Lowenthal from the Frankfort Tackle Box had
gave me a Sparkle Fly with green beads that was deadly on big Kings. This
was the "hot" fly to tow behind a dodger, if your target species was
tunas (large adult Kings). That Sparkle Fly prompted me to purchase several
more, because it was not like anything on the market and a completely original
creation by George.
Back then, I kinda thought George was bigger then life and maybe kinda unapproachable.
Man, was I wrong!
I had a chance to fish with George in 1982. Situations had developed where neither of us had a fishing partner, and we decided to tag-team the Coho off my boat that early September. This was a special event for me, as George wanted to field test a new red Sparkle Fly that wasn't on the market yet. My first impression was the red fly wasn't that hot,
but 10 Coho later (a 2 person limit then).......I was a believer!
George knew me before I went into the charter business and over the many years I spent many days on both the river and big lake with him. I had fun with George no matter how many fish we caught, I always relished his unique insights and humorous wisdom.
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Legacy
George Richey 1939-2003
We've lost a pioneer and a Reel-Luminary in our fresh water
Great Lakes salmon fishery. George Richey passed away on September 10,
2003. This is a major loss to all Great Lakes salmon fishermen, because
George blazed the trail on attractor fishing and taught most of Michigan how to
fish dodger, fly and squid presentations correctly.
If you've ever attended a early season fishing sport show, you could have ran
into this quiet, unassuming man at the Richey's Custom Flies display.
George always had the time to share his time and impart his wisdom to anglers of
any skill level. His flies were his creations and not imitations. He broke
new ground with the introduction of the Sparkle Fly in the later 70's. His
product still surpasses and sets the standard of superiority over the current
multitudes of those selling flies, or squids nowadays.
He was a featured speaker at several "Sport Shows" and always put on
an enlightening lecture on salmon fishing with attractors.
George was born in Clio, Michigan in 1939 and lived there until moving to Honor,
Michigan in 1979. This was befitting, because Honor is touted to be the
"Coho Capital of Michigan," because of it's close proximity to Platte
River (site of the first successful Great Lakes salmon planting program in
1966).
His legacy includes being one of the best barbers who ever cut my hair. In
1995 he wrote "Made in Michigan Fishing Lures." This book
covers all the antique lures and baits produced in our state. He recently put
out an updated version with of this same book with the recommended prices of
antique lures. He was a member of the Outdoor Writers Association and
wrote another book called, "Dodgers and Flies." George helped
Pete Sandman update his historical book about Frankfort's famed Frontenac Hotel
called "Frankfort's Royal Frontenac Hotel." He was instrumental in
founding the Flint River Valley Steelheaders Chapter and wrote more for several
outdoor publications. George was deeply involved in the National Fishing
Lures Collector Club and served as their president. A couple of more
little known facts is that George was a expert river guide during the late 60's
and very early 70's and at one time raised Labrador Retrievers.
He is survived by his two daughters Dawn and Diane. By
his son Casey, his wife Ginny, his twin bother Dave, along with his father
Lawrence. George was very close to his step daughter, Janie Parotte who
was of tremendous assistance with her computer and organizational skills.
I had the grand opportunity to know George both on a professional and personal
level.
This was a definite bonus for me. He enriched my fishing aptitude and
instilled ethics that I live by everyday. One thing I must mention, is
that he had a superb sense of humor and we always could find a major laugh in
about any subject.
Inclosing I'd like to leave you with a small poem that gives room for plenty of
thought about the passing of George Richey 1939-2003.........Capt. John King
Treasured Seasons
For everything there is an appointed season,
And a time for everything under heaven-
A time for sharing, a time for caring.
A time for loving, a time for giving.
A time for remembering, a time for parting.
You have made everything, beautiful in it's own time.
For everything You do, remains forever............
