In 25 years of fly fishing, no one has touched my heart like Michael Verduin. I used to think he was the kindest, quietest, gentlest human being on earth. Then one day he started teasing me! At Conclave one year he teased me unmercifully about starting an FFF club for women. The teasing only brought us closer. Through all the jesting he still radiated a saint-like kind
ness to me. Seeing the fun side of Michael gave me a new perspective cultivating my deep respect for him even more.
I can not begin to list the flies he’s given me, the hugs, the friendly phone calls and the out right generosity any time I asked for a donation to Austin Fly Fishers, The Fly Fishing Show in Athens and other events. I received a shock one day when I was given a large package. A friend had delivered the package all the way from Fort Worth to Austin. As I slowly opened the brown wrapping paper my eyes filled with tears. Before me was one of Michael’s special, one of a kind, shadow boxes with his beautiful award winning flies mounted inside. It hung on my office wall at Texas Parks & Wildlife and is now resting on the wall of my new home in Springfield, Missouri.
One of my most treasured memories with Michael was the Friday night before the 2002, Houston Fly Tying Festival. My good friends, young Jesse Huth and his mom Jaci had driven the long distance from their little farm outside Wimberly, Texas all the way to Houston to attend the Fly Tying Festival sponsored by Texas Fly Fishers. I arranged for Jesse to meet with Mich
ael in his hotel room. It was late, Michael and Bert (his wife) were in their pajamas but they welcomed us into their room. As Jesse, Jaci and I walked into the room I knew we were about to experience the moment of a lifetime. The introductions over, camera’s began to flash as Jesse Huth, “Junior Fly Tyer of the Year” and Michael Verduin, “Fly Tyer of the Year” winner, who knows how many times, shared their talents at the vice. The room filled with the spirit of peace that happens when masters create. Time stood still. We knew it was the first time and last time two of fly fishing’s greatest artists would silently, like all things do eventually, merge into one.
May GOD bless Michael Verduin as he has so richly blessed my life and the lives of countless others.
Constance Whiston
09/11/03
