Ed Story ~ Feathercraft

[Danoinark]

When I first began tying flies several years ago I wanted to learn the crackleback. I thought I could tie it from the instructions in the catalog so I called Feathercraft and Ed answered the phone. It was one of the most en lighting conversations I have had from everything from fly fishing to politics and beyond to how he developed the crackleback. I ordered the materials and Ed said he would send one of his instruction sheets for the fly along too. When it came he had had penciled other info about the fly, how to use it etc. I remember him telling me about his vertigo issues and that it was hard for him to wade anymore. One truly nice gent that will be missed by all.

Prayers to his family and friends.

Dano

[Bman]

I first met Ed when his shop was on St. Charles Rock Road by the airport and it had to be 30 or more years ago. He was the nicest guy in flyfishing! My dad took me in his shop to tie flys when i was a boyscout. He helped me catch more fish than anyone. His contribution to the sport is beyond compare, especially in Mo and AR.

Prayers for him and his family.

SIo3

Dittos, I also met Ed at his shop when he was on Lindberg near Northwest Plaza. He taught me the crackleback.He always had time and a smile, I never had much money to spend back then. It didn't matter to Ed. He was always such a great guy.

This saddens my heart. Prayers to his family.

We will miss you Ed.

Bruce

[The Caddis]

Correct you are Dano. Ed was one of a kind, he'd talk your ear off about flies or just about anything else. Not only a loss to the fly fishing community, but he was a real decent person.

[trout fanatic]

About 4 or 5 years ago I ordered a feather-craft catalogue on line. After waiting several weeks and not receiving it I called them on the phone and asked the person who ansered to please send me one. Ed apologized and sent one right out to me (after talking for another 10 minutes about fishing). It was only after I hung up the phone it hit me that I just called a fly fishing company and not only did I get a real live person to talk to I Got the Boss! Feathercraft does indeed have some special qualities. I am so sorry for Ed's passing but I am glad the business is in good hands. I will be placing an order soon.

[Snow Fly]

I also first met Ed at his shop on St. Charles Rock Road and he took the time to explain to me about fly- tying. I asked about buying some flies and he explained that all his customers tied their own flies, so it started me in doing some tying twisted hackle and everything else which can go wrong.

Ed will be missed and I also know the shop will be in good hands with Bob and the rest of the staff.

[dave potts]

I too had heard of his death. We live in outstate Mo but take the St Louis paper and I have not seen his obit in it nor is it on their web site. If I come across it I will post a link. Perhaps some of the St Louis people on the forum here saw and I simply missed it.

I also have that book he published years ago. Would be great if his son and daughter would publish a reprint in his memory. It was a great little book.

Dave

[snagged in outlet 3]

I can't find the obit. I have to go to work so if someone else could try that would be great. Go to stltoday.com.

SIO3

[patfish]

I searched high and low on there yesterday to no avail... mysterious.

[flyfishmaster]

I remember one day (around 2 years ago) I was in Feather-Craft at lunch time, I sat down at the fly tying table and just starting making a fly, not from a pattern or anything. After I was finished, Ed walked by and picked up the fly and said "that is one ugly fly, but I bet is will catch a dumb fish" and he walked away with it in his hand and a smile on his face. i just sat and chuckled to myself.

We will all miss him dearly.

As for the obit... I cannot find one either.

Later,

FFM

[Matt Tucker]

In talking with some people at the shop. I don't believe there won't be a pubic funeral, but I believe Bob is in the process of setting up a memorial fund in honor of Ed. I am told additional details will evolve once the family and feather-craft have some time to greave. The shop is definitely in good hands with Bob, Ted, and Evan. Ed's passing was unfortunate to say the least, as he was one of the nicest guys in the industry and he definitely left his mark on it.

--Matt Tucker