Love Of Nature Fueled Writer's Words, Lifestyle

[Phil Lilley]

Love of nature fueled writer's words, lifestyle

Former columnist "Charlie" Farmer died Sunday of complications from Alzheimer's.

Amos Bridges

News-Leader

Charles "Charlie" Farmer, a former News-Leader columnist and outdoor writer, died Sunday morning.

Farmer, 64, died of complications from Alzheimer's disease, with which he had been diagnosed in 2003, family members said.

The longtime Ozark resident was the author of more than a dozen books about fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities.

A freelance outdoors columnist for the News-Leader from 1983 to 2004, he also was published in National Geographic, Field & Stream and others, and co-hosted a weekly outdoor radio show on KTXR, "The Outside Story," for 15 years.

Long a "voice for conservation in the Ozarks," Farmer was awarded Missouri Conservationist of the Year in 1992, said his daughter, Brittany Jedrzejewski.

Farmer was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame in 2001. Quoted in a short biography on that group's Web site, Farmer described the importance of putting pen to paper:

"As a boy in grade school, I made my own journals and wrote in them almost every day about school, friends, sports and the outdoors. Writing it down made it important for me ...

"I cannot imagine life without the drama of successfully bonding words together."

A graduate of Kansas State University and veteran of the U.S. Army, Farmer eventually settled in the Ozarks, where the local wilderness served as a source of constant inspiration.

In addition to offering tips and tricks for avid sportsmen, his columns for the News-Leader encouraged amateurs to experience the area's natural wonders, as well.

"Family was really important to him, and getting to experience the outdoors together," Jedrzejewski said. "He would get e-mails and letters about dads and sons and moms and daughters that would take their kids fishing after reading his columns."

Laying out just such a message in an Aug. 1, 2003 column in the News-Leader, Farmer wrote:

"Kids get hooked on fishing, boating and the outdoors rather easily, provided an adult catalyst is part of the magic formula. I have yet to meet a youngster who, when introduced to the sport and tutored in a gentle, understanding manner, did not want to go fishing again ... and again.

"Fishing is just plain good for the soul. It is a spirit and hobby that inhabits mind and body for a lifetime. Sport fishing can keep a lot of kids straight, kids who otherwise may venture off course. But behind every youngster who wants to go fishing, there has to be a parent, relative, friend or guardian who takes a boy or girl by the hand and says, 'Let's go.'"

[Phil Lilley]

I'm way behind... this story in almost 2 months old but I really didn't know about Charlie passing. He was a great guy. I think of him every time I drive over the Finley River. That was his baby.

[RSBreth]

I can't say much about "keeping up" considering how often I check my personal messages Phil, but yeah, Charlie will be missed.

http://allozarksfishing.blogspot.com/2008/...sday-blues.html

[slider]

Yes phil you are a little behind, but Im glad you posted this I thought about posting when I heard this but didnt. I had fished with Charlie on ocasions, any time I was stumped on a outdoor question all I had to do was call Charlie and he had the answer. He will be greatly missed.

slider